Block Weights And Pinch Lifting

[f1perez]

Hi, I just recently purchased some cast iron dumbells with the hex shape. Right now they are brand new and way to slippery to train with. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do. Should I sand of the paint or will chalk do.? I have never used chalk to workout with. Your sugestions will greatly be appreciated.

[JS27]

I would try the chalk first.

[Anuwbius]

chalk will be all you need.

[odin]

f1perez, I had the same experience. Try different things, washing your hands, running hot water for a few minutes over them, etc. until the hexes "feel" a little more "grippable".

Now I only buy used DBs.

Edited February 2, 2004 by odin

[Bob Lipinski]

Hah, this goes in line with my first block weight experience. Just playing around with the things at the store, I found they were really damn slick. The only one I could move for any distance just by grabbing one end was the 50, and my hands were slipping really bad there.

I bought the 50, so when i finally clean my hands off, put on some chalk, and give it a real go I'll see what happens.

[chrisof4]

I bought the 50lb dumbbell also (for two 25 lb block weights), and the only way I can get a grip on them is to wash my hands first.

I tried to buy some chalk locally, but could not find anyone who sold it, so I guess I am going to have to order it from Ironmind. I have never used hand chalk before, so I am worried it won't help much on the slick surface of the weights. But, the advice I have received here has not led me astray yet, so I will order some and try it.

[HAMMERHEAD]

My first blocks were 20lbers off a 40lb hex dumbell. They were small enough for me to get good workouts in. I played with them outside a bit too and dropping them on the sidewalk etc.. really helped to rough up the surface. This was unintentional but I liked the result.

-HH

[climber511]

Wash the blocks really well, I used Lava hand soap on mine, then used chalk, and they feel OK now. I have two different company's hexes - one has flat sides the other has a kind of small dome shape to them and are slicker finished and harder to lift. The dome is nothing like a York, just enough to notice.

[ianders1]

Option #57, just enjoy the challenge. I've got 2 25lb blocks I made from a hex dumbell, and while they are slippery as sh@#, I like the challenge. At first I could barely get them off the ground, but my pinch has gotten so much stronger that I can get past the slickness with strength. In fact, I played with them in the wet grass the other night, and they were almost impossible to lift. I was able to really focus and get them up, though, even as wet as they were.

Training my thumbs with the Pony clamps has helped a lot, too. No chalk used, either. And no, I don't have anything against chalk. I guess I'm just on a limited budget, and I try to make everything that much harder, including doing the Pony clamp and grippers first, to "pre-exhaust" my fingers and thumbs. It's amazing how hard you can make even light weights feel

[ulgrim]

I washed my hex with soap and hot water when I got it, and I use chalk to dry out my hands, and I pulled a 34 pound hex up with 13 pounds strapped on a few hours ago =)

[f1perez]

ulgrim, what type of soap did you use? powder or liquid soap? thanx.

[Davekline]

Ian, I wouldn't think chalk would be that expensive. It's not a super-duper prorietary chemical formulation, it's just chalk.

[OldGuy]

Try taking away some of the slick finish with steel wool. It will feel more like a used a worn hex block.

[ianders1]

Allright, I'll eat some crow on this one - I tried and failed to get 1/2 a 70lber off the floor this weekend at BulletTooth's. I was able to get it fairly easily with some chalk, and even broke the 1/2 80lber off the floor by using chalk. Scott was nice enough to give me his 1/2 60 and 70, and some chalk amongst other things.

I think I'll work on getting the 60 and then the 70 up without chalk, as a way to progress, though.

[Rob Vigeant]

Try taking away some of the slick finish with steel wool. It will feel more like a used a worn hex block.

or sand it a little then wipe it clean. Then the chalk will help.

[JS27]

I the heaviest hex dumbell i could find locally was a 30lber. I taped the two ends together for a 30lb block weight that i lift by the face.

[ianders1]

JS27, Try calling here:

http://www.playitagainsports.com/franchise...ise.asp?ID=1341

[climber511]

If you're looking for chalk, try any of the big outdoor stores that might carry rock climbing gear - climbers use tons of the stuff. And it shouldn't be all that expensive. Half pound bags are usually $7.00 or so. Blocks are about the same. Metolius chalk has a extra drying agent that works well if you sweat a lot.