Get a Grip With the Best Lifting Chalk (2024)

I’m dispelling the myth right here and right now: not all chalk is the same. Whether we’re talking about weightlifting chalk for picking up a heavy Olympic barbell, climbing chalk for rock climbers, or a block of chalk for CrossFitters who are doing a little bit of everything, you want the best lifting chalk for your needs. Chalks are of different qualities and types, so it’s important to find an effective chalk best suited for your goals and personal preference.

Our team of GGR testers got together and built this list of the best lifting chalk from the ground up, to help find the ideal chalk for a variety of needs. With our testing team consisting of certified personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 trainers, competitive athletes, and lifting coaches, we’ve been around chalk for a bit. We know what we’re looking for in the quality of chalk and can provide you with the information to help you make your next purchase.

The Best Lifting Chalk  

• Best Lifting Chalk Overall: Rogue Gym Chalk
• Best Liquid Lifting Chalk: SPORTMEDIQ Pro Grade Liquid Chalk
• Best Chalk Ball: Primo Chalk Ball
• Best Long-Lasting Lifting Chalk: Liquid Grip
• Best Lifting Chalk for Grip: Spider Chalk Liquid Chalk
• Best Lifting Chalk in Bulk: Primo Loose Chalk
• Best On-the-Go Lifting Chalk: Z Athletic Chalk Ball
• Best Antibacterial Lifting Chalk: Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk
• Best Budget Lifting Chalk: Bison Chalk Ball
• Best Heavy-Duty Lifting Chalk: Friction Labs Sports Chalk

Best Overall Lifting Chalk: Rogue Gym Chalk

Good for: Gym owners needing high-value chalk blocks that will endure many lifting sessions

Best Overall Chalk

Rogue Gym Chalk

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• 1-lb box, with 8 2-oz blocks
• Bulk 5-packs available
• Magnesium carbonate blocks
• Absorbs moisture without dissolving or caking up

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Bulk options
• Easy-to-use block size
• Pure magnesium carbonate

Cons

• Reviews claim the blocks can be brittle and flaky

Bottom Line

Need inexpensive chalk that will last a while? Rogue Gym Chalk has you covered; coming in a 1-pound box with eight blocks, there is enough chalk to last for months. For gym owners, these boxes also come in a pack of five as well. Made with pure magnesium carbonate, this chalk won’t dissolve or cake while absorbing moisture.

Rogue Gym Chalk takes the best overall spot for lifting chalk, as it provides great grip for a broad range of athletes at a competitive price. Although a bit pricier than other chalk blocks, ultimately this comes in at a lower price point to other alternatives to block chalk, like loose chalk, chalk balls, or liquid chalk. I use this chalk at the gym I train out of, and the grip it provides is stellar for Olympic weightlifting.

GGR Head of Content Kate Meier has also been using Rogue Gym Chalk at her gym for years. She says, “Our entire team uses it every day for pull-ups, cleans, snatches, deadlifts, and more,” making it a versatile chalk that can provide good grip for most gym activities. Kate adds, “Whether you use the block or it gets ground up into a loose powder, it’s super easy to put on your hands, and it stays on well.”

The blocks typically come in a box of eight 2-ounce blocks, which should last for months in a home gym, but for gym owners, you can purchase them in bulk in five-box packs. Made of pure magnesium carbonate, the gym chalk has no unnecessary fillers or binders, making for a solid chalk that helps absorb moisture and improve grip.

Kate does mention a potential negative, however. “If you want a really good grip, and you’re sweating, you’re probably re-applying it a little more often than a liquid chalk. It’s not really grippy enough to be a one-and-done.” If you are maxing out a heavy deadlift or doing multiple sets of pull-ups, you will probably want to re-chalk before each barbell rep, or each set on the pull-up bar to ensure a strong grip.

