In the past few years, I’ve become hard-core obsessed with going to the gym. The changes in my body and mind are incredible – I grow stronger, fitter and happier with every workout. Sure, every workout is preceded by a bit of laziness and finding excuses to not head to the gym, but overall, it’s a worthy investment in time and effort. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing your body getting fit.
But if there’s one thing I can’t stand about working out, it’s the sores to my hands. Gym equipment is rough on the skin, and when you’re lifting, pushing and pulling on hard metal handles, the impact is directly on the hands. Every workout resulted in damaged palms, and I couldn’t stand it anymore.
So I did the sensible thing! I bought gym gloves to fix an ongoing issue and protect my hands from further damage.
Reality is, with scores of specialty stores and online retailers selling sports apparel these days, buying a pair of gym gloves is effortless. However, finding the right pair of gloves is another story. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to gym gloves.
Buying the perfect pair of gym gloves can be tricky, especially when buying online. Nobody wants to experience the hassle of returning a certain product because it didn’t turn out as expected. That said, it is essential to know the things to consider before hitting the “Pay Now” button.
Here are things to look for when buying gym gloves:
1) Get the perfect fit
The first thing to consider when buying gym gloves is the correct size. Your gloves should fit snugly and the finger holes should not also be too tight.
But if you’re buying online, how can you know your size? Easy! Get a tape measure and measure your hand in inches. Start from the base of the palm down to the tip of your middle finger. Use your dominant hand to measure. There is a corresponding size for every hand measurement.
2) Consider the material used
Most weightlifters use leather gym gloves because of the material’s durability. Leather also tends to last longer than any other type of gym gloves.
For those who want waterproof gloves, opt for neoprene. They are good at wicking away moisture and they’re as durable as leather. There are also types of gloves that have gel padding, which I really like.
There are brands that use dyes on their product so you may want to check that beforehand – it’s frustrating when the dye transfer to hands. Also, check if the fabric used is safe for machine wash; with all the use and hand sweat, they can be smelly very quick.
3) Check if it suits your specific need
There are a variety of gym gloves out there and while they are mostly recommended for general use, some may not be the best option for a certain gym activity.
For example, lightweight gloves may not work as better as gloves with wrist support and extra paddings for big-time lifters. On the other hand, you might find it uncomfortable to wear heavily padded gloves while doing a moderate lifting.
Having the touch and feel of a certain product is the only way to make sure if it is the right one for you. But what if your preferred gloves are only available online? How will you check for the durability, grip, flexibility, and breathability of gym gloves? You may want to check reviews from people who already bought the product. That’s my go-to method for any online purchase. I also suggest looking at brands fitness experts themselves.
Thanks to Freepik for the original version of the featured image.
