Gym gloves

Updated on Nov 24, 2023

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Gym gloves, fitness gloves or weightlifting gloves are small sized gloves with open fingers, which makes them ideal for weightlifting and fitness training. The gloves are designed to prevent calluses and blisters from repeated gripping and grabbing various exercise equipment. Some are also designed to provide protection to athlete’s wrists from strain and offer cushioning for the palms. Gym gloves are generally categorized by their durability, support, and flexibility.

History

The history of gym gloves or weightlifting gloves go a long way back but became more popular with the inclusion of the sport since the Olympic Games in Athens (1896). Today, almost all the professional and amateur athletes use gym gloves for best performance and safety.

Although it was William Steward Halsted^[1] (chief surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital), in 1889, who first invented rubber gloves for preventative measures, the history of fitness gloves date back to the early Greeks and Romans. These type of gloves are usually fingerless gloves, used primarily to carry weighted objects, and were made using fine leather, velvet, or silk. With time, fitness gloves have evolved and now a special kind of padding is also incorporated to protect hands from various injuries.

Types

Usually, leather and nylon material is used in the manufacturing, the glove design differs according to their use. Some gloves include neoprene lining to keep hands cool. Some while some gloves cover palms while other keep them open. Some glove are designed to leave fingers open. Some gloves are built with removable weights while other have weights sewn into them. All the gloves use a Velcro hook and loop closure.. The best kind of weightlifting gloves are hand-crafted to offer a perfect fit. Those gloves are the most comfortable and if the right material is used, they are sturdy.

Full fingered gloves

As the name suggests, these gloves cover full fingers as compared with short-finger or fingerless designs. If used, these type of gloves can prolong your workout session. They are mostly used for cycling, but as more and more people are going towards fitness gyms, they are the most commonly used gym gloves.

Fingerless gloves

These gloves are also referred as short finger gloves, are used for better grip by exposing fingers. It gives you the dexterity needed when grabbing hold of bars. Very useful in hot and humid conditions to avoid sweating in hands. They are the second most used gym gloves. They also make the bare metal of the weight bars easier on the skin.

Grips

Generally [open backed] and low profile with [wrist support].

Leather Gym gloves

Mostly used by weightlifters for better fit and durability. Gloves made of leather material lasts longer than any other type of gloves. Leather gloves are always the top priority because it has the most amazing grip while offering ample comfort. They are the sturdiest gloves out of the lot.

Neoprene gloves

These type of gloves are famous for their chemical resistance feature and protects your hand from oils, corrosives, and solvents. Like leather gloves, neoprene gloves can also be very durable and long lasting. These gloves are waterproof. That makes them durability and popularity in gyms. Can also used in scuba diving, combat purposes etc.

Gel padded gloves

Silicone gel padding is used in these gloves that take maximum impact. It offers much needed cushioning to athlete’s hands. These gloves are recommended to absorb the toughest of blows and pressures.

Velcro double wrist strap gloves

These type of gloves come with added wrist support for maximum stability and protection for the wrists. Mostly Velcro closure system is used in these gloves.

Uses of Gym Gloves

The weightlifting gloves are ideally suited for intensifying the cardio workout. Even a small weight of up to 3 pounds can increase the heart rate of an athlete by 5-10 beats per minute.

Fitness gloves help strengthen and tone your arms. They also boost your agility, speed, power, and endurance.

There are certain exercises that require you to keep your hands static, fitness gloves can help you achieve that.

You can intensify your training or workout by adding weights on gloves. This burns more calories quickly and helps you lose weight.

These gloves come with adjustable wrist support that is ideal for both men and women.

Wearing weight lifting gloves provide improved grip.

Gloves absorb sweat and that makes it easier for your hands to grip the weights and avoid slippage.

Using gym gloves reduces wrist pain.

Features to Consider

The main features of gym gloves include durability, grip, flexibility and breath ability, and cushioning and support.

Durability Gym or fitness gloves are made for repeated and prolonged use. It depends on what kind of fabric is used during the manufacturing. Commonly used fabrics are leather, nylon, and neoprene. Leather and neoprene gloves are much better in terms of durability as compared to nylon. Grip Gym gloves are designed to offer better grip to prevent injury through loss of control while handling different types of equipment. Flexibility and Breath ability Gym gloves are designed to ensure free movement of the hand. They are also designed with breathable material, to ensure better air circulation within the glove. A well-designed glove with cushioning and support will absorb pressure caused during weight training. Some glove types come with wrist wraps for maximum wrist support.