Best Liquid Lifting Chalk: SPORTMEDIQ Pro Grade Liquid Chalk

Good for: Gym-goers who need a chalk alternative that will leave no mess on equipment

Best Liquid Chalk

SPORTMEDIQ Pro Grade Liquid Chalk

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• 8-ounce bottle of liquid chalk
• Water-based hydrocellulose thickener
• Lotion consistency
• Longer-lasting than normal chalk

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Improved grip
• Less mess
• Does not wear off easily
• Inexpensive for liquid chalk

Cons

• Rosin and chalk combination can be inhaled and cause discomfort
• Users say the bottle’s lid can break easily

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a chalk alternative that will keep the mess to a minimum, SPORTMEDIQ Liquid Chalk has your hands covered. Made with safe materials, this water-based liquid chalk dries quickly and gives you a dry, grippy covering similar to resin and chalk.

GGR’s Senior Staff Writer Amanda Capritto tested the liquid chalks for this list, and SPORTMEDIQ Pro Grade Liquid Chalk was her favorite: “This is the one I’ll buy when—or if—I ever run out.” Coming in a big 8.5-ounce bottle, and only needing a dime-size amount per application, it probably will be awhile before Amanda has to restock on our pick for best liquid chalk.

Liquid chalk is a great alternative to traditional powder chalk, in that it dries quickly on your hands and stays on your hands, making for a long-lasting chalk that leaves little to no residue or chalk dust on equipment and clothing. SPORTMEDIQ’s liquid chalk is a water-based thickener that allows rosin and chalk to mix and dry on your hands, giving a dry, grippy covering.

Once on your hands, it stays on your hands, and provides a good grip throughout an entire session. Amanda noted the longevity of the liquid chalk saying “This chalk was so good that I literally couldn’t get it off when I didn’t want it on my hands for the rest of the gym session. Some other liquid chalks come off with just a dry towel rub, but I had to wash my hands for this one.” 

At under $20 a bottle on Amazon, this liquid chalk can provide value, and be an excellent option for gym-goers who use a gym that doesn’t allow traditional chalk. With that said, be careful not to inhale the rosin and chalk mixture, as it can cause irritation. Some reviews also complained that the bottle’s lid broke off easily, leading to drying of the liquid chalk—although Amanda had no issues with the packaging.

Best Chalk Ball: Primo Chalk Ball

Good for: Those needing an easy chalk application that’ll help prevent messes as well

Best Chalk Ball

Primo Chalk Ball

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• 2.5-oz chalk ball
• Packaged in a refillable cotton pouch
• Magnesium carbonate combined with 5 essential oils and natural drying agent
• Essential oils condition your skin while providing grip
• Made in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Skin-conditioning properties
• Natural ingredients
• Easy application
• Provides good grip

Cons

• Fairly expensive chalk ball

Bottom Line

Packed in a refillable stretchy pouch, the Primo Chalk Ball takes the unique blend of Primo Chalk and puts it in a chalk ball, easy to apply and less apt to be messy. Primo Chalk is made with a blend of five essential oils as well as a natural drying agent, that combines with magnesium carbonate to create good grip, as well as conditioning your skin.

Our favorite chalk ball was hands down the Primo Chalk Ball, a 2.5-ounce cotton pouch containing Primo’s unique chalk blend of magnesium carbonate and five essential oils. The essential oils are added to condition your skin while using the chalk; you might end your workout with your hands feeling better than when you started.

GGR expert panelist Jacob Penner tested out the Primo Chalk Ball and gave it high marks in its performance, saying, “My hands felt really dry throughout pull-ups, and I was in a very hot and sweaty gym.” In addition to the essential oils, Primo Chalk has a natural drying agent to ensure quick drying chalk and good grip.

The ball comes in a small resealable bag, which is convenient to prevent dumping chalk everywhere when not in use. However, Jacob had trouble getting the chalk ball out of the bag, which ended up making a mess anyways: “When you pull the ball out, you kind of get chalk everywhere.” If you have the room for a chalk bag or bucket in your home gym, I’d recommend getting one for a chalk ball like this, just to avoid the issue of getting it in and out of the small bag.

RELATED: How to Clean Rubber Gym Flooring

Chalk balls are great at keeping chalk use to a minimum, dispensing chalk only when squeezed.  At about $9, the Primo Chalk Ball can be expensive compared to other chalks; however, the refillable chalk ball can be filled back up when low on chalk, and it saves the amount of chalk you use. With this in mind, it might be worth the purchase.

