While many people might think it’s so much easier to just buy gym chalk, there are quite a few bodybuilders and powerlifters I know who make their own.
One of the reasons comes down to the fact that if you use lots of it, then you could end up saving quite a bit of money with a DIY solution.
But I also know a few people who have sensitive skin and often get reactions to the typical gym chalk you can buy.
So, our team did some research, and we found a simple way to make it at home.
Quick Summary
- Gym or lifting chalk is a vital item for anyone who regularly lifts heavy dumbbells and barbells to reduce friction.
- It takes surprisingly little effort and materials to make your own gym chalk, and some people find it allows them to get the right consistency.
- One thing you want to avoid is simply using a few chalk sticks found in a school supply store, as it probably won’t give you the same kind of grip.
How Do You Make Gym Chalk?
You can make gym chalk by using a few household ingredients like chalk, cornstarch, baby powder, and water. And once properly mixed, you can turn it into any shape or size you like.
Here are the simple steps to follow.:
- Step 1: Buy two boxes of 40 pieces of school chalk and place them in a mixing bowl. Top up the bowl with water and leave the chalk soak for about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Place the wet chalk in a blender and add a small amount of water. Blend it until you have a smooth consistency and you don’t see any large pieces. It should almost look like yogurt or ice cream.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 pounds of cornstarch powder into the bowl and mix it slowly with a large spoon. You might need to add a drop of water at this stage to get the two ingredients to mix properly.
- Step 4: Add two ounces of baby powder and gently mix this in as well. Make sure you get some unscented, hypoallergenic baby powder to avoid skin irritations. Alternatively, use a medicated one with zinc to help with skin health [1].
- Step 5: Pour in half a cup of water and start stirring the mix until you don’t see any clumpy powder. This can take several minutes, and it’s important to do this properly.
- Step 6: Use baking molds to pour your DIY gym chalk mix into. You can also use large bread-making trays to make a large chunk that you can then cut to your preferred size.
- Step 7: Ideally, place the molds in a sunny place where they will dry in about seven days.
Is It a Good Idea to Make Your Own?
Yes, it can be a good idea to make your own gym chalk.
In most cases, this might be a necessary step if you have had allergic skin reactions to a store-bought one.
Skin reactions tend to be rare, but I know a few people who are very reactive to all sorts of ingredients, and then it’s just safer to make your own as you have full control over the ingredients.
And if you tend to go through a lot of it during training or improving your grip strength, then you can save some money by making your own in bulk.
Is There A Difference Between Gym Chalk And Regular Chalk?
Yes, there is a difference between gym chalk and regular school chalk.
While gym chalk is based on the regular stuff you use to write on a blackboard, it also contains a few other ingredients, like cornstarch and talcum powder [2].
I would not recommend just using a few sticks of school chalk, as it won’t have the right consistency to allow you to easily spread it over your palms and fingers.
“How often you reapply will depend on how sweaty you get, but applying a fresh coat before every set is a good rule of thumb”
- Kelsey Cannon, Writer at menshealth.com
FAQs
What Is Gym Chalk Made Out Of?
Gym chalk is made of regular chalk, cornstarch, and talcum powder. You mix these ingredients with water until you get a smooth paste. Then you can pour the mixture into molds to your preferred size.
What Can You Use Instead of Gym Chalk?
You can use lifting straps and gloves instead of gym chalk. With the right type of gloves, you should be able to achieve the same and often much better grip than with chalk.
Maximize Your Lifting Grip
Whether you go through a lot of gym chalk or you simply want to make sure you don’t have any skin reactions, making your own couldn’t be easier.
With just a few ingredients and a blender, you’ll be up and running in a matter of days.
One other option I would recommend if you’re struggling with grip during lifting is a good set of the best lifting straps.
I have tested dozens of these to come up with a few recommended products that can really help with those heavy lifts.
References:
- https://www.johnsonsbaby.com/baby-products/johnsons-medicated-baby-powder-zinc-oxide
- https://www.drugwatch.com/talcum-powder/
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