Benefits of Calluses for Strength Training and 6 Helpful Tips to Care for Them

The Benefits of Calluses

Calluses are your body’s natural way of protecting your skin from blisters and damage caused by repeated friction or pressure. According to Peloton instructor Logan Aldridge, these toughened patches of skin can improve your grip on equipment like barbells, dumbbells, and rowers. A better grip not only helps you maintain proper technique but also maximizes your power output while reducing the risk of skin tears or irritation.

How to Build and Care for Healthy Calluses

Instead of trying to remove calluses, Peloton emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining them properly. Here are some tips shared in their blog post to ensure your calluses stay healthy and beneficial:

• Gradually increase your training volume to allow your skin to adapt.
• Use proper grip techniques to minimize unnecessary friction.
• Protect your hands with gloves or tape during high-friction activities.
• Moisturize your hands regularly to prevent cracking.
• Gently file down thick calluses to keep them manageable.
• Avoid cutting or trimming calluses, as this can lead to skin damage.

Embrace Calluses to Maximize Your Training

The benefits of calluses for strength training go beyond aesthetics. They allow you to train more consistently and effectively by reducing the risk of blisters and improving your grip. By caring for your calluses and understanding their role in your fitness performance, you can embrace them as a sign of progress and strength.

For a deeper dive into the science and care of calluses, check out Peloton’s full article on The Output.