Best Long-Lasting Lifting Chalk: Liquid Grip

Good for: Gym-goers wanting a chalk that will last an entire session without reapplying

Best Long-Lasting

Liquid Grip

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Comes in 1.5-oz or 8-oz bottles
• Made in the U.S.
• Made from natural products
• 100% biodegradable
• 1.5-oz bottle comes with carabiner to attach to gym bag

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive liquid chalk
• Natural and biodegradable
• Antibacterial
• Carabiner attachment
• Long lasting
• Less of a mess

Cons

• Chemical smell
• Some reviews say they had to reapply every lift

Bottom Line

Liquid Grip is a liquid chalk that can be used as an alternative to traditional powder chalk. Made with natural and biodegradable ingredients, the liquid chalk dries quickly onto your hands and will last an entire training session. Liquid Grip will leave less of a mess and not leave residue on you or your equipment after your workout.

If you’re looking for a grip that just won’t quit, Liquid Grip is a solid option. At under $18 for the large 8-ounce bottle, it’s a more affordable option amongst liquid chalk; plus you can buy the 1.5-oz bottle with the large one at a discounted combo price. The smaller bottle has a cool carabiner you can snap onto your gym bag, too.

In addition to being affordable, the grip this chalk provides is incredibly long-lasting. Amanda tried it out for a lot of different strength training exercises: deadlifts, kettlebell swings, cleans, and bent-over rows, just to name a few. She reported, “This stuff lasts an entire session with one application. It’s great!” She kept her grip strength without needing to re-apply once—that’s some long-lasting stuff.

RELATED: Best Kettlebells for Your Home Workout

Be forewarned, though; Amanda noted the liquid chalk has a bit of a chemical smell to it. However, Liquid Grip is made from natural ingredients and products. So although it might have a strange chemical smell, the antibacterial liquid chalk is 100% biodegradable.

Additionally, some reviews claimed needing to reapply more often in a workout session. While we didn’t experience this in our testing, more sweat or a more humid environment may lead to the chalk not lasting as long.

Best Lifting Chalk for Grip: Spider Chalk Liquid Chalk

Good for: People wanting a grippy chalk for gymnastics movements

Best For Grip

Spider Chalk Liquid Chalk

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Available in 2 oz or 8 oz
• Made from laboratory grade magnesium carbonate and two bonding agents
• Doesn’t leave mess or residue on clothes or equipment like powder chalk
• 2-oz bottle can last over 50 applications
• Don’t need to reapply after each set

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pure and safe ingredients
• Made in the U.S.
• Dries quickly
• Long lasting

Cons

• Expensive
• Thick bottle can be difficult to squeeze

Bottom Line

Made with pure and safe ingredients, Spider Chalk Liquid Chalk is a blend of laboratory-grade magnesium carbonate and two binding agents. The liquid chalk application doesn’t leave a mess or residue like normal chalk blocks, and is a great alternative if you’re looking for a way to cut down on making a mess.

Spider Chalk Liquid Chalk is our pick for the best chalk for grip. In Amanda’s testing of this liquid chalk, she noticed how much it helped on her strict pull-ups, performed on a slick pull-up bar, saying “I was impressed at how much it helped with pull-ups, because normally I’m slipping all around on the non-knurled, non-coated, stupid pull-up bar in my condo’s gym.” It’s not your best pull-up bar, so performing well despite subpar equipment is great.

Available in two different-sized bottles, this is one of the pricier options when it comes to liquid chalk, costing over $20 for the 8-ounce bottle. Made from magnesium carbonate and two bonding agents, the liquid chalk can still be worth it, as the liquid chalk performed well in a variety of exercises and uses, including deadlifts and power cleans while using a worn-down barbell (also at Amanda’s condo’s gym).

While it’s a minor complaint, Amanda did notice that the Spider Chalk bottle was a harder plastic than other liquid chalks. This made squeezing chalk out in liquid form more difficult with the smaller 2-ounce bottle, although it was a minor issue. 

Coincidentally, the harder plastic could be a benefit, as many liquid chalk users in general can complain about bottle breaking over time, leading to chalk drying out before it can be used. So the more heavy-duty bottle may help the container last longer.

