Lifting weights is a precarious endeavor, so it is necessary that every weightlifter take precautions while weightlifting to ensure they stay safe. Many weightlifters use gym chalks to improve their grip on barbells and other bars when lifting. However, reliance on gym chalk means you may be left stranded if you run out of gym chalk. This article will be helpful if such happens to you as it will examine some alternatives to gym chalks that you can use instead.
Gym chalks are one of the best things to ensure your hand properly grips the bar you use for your workout. However, you may want to use something other than gym chalk or be unable to use it. Many gyms prefer to use alternatives because the chalks typically cause a mess. In addition, gym chalk also leaves rust on the bar if you do not clean it properly. If this is you, here are some of the alternatives to gym chalk:
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Liquid chalk
Liquid chalk is one of the best alternatives to gym chalk, especially from a performance perspective. This is because liquid chalk does not involve chalk dust all over the place, which results in a mess that most gyms are looking to avoid. With the same goal, liquid chalk is also suitable for your home gym to reduce the mess you make when you work out. Another advantage of using liquid chalk is that it is an affordable and effective solution that works much longer than chalk.
Because of its grip abilities, rock climbers commonly use liquid chalk as it keeps their hands from sweating. Athletes and professional weightlifters also employ liquid chalk as a substitute in gyms and circumstances where chalk usage is not permissible. If liquid chalk sounds like your thing, try the Spider Chalk Liquid Chalk.
💡 Quick Tip: You can increase your overall strength by starting small and using simple, portable gym equipment. I recommend the Hex Dumbbells for this, as they are cheap and easy to use for beginners.
Hex Dumbbells
Lifting straps
Lifting straps are another effective gym chalk substitute. Athletes commonly wrap their hands or the surface they want to grab with the straps to provide grip. Using the straps is a suitable way to secure your grip on the bar while protecting your palms from the wear and tear of trying to maintain a proper grip. Gym straps are relatively very cheap, and they can last a while.
A unique benefit of lifting straps is that even as you can use them as an alternative to gym chalk, you can also use them together with gym chalk for extra grip when lifting heavy sets. You can also easily attach the straps to curl bars, tricep ropes, pull-up bars, and other gym attachments.
Dry towel
Using a dry towel as an alternative to gym chalk is a simple and perhaps elegant solution. While they may not provide as much grip as the other options, they are still good enough to keep your palms and the bar dry to allow for friction. However, you should be careful with using towels as they are not specifically made for this purpose. Nevertheless, you can use towels if you are not lifting heavy.
Rosin bag
A rosin bag is another of several alternatives to gym chalk. It is a tiny canvas bag containing rosin powder, a sticky substance that originates from the sap of fir trees. This grip technique is very common among baseball pitchers and bowlers, and you can also incorporate it into your gym sessions. Rosin bags also create minimal to no dust, unlike standard gym chalks, so you can easily put the bag in your pocket or bag. Rosin bags are also relatively cheap, as they cost around $10.
Pull-up bar wax
Pull-up bar wax is a wax-based alternative to gym chalks targeted at athletes, enabling them to improve their grip and workout efficiency. The wax is a mixture of resin and a combination of essential oils. This mixture helps to eliminate most of the bacteria on the pull-up bar. As a result, it increases friction between your hand and the bar.
Gloves
Gloves are also another popular gym chalk alternative. They are easy to use as you simply wear them before your exercise. An extra benefit of gloves is that they also cushion your hand against the impact of the bars, protecting your palms from injuries and tears from friction. If gloves appeal to you, try the Rogue Mechanix Gloves V2.
What not to use as an alternative
One of the most common culprits in this regard is baby powder. While it looks inviting and similar to chalks, baby powders are actually not suitable alternatives for gym chalks. Baby powder comprises talcum powder or cornstarch, making the bar more slippery than it was. Another common product that people wrongly use to create grip is school chalk. School chalks create poor grip as they are water-soluble carbonate rock that turns slippery when they dry.
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Benefits of using gym chalk
Here are some benefits of using gym chalk:
Dries up sweat
One essential benefit of gym chalks is that they help to dry your hands and the bar of sweat. This is vital to successful and safe weightlifting as you may fail to crunch out enough reps if you can not grip the bar well or are scared of slipping. Likewise, it prevents injury, as a sweaty palm or bar can lead to weightlifting injuries.
💡 Quick Tip: If your gym allows gym chalks or you want some for your home gym, check out the Rogue Gym Chalk
Rogue Gym Chalk.
Prevent injury
Gym chalk will protect your hands by keeping them dry and forming a thin protective layer between the barbell and your skin. This barrier will keep your palms from tearing. Gym chalks also prevent you from getting compensation injuries. In addition, the chalks will help you keep your form while lifting heavy to ensure you do not injure yourself from using poor form. Check out the Rogue 45lb Ohio power bar – black zinc for maximum lifting comfort.
