Ripping your hands is a right of passage in CrossFit. We’ve all found ourselves mid-workout and suddenly glancing down at a pair of trembling, ripped and bloody hands. Oops. But you don’t stop do you? You’re a serious CrossFitter now, your adrenaline is at an all-time high and the pain isn’t all that bad (yet). So, what happens when the workout is over? For starters, no more rig work for at least a week.
But we can’t afford to have that happen, because on the 17th of February it’s all systems go for the 2023 CrossFit Open! And we need your hands in tip top condition for this very special, month long occasion.
Here are my top-tips to make “gripping and ripping” a thing of the past.
Don’t use too much chalk: And don’t let this go in one ear and out the other. Chalk should only be used when your hands are sweaty. It does nothing to make being on the rig less painful. If anything, it will make things worse, as chalk overuse contributes to dryer hands and bigger calluses, equating to more tears.
Moisturize! This will help smoothen developing calluses and reduce the chances of your skin drying out and cracking. So moisturize every day and often.
Trim your calluses: Sounds gross, but you’ll be doing it at your office desk in no time. The bottom line is, the bigger the callus, the worse the rip.I recommend doing this at least 3 days before you complete the Open each week. Just remember, don’t over-trim! Less is more.
Try to find an easy hand care set that you will use regularly, like this one from The WOD guys. Eventually, you’ll find your own tools and tips for the trade! Remember, happy hands = a happy CrossFitter.
Link to WOD GUYS
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