Best Lifting Chalk in Bulk: Primo Loose Chalk

Good for: Gym owners with a large membership needing a lot of chalk

Best In Bulk

Primo Loose Chalk

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Made in the U.S.
• 1-lb bag, or three 6-oz bags
• Uses a blend of five essential oils and a natural drying agent
• Essential oils have been proven to kill Staph bacteria

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Relatively inexpensive
• Anti-bacterial
• Natural, organic ingredients
• Long lasting

Cons

• Very fine chalk can get everywhere

Bottom Line

Made with a natural drying agent and five essential oils, Primo Loose Chalk is not only a good chalk for improving grip, but also a chalk that soothes and conditions your skin. Available from Rogue’s website in a 1-pound bag (or three 6-ounce bags), the loose chalk is packaged in a resealable bag. Be careful not to get the chalk everywhere though; this chalk is very fine, getting everywhere and potentially causing a bit of a mess.

If you’ve ever been in a CrossFit gym, you know gym members can go through a lot of chalk. And if you’re a gym owner, you probably know this even more. If you’re needing chalk in bulk, Primo Loose Chalk is a fantastic option. 

Available in 1-pound bags and 6-ounce packs, the loose chalk is also available in big 5-pound buckets on their website—for less than $100. While most garage gym users won’t need 5 pounds of chalk all at once, this chalk can be a game changer for gym owners.

Primo blends magnesium carbonate with five essential oils and a natural drying agent to make a dry chalk that helps condition skin while being used. Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly tried this chalk out, and remarked, “This feels good—really comfortable grip, no slipping, and I was in a hot, humid environment.” He also noticed that even though the chalk was very loose, it stuck to his hands well.

The essential oils make the chalk smell nicer than most chalks. Anthony mentioned, “This smells amazing!…kind of eucalyptus-y.” Additionally, Primo claims the oils can kill Staph bacteria. While we can’t verify this ourselves, it’s nice to have chalk that both feels and smells great.

As with any loose chalk, you can always run the risk of spilling it everywhere on your home gym flooring, so make sure you keep the chalk bag away from dropping weights. Speaking from experience, cleaning up a chalk spill is a hassle, and can still leave chalk dust behind. If loose chalk is too messy, a liquid chalk might be a good alternative; otherwise, Primo Chalk is a solid choice.

Best On-The-Go Lifting Chalk: Z Athletic Chalk Ball

Good for: Traveling fitness enthusiasts needing a chalk ball to transport easily

Best On-The-Go

Z-Athletic Chalk Ball

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Available in 2-oz or 3-oz ball
• 100% cotton sock ball
• Pure magnesium carbonate chalk
• Helps grip for gymnastics, weight lifting, rock climbing, etc.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Less messy
• Can help chalk last longer
• Fragrance and pigment free
• Different sizes to fit different hands and grips

Cons

• Some customers had the bag break open after a couple uses
• Pricier than chalk blocks and other chalk balls

Bottom Line

The Z Athletic Chalk Ball is a fantastic way to keep your chalk usage down to a minimum. With options between 2 ounces or 3 ounces, these chalk balls are designed to fit a variety of grips. Additionally, they are safe and non-toxic, as the chalk is pure magnesium carbonate encased in a cotton sock ball. Although a little pricier than some other chalk options, Z Athletics provides good value with their chalk ball.

Chalk balls are convenient for fitness enthusiasts who are constantly traveling and on the move. The ball keeps all the chalk together and stays in a bag to keep your gym bag free of any chalk messes. Our favorite chalk ball for travel is the Z Athletic Chalk Ball, as it’s an affordable, high-quality chalk and comes with a resealable bag.

Anthony used these on a variety of different pieces of equipment, including a barbell, pull-up bar—even gymnastics rings. He applied the chalk to his hands easily, and was impressed by its performance. He says, “I used this on wooden rings and a metal bar. Good, solid grip. I’d definitely pay $10 for this.”

And at $10 for a 2-ounce chalk ball, it’s a pricier chalk ball than some others we cover, but we think it’s worth it. Plus, there is an optional 3-ounce ball for only one dollar more. Take care though, as some customer reviews speak about the chalk’s pouch breaking after only a few uses. While we had no issues in our testing, it might be worth considering before making a purchase.

