The white stuff gymnasts put on their hands is called “gymnastics chalk,” technically known as magnesium carbonate.
Main Reasons Why Gymnasts Use Chalk
- Improves Grip – Chalk absorbs moisture and sweat from the hands, reducing slippage. This improved grip is crucial for safely performing on apparatus like the uneven bars, parallel bars, rings, and pommel horse.
- Reduces Friction – It helps to minimize friction between the hands and the equipment, which can prevent blisters and rips on the skin.
- Enhances Performance – By providing a better grip, chalk can help gymnasts perform more complex and challenging maneuvers with greater confidence and precision.
Gymnasts typically apply chalk to their hands and sometimes to other parts of their bodies, like their feet or legs, depending on the event and their specific needs. In some cases, they might also mix the chalk with water or alcohol to create a paste for a different texture and grip level.
