Reddit reviews Metolius Eco Ball (Non-Marking Chalk Substitute, colors vary)
We found 36 Reddit comments about Metolius Eco Ball (Non-Marking Chalk Substitute, colors vary). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Recommended Use: Rock climbingManufacturer Warranty: 1 year
My gym also doesn't allow chalk, but I just sneak using this. Haven't gotten grief for it yet, but if I did, it's not chalk and it doesn't leave a mark.
http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute-colors/dp/B000212TGA
You should consider an Ecoball. Its like a stocking sort of thing filled with chalk and you just kind of roll it around in your hands to get some chalk. It is a lot less messy than loose chalk. There is a little bit of dust but if you put it on your towel and put it away in its little bag when you're finished it shouldn't be a problem. It also does not put so much chalk on your hands that it gets stuck in the knurling on the barbell, so there is not much for the gym people to complain about. Here is one that is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute-colors/dp/B000212TGA. I think they have them at REI, too, in the rock climbing section.
Also, when I first started lifting and wasn't sure if chalk would make a huge difference, I tried out some baby powder first. Works pretty well on sweaty palms, smells nice and is not chalk. Just get a small travel-size bottle.
Good luck from another female lifter!
You might find the Eco Ball to be useful. It's probably found in stores that have climbing gear.
I use the eco-ball for climbing and for lifting because it doesn't mark anything up and my gym only permits non-marking chalk.
http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Ball-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute/dp/B000212TGA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335192281&sr=8-1
I just rub my hands a bit before my last set of deadlifts and when I climb.
I use this stuff. It's clear chalk. Sucks for climbing, works great for lifting.
The only place I leave handprints is on my pants, not quite sure how that works out :)
Then get the bags of chalk substitute. Something like this or liquid chalk.
or if chalk is too messy, here is an alternative!
Why is chalk not an option? I'm also 5' with a hand length of just under 6 inches from tip of middle finger to wrist, pulling around 165lbs with a double overhand grip, and I chalk the fuck up between every set. Take a look at this non-marking chalk substitute: http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute-colors/dp/B000212TGA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Definitely start doing grip exercises, though. When you lift, make sure that your knuckles are white. Your hands may tear, but just let them heal and carry on.
Also, try not to use mixed grip unless you absolutely can't get the bar up without it. There is an awesome, mentor-like woman at my gym who forces me not to use mixed grip unless I'm going a ridiculous weight or a really high number of reps. I really, really value her for that.
I sneak a climbing chalk sock in a towel. Just found this on amazon too.
I promise you will never look back
Good advice. Eco ball works as well. Bring a towel to wipe the bar off with even if you use liquid chalk. Chalk and chalk substitutes absorb moisture, which is how they provide more friction/grip but this is the same mechanism that rusts equipment. Wipe equipment dry even if you are just using sprays or alcohol to wipe down equipment.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000212TGA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Q7vADbD1E6RNQ
The Metolius Eco Chalk Ball is pretty handy. My gym doesn't have chalk, and while not necessarily forbidden it is frowned on. This is a non-messy chalk that doesn't get all over the place and keeps my fairly sweaty hands dry and grippy; I wouldn't rate it quite as high as a good block of regular gym chalk but it gets the job done. If you're interested in using chalk I'd recommend it to try.
Eco Ball Chalk is the tits: http://amzn.com/B000212TGA
Or Harbinger straps: http://amzn.com/B001SG5LNG
90% of the people at my gym use those straps. Then again, they won't necessarily help strengthen the grip.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000212TGA/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
Something like this is preferred for not leaving a route "traced". Or lifting heavy without spilling chalk all over or making the bars turn white.
Im not supposed to use chalk either. This works for me. I don't catch too much shit for using it.
I've never tried them, but Eco Ball mess free chalk is supposed to be pretty effective.
There are other alternatives like ecoball, which I think is a kind of resin or something, so no dust. I use a regular chalk ball which is cleaner than loose chalk, and the same one has lasted me about 3 years.
And as was said above, chalk adds a ridiculous amount to your grip. My grip gives out after a few reps at about 150kg but when I last tested my 1rm at 215kg with chalk I had no problems. Ideally you should go as long as you can without it though just to help build your hand strength, and hold your final rep at the top for as long as possible.
