Fitness gloves for weight lifting provide hand protection, grip strength and let you lift heavier for longer. When deciding which fitness gloves to purchase, keep in mind your comfort level. For instance, if you feel weighed down by a full glove that includes fingertips and a wrist wrap, you probably will not wear it and that defeats the purpose. Considering these key elements when selecting fitness gloves for weight lifting:
- Size– As mentioned above, the size of your glove matters. For example, a large, full glove may not meet your needs. Fortunately, fitness gloves are available in many different sizes ranges. Varieties include fingerless gloves that are secured at your wrists, wrist wrap gloves to provide additional support for your wrists and grip pads that slide onto your fingers and cover the areas of your hands that are in contact with the bar.
- Material– Fitness gloves are made from a variety of materials. Leather gloves withstand years of use, but may cause sweat build-up as you exercise. Other fabrics such as nylon can be slippery and defeat the purpose of using a weight lifting glove to help secure the weights. Neoprene fabrics are synthetic and is typically used in the production of wet-suits. Neoprene absorbs sweat to secure your grip on the weights. Plus, it washes easily to stay fresh and clean. However, use caution with neoprene if you have a latex allergy. Consult with the fitness glove company to determine if latex fibers are in the neoprene glove.
- Fit– Weight training gloves should fit securely and not move around on your hands. Any excess movement may contribute to blisters and calluses as the material creates friction on your hands. Try on gloves before purchasing them if possible to determine proper fit. A pad that slides on your fingers is a great option if you do not have the opportunity to try on a fitness glove.
- Cost– Affordable weight training gloves are an investment in your protection. Fitness gloves protect your hands from injury, reduce the chances of a weight slipping and enhance your results by allowing you to lift heavier weights. Choose a fitness glove that fits your budget and one that will last throughout your training career. You can also buy two or three pair to leave one at home for quick workouts, one at the office for short fitness breaks and one in your gym bag for your longer workouts.