Gym gloves
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Gym gloves or fitness gloves or weightlifting gloves are small sized gloves with open fingers, which makes them ideal to be used for weightlifting and fitness training. The padding used is usually 4-6 oz, which is enough to provide necessary protection during a rigorous workout. The gloves are designed to prevent calluses and blisters from repeated gripping and grabbing various exercise equipment. They also provide protection to athlete’s wrist from strain and offer cushion for the palms. Gym gloves are generally categorized by their durability, support, and flexibility.
Contents
History
The history of gym gloves or weightlifting gloves go a long but became more popular since the inclusion of the sport in Olympic Games in Athens (1896).[1] In modern era, almost all the professional and amateur athletes use gym gloves for best performance and safety.
Although it was William Steward Halsted[2] (chief surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital), in 1889, who first invented rubber gloves for the preventative measures, the history of fitness gloves dates 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 the fitness gloves have evolved and now special kind of padding is used to protect hands from various injuries.
Types
For heavy lifting, slightly heavier 6 oz gloves are used for increased protection. For normal training exercises 4 oz gloves are more common.
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. Some gloves have Velcro closure while others use hook and loop closure.
Full fingered gloves
As the name suggests, these gloves cover full fingers as compared with short-finger or fingerless gloves. If used, these type of gloves can make prolong your workout session.
Fingerless gloves
These gloves are also referred as short finger gloves, are used for better grip by exposing fingers. Very useful in hot and humid conditions to avoid sweating in hands.
Open palm gloves
These type of gloves are used by mixed martial arts fighters for maximum movement and versatility during training.
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.
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.
Gel padded gloves
Silicone gel padding is used in these gloves that takes maximum impact. It offers much needed cushion to athlete’s hands.
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 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 are ideal for both men and women.
Features to Consider
The main features of gym gloves include durability, grip, flexibility and breathability, 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 Breathability Gym gloves are designed to ensure free movement of hand. They are also designed with breathable material, to ensure better air circulation within the glove. Cushioning and Support 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.
