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Chalk
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Chalk is used during grip work to dry the hands and provide a consistent amount of friction between the lifting implement and the hands. Use of chalk often has the benefit of increasing the amount of resistance that can be used on an exercise, especially friction based lifts like plate pinches.
Store chalk in an air tight container for best results.
Chalking the hands will dry them out and can damage the skin over time. If attention is not paid to recovery, this damage will accumulate and increase the risk of skin tears. A similar impact on performance can be achieved by using rubbing alcohol to clean both the hand and lifting implement of any sweat or oil prior to each attempt at a lift.
Chalk can be purchased in most sporting goods or outdoors stores. A 1lb box of 8 blocks will last a long time and should be under $10. Be sure to get gymnastic chalk (Magnesium Carbonate) and not pool chalk or playground chalk. Some gyms have a policy against allowing the use of chalk. A resin ball, a chalk ball, or spray on chalk can be tried in those locations as discrete alternatives.