Best Antibacterial Lifting Chalk: Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk

Good for: Those wanting a clean chalk that will prevent the spread of bacteria

Best Antibacterial Chalk

Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Liquid chalk that provides less mess and waste than conventional chalk
• Available in 50-ml or 250-ml bottles
• Quick-drying and sweat-resistant
• Can last through an entire workout

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Less mess than traditional chalk
• Less waste
• Carabiner on 50-ml bottle
• Don’t need to reapply as often during workout

Cons

• Expensive
• Can dry out after a few months

Bottom Line

Available in 50-millimeter and 250-millimeter sizes, the Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk provides an improved grip for a variety of fitness activities: gymnastics, weight training, rock climbing, and other sports and activities. After shaking up the bottle, the liquid chalk applies easily onto the hand by squeezing the bottle, and it dries within seconds ready to workout. Although pricey, this liquid chalk is a great choice if you’re at a gym that doesn’t allow chalk or you don’t want to make a mess in your home gym.

Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk is our pick for best antibacterial chalk. Because of its alcohol content, liquid chalk can have some antibacterial properties. However, Fire Team Fit’s formula is antibacterial and claims to keep your hands germ-free while at the gym.

As an added bonus, this liquid chalk performed well, too. Amanda took this chalk through multiple barbell movements with her condo gym’s worn-down, slick barbell. In her testing, this liquid chalk performed well, as she says, “Normally, when I deadlift with the barbells in my condo building gym, I’m constantly wiping my hands and wiping the bar to attempt to dry it off and give myself some more grip, to no avail for the most part…with this chalk, none of the above had to happen. Each set went super smooth and I never had to reset.”

RELATED: Beginner Barbell Workout

This liquid chalk is odorless, so it won’t have the chemical smell that other liquid chalks will have. Stored in a plastic squeeze bottle, Amanda had a little trouble getting the metal foil off the cap, but otherwise had no issues. The liquid chalk comes in two sizes, 50 milliliters or 250 milliliters; the smaller bottle comes with a carabiner attachment to easily add to your gym bag for easy access.

At $24 for the large bottle, this is one of the more expensive liquid chalks on the market. Still, it provides good value for a liquid chalk, allowing you to lift, do gymnastics movements, and even rock climb.

Best Budget Lifting Chalk: Bison Chalk Ball

Good for: People needing decent chalk at a good price

Best Budget Chalk

Bison Chalk Ball

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Magnesium carbonate mesh ball
• No additives or fillers
• Baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure absorbency
• Available in 3-oz or 4-oz chalk ball, or a half-gallon jug

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Pure magnesium carbonate
• Variety of quantities available
• No additives or fillers

Cons

• Some reviews say humidity can affect absorbency

Bottom Line

The Bison Chalk Ball is an inexpensive chalk that comes in a mesh ball for easy dispensing: simply squeeze the ball and rub it in your hands for improved grip through workouts and training. Available in 3 ounces or 4 ounces, the chalk ball helps chalk last longer and also helps prevent messes from happening in your home gym.

If you need a bit of chalk at a low price, look no further than the Bison Chalk Ball. This chalk ball is 3 ounces wrapped in a cotton pouch, all for under $6. Anthony tried out the Bison Chalk Ball, and while the chalk doesn’t perform as well as some other chalks we tried, it can still have some uses—namely being a cheaper option. 

The Bison Chalk Ball provided a thin coating and layer of grip, Anthony remarked on the chalk. “It might be better for some kind of climbing,” he says. “It just doesn’t give a good grip; I could feel the barbell knurling as if I had nothing on my hands, but not in a good way.” While it may not give the best grip for barbell movements, it could very well be suited for climbing, where you’d want some dryness on your hands, but not too thick of a coating.

When it comes to budget home gym equipment, their value comes from providing good quality at an affordable or lower price. In lifting chalk, a cheaper option might only be a few dollars difference, so the amount of value you’re getting from a lower-priced item may be negligible. Basically, if you can afford better chalk, you probably should look for other options. However, the Bison Chalk Ball is priced low, and will perform well enough in a pinch.

