Question from Gustavo Alves
Hi Debra!
I work out at the gym 5x a week and lift weights. I have to wear gym gloves. However, I’ve been researching and some gloves have the Proposition 65 warning (“This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm”).
Since these will be in direct contact with my hands, I’d like to avoid them. Most of them (if not all) have some PVC, as the description proudly list it. Some gloves don’t have this warning but I wonder if that’s because they’re not sold on California. They could be equally dangerous, but without the mandatory warning, right?
So, any recommendation on gym gloves that are safe/made of natural materials?
Thanks!
Gustavo
Debra’s Answer
Readers, any suggestions?
Gustavo, if you could post a comment with various materials used to make gym gloves I could tell you which is the least toxic. This is just not a product I am familiar with.
But wait. Here’s a comment I just found on a fitness discussion board, in answer to your very question.
don’t use gloves. Get some chalk I got my chalk for about $2 at a hiking shop and it’s lasted me over a year now. I only use it for chin ups and deadlifts.
Learn to grip properly to prevent calluses
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTqNSgCmM2s
I think I read somewhere on this forum gloves actually hinder your grip strength. I take pride in my calluses even though I’m female- really they aren’t noticeable unless I really pay attention to them
Fitness is not easy to maintain and needs hard efforts to maintain, or otherwise you can join
Hi Gustavo,
For my metal-handled dumbells, I use thin cotton or wool gloves.
For my plastic-handled dumbells, I use thin cotton socks. I simply cut the feet off, and slip the remaining ankle tube over the handles.
In both cases, I get good enough grip, even w/ 22# freeweights. Which is plenty of weight for me, as a 60ish yo woman. Also, I have no real callouses to speak of.