I’ve had great luck with this:
Metolius Eco Ball Non-Marking Chalk https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000212TGA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V8lvDb3A779DQ
Yep. But my advice would be to try chalk. Get an eco ball if they don't let you use chalk since it's non-marking. Made a HUGE difference for me. In regards to straps, I wouldn't recommend them basically ever. They mess with your grip. Use a mixed grip only on your heaviest set which is probably when you're slipping. But chalk is still my first suggestion. Your grip strength will improve the more you practice.
Get an eco ball. http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute-colors/dp/B000212TGA works like chalk and leaves no residue at all.
Thanks for the info buddy, I guess Ill give FF a shot.
I hate those hexagon shape plates makes the bar roll more than the round ones. I only use chalk on my heavy (275+) sets, it not even chalk its a chalk alternative so im sure that wont be a problem.
Wait, what? I found some prime-eligible chalk on Amazon.
Found it! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000212TGA
$5.25 and prime-eligible.
I think it's important to remember that pole dancing is a sport that is different for everyone. There isn't really a strong "standard" at this point. So don't bother comparing yourself to others. Listen to your body, watch yourself and try to improve in ways that work for you. One thing that helped me improve was recording myself doing a trick, immediately watching the recording, and then trying whatever improvements I decided based on the recording. Maybe give that a try!
It's possible you could benefit from a better grip aid. If sweaty hands is your problem, I recommend a chalk. This is the one I use and it's great! The I-tac grip aids are great if you need more grip, but don't sweat. If you sweat with it on, it will actually make you slip more than if you hadn't used it at all.
Also keep in mind that everyone has to start somewhere. I had NO IDEA what I was doing when I started and starting was really the hardest part. Especially when you first start letting go of fear. It took me awhile to invert properly, because I was afraid. Getting over that fear is difficult but once you do it, you'll be open to a world of awesomeness!
Not exactly colored chalk, but non-marking just the same:
http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute-colors/dp/B000212TGA/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425924738&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=metoulious+eco+ball
Use this in place of your chalk.
If you're benching your own bodyweight 3 times for 5 sets, that really isn't terrible. According to this 5/3/1 strength standard that would be in the 'intermediate' range.
For the deadlift I'd recommend alternate grips, like this, and if that doesn't cut it I've been using these with some success. (most gyms don't allow chalk, but the ball doesn't leave any marks on the bar, so it should be ok).
http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute-colors/dp/B000212TGA
ecoball - chalk substitute. Doesn't get as messy as chalk and heard it's better than liquid chalk (I personally never used liquid chalk before). In fact, its pretty clean imo (I keep mine in a ziplock bag). Picked it up because the gym I use to go to didn't allow chalk. Cheap and each ball lasts me a really long time.
They make some chalk balls with clear powder if you're worried about making a mess. I use one and it works very well.
http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute-colors/dp/B000212TGA
> I've never actually gotten to the point where I simply couldn't lift it.
There's your problem. Your body is mechanically strong for the deadlift movement. You'll surprise yourself. For me, a failed deadlift never even gets off the floor so there's no harm in trying.
I'm 6'0" 170 pounds and pulled 295 for 2 last week and 285 for 5 the week before. Just keep upping the weight.
I mean if you have incredibly long (for your height) legs or short (for your height) arms that'll hurt your numbers, but I think at 265 you're well below the point where you'd notice it. A 'perfectly' proportioned person will have their pubic bone be at half their height and their wingspan approximately equal to their height.
Last edit: Alternate grip will help a ton. Do it on your highest weight set. Also, chalk. I use this stuff which I put on in the lockerroom and no one notices out on the gym floor. Doesn't leave a residue on the bar or the floor.
About chalk, get this : http://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Ball-Non-Marking-Chalk-Substitute/dp/B000212TGA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323424041&sr=8-1
It's basically invisible chalk and does not leave a mess. I've been using it and it's amazing.
Amazon.
This stuff makes your hands practically magnetic to the bar. Can't blame your grip anymore on tough lifts. Love it.
I just ordered this for myself. I'm betting it'll work out for you too.
I am looking at getting these. I dont like gloves, but I think these would help with some lifts.
This also looked like an intresting alternative.