Weight Lifting Gloves

Don’t let rough hands betray how you got your hot body

If you’re one of those women who has finally given in to strength training after years of careful avoidance, worrying you’d get “too big”, you’re probably thinking you don’t need to use weight gloves because you aren’t going to lift heavy. Anyways, weight gloves are only necessary for serious athletes, not little old you.

Why you need weight lifting gloves

You’d be wrong on both counts. Women should lift heavy to reap all the benefits of strength training and see results fast. And if you’re worried about bulking up like a man, don’t be. You should really be worried about sore, calloused hands from all those body-slimming weights you’ve been lifting.

Wearing weight lifting gloves will ensure you can do as many reps as your muscles are capable of, while keeping your hands smooth and soft. Without gloves you might find yourself tiring out early, not because your muscles aren’t up to it, but because the skin on your hands isn’t.

What to look for in weight lifting gloves

• Made for women - Gloves made for women’s hands are a must. They are smaller and have shorter fingers. Most brands will have a sizing chart so you can measure your palm and choose the perfect fit. The bonus is many women’s weightlifting gloves are actually pretty cute in a tough way.
• Breathable - There’s nothing worse than wearing a pair of weight lifting gloves with no ventilation. Look for gloves with mesh on the back and ventilation holes. Stretchy fabrics are best because you’ll have more mobility.
• Washable - Gloves that can be thrown in the washing machine and dryer are a must. Then you can clean them almost every time you launder your sweats.
• Leather palm - A tough palm is necessary when you’re doing demanding work like bench pressing a 30 lb chrome barbell. Some gloves are real leather, while others are synthetic materials, such as neoprene. Either way they’ll do the job you need them to.
• Padding - Some weight lifting gloves have padding in the palm and thumb area for added protection. You want to lift weights like a man, but not end up with hands that are as rough and calloused as a man’s.
• Price - Weight lifting gloves shouldn’t cost more than the dumbbells you lift with them. A good pair will costs as little as $7.