Kettlebell Exercises, barbells, and pull-ups causing you more pain than gains?
Here’s how to get rid of calluses on your hands and why you might not want to.
(Think: anAMRAPof bar muscle-ups, toes-to-bar, and burpee pull-ups).
Photo: Getty Images
My hands were totally torn up, and my calluses were hard as rocks.
Cute #lewk a first date?
Eh, probably not.
Why do you get calluses on your hands?
To an extent, hand carnage follows a chain reaction.
But why do calluses happen?
Calluses have a protective function, says Dr. Wofford.
For that reason, you don’t want to completely get rid of hand calluses.
So, are calluses a good or bad thing?
You may be tempted to slough off all that rough stuff but don’t.
What do you do when a callus rips?
If they’re partial, don’t remove or peel off any flap of skin that remains attached.
Plus, the skin flap also protects the wound from dirt, debris, and bacteria.
What if a piece of skin gets completely ripped off?
Either way, you might need to lay off hand-heavy workouts for a bit.
Luckily, there are plenty of workouts (running!Rollerblading!
What should you do if you get a blister?
Blisters, like calluses, form due to repetitive friction, explains Dr. Rolnik.
They can be pretty small or as big as a grape.
If a blister forms, drain the fluid with a sterilized needle, suggests Dr. Wofford.
Then, top with a bandage for added protection.
You may consider investing in a pair of weightlifting gloves to wear for these times.
Should I invest in lifting gloves?
But that’s like asking, “Should I download Tinder?”
the answer depends on who you are, what you’re looking for, and your needs.
“Lifting gloves can be super helpful in preventing the formation of calluses,” says Dr. Aires.
But if ~silky smooth~ hands are a priority of yours, go ahead and wear them!
Oh, and wash them regularly.
What about grips, lifting straps, or chalk?
But, like lifting gloves, using them too much can prevent any callus from forming at all.
Oh, and ICYWW, we didn’t go on a second date.
