paul valpreda Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 One of my most favorite aspects of grip training is working the pinch. The problem I have is I keep tearing the skin at the base of my thumb when pinching plates and it really slows my progress as I have to take time off for healing. Does anyone have any advice on how to avoid this? I keep the skin moisturized with lotion, but that doesn't seem to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Black Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 Are you using chalk to pinch? I find that it really helps me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul valpreda Posted May 7, 2002 Author Share Posted May 7, 2002 Yes, I use chalk when pinching. For some reason though, the same spot keeps tearing. I thought it would toughen up over time, but it doesn't. It's frustrating! What's kind of weird too is that this only happens on my right hand, not the left. Strange huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
underdawg Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 have you tried adjusting the way you grip the plates a little? this may help take the pressure off the area. hook gripping deads toughens the thumbs a lot, and may help keep the area from tearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul valpreda Posted May 7, 2002 Author Share Posted May 7, 2002 I have tried adjusting the grip but it seems like I have my most power when I use the position that tears the skin. What is the standard width of a pinch-grip implement used in competition? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest baldy Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 Hey Paul, I have the same problem when I pinch on normal sized (not wide) Olympic plates. Especially on heavier attempts. However, when I pinched on a wide surface it didn't happen. When I was pinching more than once a week I would alternate between the normal (2" or so) pinch and a wide pinch where I would work with 4 or 5 10 lb plates. A wide pinch block around 4" would have been good too for me. I don't know if this would help you or not, but it worked for me. I have such a weak pinch grip I would be careful listening to any advice I give. Also whoever said chalk, that should increase cohesion and make tearing worse. I haven't ever gotten a thumb tear without chalk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul valpreda Posted May 7, 2002 Author Share Posted May 7, 2002 Hello Tim, You bring up a good point regarding the width of the plates I have been pinching. I think this may be the problem. I have been using some medium-width plates that make contact right at the vulnerable spot. I have some older, wider plates that I think I'll try using for awhile and see what happens. I really like using chalk, but I think you're correct about it contributing to the tearing. I'll give some of these adjustments a try and see what happens. It's just kind of a bummer when you make changes and have to cut back on the amount of weight used in an exercise! Thanks, Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tou Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 I do my pinch with 1" wide plates. I had the same problem as you until I got weightlifting tape (like the one they use in football). I tape the edge of the plates so my skin doen't make contact with the very sharp edge of the plate. Sure my fingers and thumb skin peel with the wight but the little skin between thumb and index stay in good condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrannosaurus Dave Posted May 8, 2002 Share Posted May 8, 2002 I had the exact same thing but with wide pinches. Not just breaking the skin, which is expected, but actually tearing a gap in the skin between thumb and forefinger. So I backed off to pinch only once/week, and alternate widths every workout. That, and lotion with aloe before and after the workout gets me healed in time for the next assault. Of course, you have wash the lotion off before you start picking things up or you're not going to have a good day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tou Posted May 8, 2002 Share Posted May 8, 2002 You can also pinching the plates with your gym towel over them. David Horne once said that he does this sometimes. Needless to say that you will use a lot less of weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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