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What are Exercise Gloves?

By Bethany Keene
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,235
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Exercise gloves are any gloves worn during a workout, often for a specific purpose. There are different types of exercise gloves, such as for weight lifting, boxing, or jogging. It is generally a good idea to wear designated gloves for exercising in order to protect the hands when necessary.

Exercise gloves used for weightlifting are some of the most common. These are generally fingerless gloves that fit securely over the hands, and feature a non-slip pad as well as extra padding on the front of the hands. The non-slip pad helps to prevent a weight lifter from potentially dropping a heavy weight once hands become slippery with sweat, and the extra padding around the hands and the fingers prevents scratches and injury.

It is important for everyone to wear these gloves while weightlifting to prevent injury. Dropping a heavy weight onto one's foot could easily cause a fracture. It is also generally a good idea to lift weights with a partner who will be able to help if the weights become too heavy.

Another type of exercise gloves are worn for boxing. These are fairly well known, and fit over the hands like standard gloves with a great deal of extra padding at the front. This padding protects the fingers and knuckles when throwing punches, and also protects the person being hit.

The final type of exercise gloves are those worn in the winter while working out in the outdoors. Joggers, runners, and cyclists often wear gloves during the winter to protect the hands from the elements. When exercising for any amount of time in very cold weather, frostbite is possible, and it is simply not advisable or safe to keep the hands in the pockets.

Exercise gloves designed for outside use tend to be thin and light, made of insulating material that is still breathable to prevent making the hands sweat even more. Though some exercise gloves may come with hand weights attached, to be worn while walking, some experts state that hand weights as a general rule should be avoided because they can stretch the tendons in the arms and raise blood pressure without providing any real fitness benefits.

Exercise gloves for various purposes may be purchased in fitness stores or online. An employee at a fitness store is generally able to assist customers in making the best choice for their needs. Purchasing gloves online, however, can allow the consumer to read reviews regarding the quality of the gloves and how they perform over time.

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Discussion Comments
By anon969289 — On Sep 08, 2014

The first time I worked out at my university’s gym (I previously use my home gym) I ripped off a callus doing the preacher curl. After that, I won’t do any exercises that put pressure on that part of the hand without gloves on. I especially like Gripped Premium Gloves as they actually fit my hand completely and comfortably without covering it. The best thing about them is they offer a lot more control.

By anon332322 — On Apr 28, 2013

Where can I purchase full fingered weight training gloves in Manhattan?

By jonrss — On Jan 08, 2013

I like to ride the elliptical machines and sometimes I see people that wear gloves when they are on them.

Is this recommended? I have not noticed any problems with my hands from gripping the bars, but if this is the way that serious trainers do it I might want to consider using them.

By summing — On Jan 08, 2013

Can anyone recommend a brand of exercise gloves that is both economical and effective? I have never worked out with them before, but my hands are getting so rough that I think it is becoming necessary.

By clippers — On Jan 07, 2013

Anyone that has lifted free weights for more than a few weeks straight knows that callouses on the hands are a serious problem. They can be thick and painful and they can actually hold back your workout.

For that reason I always recommend that my clients wear exercise gloves. They are cheap to buy, easy to use, and they can spare you from a lot of pain and irritation down the road.

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