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Choosing the right hand protection during training isn’t just about comfort; it directly affects your grip, control, and results. While gym grips and workout gloves serve specific functions, they’re designed for different workout priorities. Get Gripped offers purpose-built gear that supports serious lifters, functional athletes, and fitness enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Grip Strength: Gym grips enhance natural grip, beneficial for strength training.
  • Hand Protection: Workout gloves offer superior protection against calluses.
  • Wrist Support: Gloves often provide added wrist stability.
  • Breathability: Gym grips allow for better airflow, reducing sweat accumulation.
  • Exercise Compatibility: Gym grips are versatile across various workouts.

What Are Gym Grips?

Gym grips are minimalist hand protection accessories that typically cover only the palms or the main contact areas of your hands. Often made of neoprene, leather, or synthetic material, they’re designed to provide a strong grip without covering your whole hand. Many gym grips wrap around the wrist with a strap for added support, while others have finger loops or a pad that sits between your hand and the equipment.

The benefits of using gym grips go beyond comfort, they help reduce friction, prevent calluses, and improve control during high-repetition movements. They are especially popular in CrossFit, callisthenics, gymnastics-style workouts, and weightlifting, where grip strength is essential.

What Are Workout Gloves?

Workout gloves are more traditional and widely recognised. These full or half-finger gloves cover the entire palm and often include padding, breathable fabric, and wrist straps. They are used by people looking to protect their hands from calluses and blisters while also improving their grip on barbells, dumbbells, and other gym equipment.

You’ll often see bodybuilders, casual gym-goers, and those who prefer a more cushioned lifting experience wearing them.

Key Differences Between Gym Grips and Gloves

1. Coverage and Breathability

  • Gym Grips: These offer partial coverage, typically just the palm, allowing the rest of your hand to breathe. They are less sweaty and feel more natural during high-intensity workouts.
  • Gloves: Provide full or partial finger coverage. While many modern gloves include mesh or breathable material, they tend to trap more sweat and heat compared to grips.

Winner for Breathability: Gym Grips

2. Grip and Friction

  • Gym Grips: Known for enhancing raw grip strength. They allow you to feel the bar more directly while still protecting your skin. This is particularly useful for exercises like pull-ups or Olympic lifts, where too much padding can reduce control.
  • Gloves: While they offer a better grip than bare hands, they can sometimes slip, especially if the gloves are too padded or worn out. The extra material between your hand and the bar can also dull your tactile feedback.

Winner for Grip Precision: Gym Grips

3. Hand Protection

  • Gym Grips: Provide focused protection on pressure points. This helps reduce the risk of calluses without removing your connection to the bar.
  • Gloves: Offer more comprehensive protection, especially useful for people who are prone to tearing skin or developing calluses. The cushioning in gloves may also help those with hand joint pain.

Winner for Maximum Protection: Workout Gloves

4. Wrist Support

  • Gym Grips: Some versions include wrist wraps, offering solid support during heavy lifts like bench press or overhead press.
  • Gloves: Many gloves also come with built-in wrist support. However, gloves that prioritise padding often sacrifice wrist stability.

Draw – Both Can Offer Wrist Support Depending on Design

5. Ease of Use and Maintenance

  • Gym Grips: Lightweight and quick to put on or take off. Easy to clean and dry, making them ideal for high-sweat environments.
  • Gloves: Slightly bulkier, and because they cover more surface area, they can take longer to dry and may need frequent washing to avoid odour.

Winner for Convenience: Gym Grips

Which Is Better for Different Workouts?

The choice between gym grips and gloves largely depends on the type of workout and your personal preferences. Grip strength, wrist stability, comfort, and hand protection all play a role. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Best for CrossFit and Functional Training: Gym Grips

High-rep pull-ups, toes-to-bar, bar muscle-ups, and kettlebell work require a firm, tactile grip. Gym grips allow a more natural feel and reduce slipping, making them the go-to option for functional fitness athletes.

  • Best for Heavy Lifting and Bodybuilding: Workout Gloves

If your focus is on hypertrophy or moving big weights in a controlled environment, gloves offer the comfort and protection you need. Their full-hand coverage is great for long training sessions where grip fatigue might limit performance.

  • Best for Callisthenics and Gymnastics: Gym Grips

In bodyweight movements where hand rotation and tactile feedback matter, gym grips outperform gloves. The minimalistic design helps maintain the connection with bars and rings without skin tearing.

  • Best for Beginners: Workout Gloves

For newcomers to strength training, gloves provide immediate comfort and protection, making the transition into lifting smoother without worrying about calluses or blisters.

Conclusion

Selecting between gym grips and workout gloves depends on your individual training needs and preferences. If your focus is on building grip strength and having a closer connection with the equipment, gym grips are the way to go. Workout gloves are more suitable for those prioritising hand protection and wrist support. At Get Gripped, we offer a range of high-quality gym accessories to support your fitness journey. Reach out to us to explore our collection and find the perfect gear tailored to your workout regimen.

FAQs:

Are gym grips suitable for beginners?

Yes, gym grips are user-friendly and can benefit individuals at all fitness levels by enhancing grip strength and reducing hand fatigue.

Can I use workout gloves for all types of exercises?

While workout gloves are versatile, they are particularly beneficial for weightlifting and exercises that put strain on the palms.

How do I maintain my gym grips and gloves?

Regular cleaning with mild soap and air drying is recommended to maintain hygiene and prolong the lifespan of the accessories.

Do gym grips come in different sizes?

Yes, gym grips are available in various sizes to ensure a snug fit for different hand dimensions.

Can I use both gym grips and workout gloves simultaneously?

It’s not advisable to use both at the same time, as it may hinder performance. Choose the accessory that best suits your workout needs.

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