Weightlifting Gloves

[DanielleinDC]

I'm thinking about getting a set of weightlifting gloves for when I do my dumbbell exercises. I have two questions:

1) Are they really necessary?

2) Can anyone recommend a brand? I don't wear leather, so they'd have to be neoprene or something like that.

thanks!

[A_Lurker]

I looked at the ones I use, but they are leather.  I just use pad like these: http://www.gripads.com/ From their website they are 100% neoprene (http://www.gripads.com/gripad/why-gripad/).  My dumbbells are not hard on my hand, but my 7' bar is.  This type is super easy to take on and off when needed.  I used to lift without gloves but you end up with calluses, and although some see it as a rite of passage I prefer not to get them. 

[emili]

I started off lifting without gloves and let me tell you - it hurts. I just bought stretchy padded ones at walmart for like 10 bucks. They work great. Just make sure you try them on- I have normal size hands and actually needed a small in them (they are not unisex). You want to make sure the pads right under your fingers are protected with cushion.

[Dominique]

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@emili wrote:

I started off lifting without gloves and let me tell you - it hurts.

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Don’t laugh, but I bought biking gloves that were on sale (I think I paid the equivalent of three bucks for them). They have been serving me well so far. This is what the right glove looks like after two years:

It took quite a beating, but better the glove than my delicate little hands .