General
chalk
What does chalk mean?
Magnesium carbonate powder applied to the hands (and sometimes the body) to reduce sweat and improve grip on heavy lifts.
"He chalked up before his max deadlift."
Origin
Borrowed from gymnastics/climbing; standard in powerlifting and strongman.
Frequently asked questions
What is chalk used for in the gym?
Gym chalk is magnesium carbonate powder rubbed on the hands to soak up sweat and improve grip, especially on heavy deadlifts and pulls.
Is gym chalk the same as classroom chalk?
No. Gym chalk is magnesium carbonate, while classroom chalk is calcium-based. They're different substances despite the shared name.
Why do some gyms ban chalk?
Loose chalk creates dust and mess on equipment and floors, so many commercial gyms ban it or only allow liquid chalk instead.
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