Lifting chalk
Magnesium carbonate rubbed on the palms so the bar does not slip
Magnesium carbonate, sold as a block, loose powder or liquid, rubbed on the hands to dry sweat. It matters most on heavy pulls and on kettlebell work, where a slipping grip ends the set long before the back or the legs are done. Plenty of commercial gyms ban the loose kind because of the mess it leaves.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Pavel TsatsoulineRecommends
Strength coach · StrongFirst
Chalk waits until the grip is what ends the set, per the deadlift guide he wrote with Andy Bolton. Until then they want a plain double overhand grip, held until you can pull bodyweight for five sets of five, since fighting for it both builds the grip and teaches a smooth pull. Jerk the bar and it comes out of your hands.
Source: StrongFirst: Kettlebell Deadlift to Barbell Deadlift, an excerpt from Deadlift Dynamite
Aimed at the same thing
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