Hand Care for CrossFit Athletes
Fit & Fueled (Now EverBold Newsletter): 04/25/24: #getboldernotolder
Welcome to this edition of the Ever Bolder Newsletter, brought to you by Reyllen, your trusted partner in CrossFit gear and accessories. In this issue, we delve into an essential topic that every athlete encounters but not all may give the attention it deserves: hand care. As Masters Athletes, the integrity of our hands is vital for maintaining performance across all exercises, from the rigor of pull-ups to the demands of deadlifts.
Reyllen understands the challenges you face and provides top-notch grips that not only enhance your performance but also protect your most valuable tools—your hands.
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In collaboration with Reyllen, we are excited to explore effective strategies for hand care, including the optimal use of grips for various CrossFit movements.
This issue is dedicated to a topic that is crucial yet often overlooked by many athletes: hand care. As CrossFit athletes, your hands are as essential as any equipment you use. They are the primary contact point for most exercises, from pull-ups to deadlifts, and they endure a lot of stress and strain. Proper hand care is vital to prevent blisters, tears, and other issues that can hinder your performance and progress.
Why Hand Care is Crucial
For CrossFit athletes, the hands are a critical tool. Blisters, rips, and calluses, if not managed properly, can turn painful, becoming a barrier to performing your best. Effective hand care enhances your grip, improves workout consistency, and prevents infections. Let’s explore how you can protect and maintain one of your most valuable assets.
Using Grips: A Game Changer
Grips are essential for any athlete looking to safeguard their hands during rigorous routines. They provide a protective barrier that reduces friction and helps prevent common injuries associated with high-repetition movements on the bar or rings.
Pull-Ups & Bar Muscle Ups: Grips can drastically reduce the risk of tearing while swinging or performing rapid movements.
Toes to Bar & Ring Muscle Ups: These exercises require dynamic movements that can cause significant wear and tear on your palms. Grips ensure that your hands are not only protected but also offer an enhanced grip, making your movements more efficient.
Deadlifts: While not as common, using grips for deadlifts can help maintain a strong hold, especially when your workout regimen has already put a strain on your hands.
Proactive Measures for Hand Care
Beyond using grips, proactive hand care involves a regimen that keeps the skin tough yet supple to prevent tears and reduce callus buildup.
Moisturizing: Regularly apply a hand cream or balm specifically designed for athletes. Look for products that absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue, so your grip isn’t compromised during workouts.
Shaving Calluses: Use a pumice stone or callus shaver regularly, but gently, to keep calluses from becoming too thick or hard, which can lead to painful tears. The best time to do this is after a shower when the skin is softest.
Post-Workout Care: Always wash your hands after workouts to remove chalk and sweat, which can dry out your skin. Apply moisturizer after cleaning to keep hands hydrated.
Recovery and Repair
If you do experience a tear or blister:
Clean the Area: Immediately clean the wound with soap and water to prevent infection.
Trim Loose Skin: Carefully trim any loose skin with sterilized scissors.
Protect and Heal: Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage to keep it clean.
Your Hand Care Routine
Integrate these hand care practices into your daily routine to ensure that your hands remain ready and resilient. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially in sports where every grip, pull, and lift counts.
Stay tuned for more tips and tricks in our next edition, and remember to stay Ever Bolder in every aspect of your CrossFit journey!
Jason
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