Best Heavy-Duty Lifting Chalk: Friction Labs Sports Chalk

Good for: Anyone wanting good loose chalk that’ll last through multiple repetitions in a workout

Best Heavy-Duty Chalk

Friction Labs Premium Sports Chalk

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Available in 5 oz and 10 oz
• Fine, chunky, or super chunky textures
• Magnesium carbonate
• Non-toxic and silica-free
• Endorsed by over 100 pro athletes
• Hand-crafted in the U.S.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Variety of textures
• Non-toxic
• Silica-free
• Packaged in resealable bag

Cons

• Expensive

Bottom Line

Friction Labs Premium Sports Chalk provides the great grip of sports chalk without any binding agents needed to form a block of chalk. Available in 5-ounce and 10-ounce resealable bags, this chalk comes in three different textures: fine, chunky, and super chunky. This chalk can be used for a variety of activities, including rock climbing, weight lifting, gymnastics, and more.

Our pick for best heavy-duty chalk is the Friction Labs Sports Chalk. Available in 5-ounce or 10-ounce bags, this chalk also comes in three different textures: fine, chunky, and super-chunky. Anthony tested out the super-chunky Sports Chalk, and thought it performed alright. Although it took some time to rub the chalk into his hands effectively, he said that it “feels like it works better the longer it’s on your hands.”

The chalk performed great, and actually didn’t need to be reapplied every rep, he noted. This is a pretty rare feat with loose chalk; it can tend to need a reapplication after each rep or set of an exercise. It performed well through multiple repetitions of deadlifts and cleans, along with other barbell movements.

Although a pretty solid-performing chalk, it is on the pricier side, at $25 for the 10-ounce bag. This puts the price higher than several 1-pound options on this list. Additionally, the bag the chalk comes in, while resealable, is a little small, and leaves the possibility of spilling chalk outside of the bag while trying to get chalk out of the small opening. If you get this chalk, it may be wise to just put it in a bucket to make it accessible.

Other Lifting Chalk We Researched

Here are a couple of other chalks that didn’t make our top picks:

• Spider Chalk Mega Blocks: At nearly $40 for one pound of chalk in block form, we didn’t feel the quality of this chalk justified the cost. In Anthony’s testing, the block was brittle, and applying the chalk was difficult.
• SPRI Chalk Blocks: SPRI Chalk Blocks are an inexpensive option when it comes to chalk blocks, costing less than a dollar per ounce. However, we weren’t able to test this chalk out, so it didn’t make this list.

How We Picked and Tested

After researching dozens of brands and products, we decided on our final chalks to test out. Garage Gym Reviews Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly and Senior Staff Writer Amanda Capritto led the testing of different lifting chalks, and Head of Content Kate Meier and her lifting team tested a couple of chalks as well.

Amanda covered the liquid chalks, by using the gym equipment in her condo building’s gym. The barbells aren’t always the best there, making them ideal for the toughest grip testing. “I’m talking like zero knurling, got-to-wipe-your-hands-before-every-rep kind of barbells,” she said on the quality (or lack thereof) of the barbells she tested on.

Anthony covered most of our powdered chalks and chalk balls, and he tried a variety of different exercises, including heavy deadlifts and upper body work on pull-up bars and gymnastics rings. Kate, who also has a lifting gym and barbell club, has had a lot of experience with different gym chalks through her gym, lifters, and members trying out different things.

After going through all of these chalks, and noting their ease of application and performance, we finalized our list to what you see before you.

Benefits of Lifting Chalk

While it’s not exactly mandatory to use lifting chalk for weightlifting, CrossFit, or even rock climbing, it’s certainly encouraged. The only drawback to chalk can be the potential mess it could make, but the improvement to grip far outweighs the risk of sweeping up a mess.

Less Sweat, Better Grip

The magnesium carbonate in lifting chalk helps absorb moisture, keeping your hands dry throughout your workout. Dry hands mean you have better grip during powerlifting or gymnastics movements, allowing you to stay better connected throughout your reps, or your heavy max-out.

