So be vigilant: once you notice a callus getting big, you should probably do something about it.
Thats only half true.
There will still be plenty of thickened, tougher skin underneath.
Instead, file your calluses down so they dont rip, anduse chalkfor added friction.
Try one of the files that looks like a cheese grater.
The food/foot association is enough to turn me off personally, but I hear theyre really good.
If the callus is wet, you probably dont need anything sharp to do the job.
I also pick at them by hand (carefully!)
(you’re free to read moreabout my favorite tools here.)
My ideal callus care routine looks like this:
Take a bath or shower to soften the skin.
If any dead skin comes off easily, remove it with fingernails or by rubbing with an exfoliating cloth.
By the end of this step, there should be no jagged edges.
(An emery board can help to smooth things down if your file was particularly coarse.)
Apply a moisturizing lotion.
Beware picking at a callus when your skin is very dry.
Often we notice calluses right after lifting, when our hands are chalky.
Its okay tofilecalluses when theyre dry, but try not to peel, pick, or pull at them.
If its intactno bleeding, no raw pink skinyou can manage it as above.
File it smooth and get back to work.
But if youve drawn blood, youll need to treat the callus more carefully.
Treat whats left as an open wound, because it is.
Instead, look at your hand position.
This prevents the skin at the top of your palm from getting unnecessarily squeezed under the bar.
Youll still get some small calluses, but not nearly as bad as if you held the bar differently.
Other types of equipment have their own hacks.
If you jump rope a lot,look for ropes with a padded handle.
