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How Can I Treat Calluses from Lifting?

How Can I Treat Calluses from Lifting?

Whether you consider them brag-worthy battle scars or just a pesky side effect of your new weight lifting routine, calluses can cramp your style, not to mention disrupt your workouts.

“Calluses symbolise hard work, but they can be a real issue for someone new to lifting,” says Mark Hofman, a StrongFirst-certified kettlebell instructor and owner of SolFire Fitness in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

However, if you’re a dedicated lifter doing exercises like snatches and cleans, calluses are inevitable. Here’s how to treat them.

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Skip the Gloves
They might save your hands, but any gear meant to prevent calluses will sabotage your workout, too. “Gloves hinder proper technique, especially with kettlebells,” says Hofman. “Your lifts can be stronger without them.”

But you can reduce friction another way: by chalking up your hands before your start your exercise. Just don't be that guy who uses too much and leaves behind clouds of white dust on the gym floor.

Never Pick Them
It might be tempting. They might even come off easily, but resist the temptation to pull at your calluses - it will only make the problem worse.
“Pulling, stretching, and picking at calluses basically tells your body to make them thicker and tougher,” says Dr Tyler Hollmig, a dermatologist at Stanford.

Not to mention you could cause them to bleed, in which case you should treat them immediately.

“Some folks may think it's ‘cool’ or ‘tough’ to power though broken calluses,” says Hofman. “But no-one wants to see you bleed all over equipment they might need to use next.”

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Use the Right Tools
Luckily, reducing calluses is much easier than the reps it took to create them.

Start by soaking rough areas in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes - add epsom salts for better results. Once soft, shave off dead skin using a pumice stone or microplane (a gentle grater designed for skin), working gently to avoid going too deep or cutting yourself.

Once the calluses are worn down, apply a rich lotion to keep it hydrated.

Corn Huskers Lotion is a popular moisturiser for lifters, but if you want enhanced results, use one that contains the chemical exfoliants urea or ammonium lactate, says Dr Hollmig. “Put it on right after a shower - up to twice a day - to significantly reduce roughness.”

Just know the results won’t be instant - you’ll notice a difference after about two weeks.