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Should I Wear Workout Gloves? Ask a PT

Last week we looked at how to improve your squats through technique and mindset changes. This week, we’re answering a common question from gym-goers: should I wear workout gloves? Many people wonder if gloves are useful or just a waste of money.

Should I Wear Workout Gloves?

Question: My friend always wears workout gloves when we train together. Should I buy some myself? Or are they a waste of money?

Answer: When I was a personal trainer, one of my biggest pet peeves was clients who wore exercise gloves. Not because the gloves themselves were bad, but because they always smelled. The smell was horrific. I’m sure some gym-goers wash their gloves weekly, but I never met one. My first piece of advice: only buy gloves if you are willing to wash them regularly. Old sweat can create one of the worst gym smells imaginable.

Are workout gloves actually useful? Not really. If you have a weak grip, it’s better to strengthen your grip than to rely on gloves. Even for grip support, gloves are less effective than straps or chalk, both of which are cheaper and more practical. I don’t think gloves ruin workouts. If you enjoy them, there’s no harm. But try lifting without gloves first and explore alternatives if your goal is to improve grip.

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The smartest way to build grip strength is with targeted exercises. Deadlifts, shrugs, farmer’s carries, and hammer curls are excellent. After implementing these, you could use gloves for extra support. But only use them when necessary, such as during the last set when your hands are fatigued. Using gloves from the first set prevents your grip from improving.

A strong grip is crucial, especially as you age. You want to avoid struggling with tasks like opening jars or holding heavy boxes. Train your grip with the same dedication as your chest or biceps. Gloves can be a tool, but they should never replace actual grip strength work.