Helping Prevent Rips and Tears

By keeping a layer of dry chalk on your hands, this adds protection from hand injuries, like blisters or torn calluses. Performing a lot of reps on a metal barbell or kettlebell can cause some trauma to your grip and hand, especially once you start sweating. With that excessive moisture, the hand can start to slip and rub on the metal, forming uncomfortable blisters, or tearing the skin even.

Keeping the skin dry and protected through chalk will help keep the grip connected to the pull-up bar, barbell, or dumbbell, reducing your chance of a hand injury. With that said, I’ve been a weightlifter long enough to know that hand-related accidents do happen; but they happen more often if you’re not taking care of your hands.

RELATED: Best Gymnastics Grips for CrossFit

What to Look for in Lifting Chalk

There may be more lifting chalks out on the market than there are chalk dust particles in a CrossFit gym—and that’s a lot. So it can get pretty confusing to know exactly what you need or are looking for in your lifting chalk. No need to worry, though, because we have you covered! Here are a few aspects of lifting chalk to consider.

Type of Chalk

There are several different types of lifting chalk on the market, each with their pros and cons. Here are the main ones:

• Chalk block: The most common chalk form in gyms, magnesium carbonate is shaped into hard blocks that a lifter can rub their hands against to apply chalk. The blocks are easy to break apart into chunks or powder, too.
• Loose chalk: This powder chalk comes broken down already, ready to grab and apply to your hands. Loose chalk can come in different textures from fine to chunky, but if you’re worried about making a mess, loose chalk is most likely to cause one, even if you’re being careful.
• Chalk ball: A chalk ball keeps loose chalk in a mesh ball, typically cotton. Squeezing the ball dispenses chalk onto the hands, and helps keep the loose chalk contained. Although any loose chalk can potentially be messy, a chalk ball helps keep the mess to a minimum.
• Liquid chalk: Possibly the least messy of the chalk types, liquid chalk is applied and rubbed on the hands as a liquid, and dries within seconds as a chalk application. Typically longer-lasting, liquid chalk tends to not need reapplying during a workout. If you’re worried about making a mess in your gym, or train at a gym that doesn’t allow powder chalk, this is a great alternative.

Ingredients

The ingredients will change the feel of your chalk, as well as its effectiveness. As a competitive Olympic lifter, I have gone to international competitions ready to lift and been disappointed in the quality of the chalk, feeling less like chalk and more like talcum powder. It’s important to have good chalk and good grip, and the purity of the chalk will impact this.

Most high-quality lifting chalk is made of pure magnesium carbonate, so most of the time you’ll want magnesium carbonate chalk. Magnesium carbonate has a unique property in that it doesn’t dissolve in water. So when you sweat, the chalk doesn’t dissolve, but instead absorbs the moisture to keep your grip dry and strong.

Some chalk has unnecessary fillers and binding agents; you should avoid any ingredients that don’t have a purpose, as these will just lessen the quality of the chalk. But on the other hand (pun intended), some companies add natural ingredients to their chalks to help with grip or skin comfort—like essential oils or drying agents—and these types of ingredients are fine.

Container

It’s smart to consider the container that these chalks come in, or any containers they might need. Loose chalk and chalk balls typically come in resealable bags, but fetching chalk from small bags might be a hassle, as we discovered in our testing. Chalk blocks usually come without any proper way to store them, so you’ll need a bucket or container to store them when not in use.

Generally, I recommend if you get some form of loose chalk, in block, powder, or ball form, it’s best to have a larger chalk bag or bucket to store it. This will help prevent any large messes from happening.

The exception to this rule is liquid chalk. The bottle that liquid chalk comes in is often more than enough for storage. One main thing to consider is to keep the bottle lid on when the chalk isn’t being used. Exposure to the air will prematurely dry out the liquid chalk, leaving it unusable.

Best Lifting Chalk: FAQs

Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

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Biggest Home Gym Mistakes

by Cooper Mitchell, GGR Founder

Building a home gym can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience; it can also quickly become one of the most frustrating and expensive endeavors you take on. There’s no right or wrong way to build your own home gym, many of the decisions and processes you pick come down to personal preference, however with this quick guide, you can ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. Read more