È the crossfitter pilgrimage. A propitiatory rite to be performed before each performance. In fact, imagine being in the middle of a workout: kettlebell, recites the wod, or some other unspecified bar exercise. Your eyes will instinctively move from one side of the box to the other in search of what in that moment represents for you. the source of all salvation. It is the famous bucket full of magnesite, which for the duration of the wod will attract you like a magnet forcing you to a continuous coming and going from your position to him.
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The magnesite that reassures you
It's basically everyone's Linus blanket crossfit athlete. It reassures you that chalk is around, ready to support yours pinch (made with three fingers) and protect us from an accident. And in most cases it really is. The magnesite in fact acts on sweating of the hands: dries them, improves adherence e makes the grip safe, especially on hot and humid days. But often what drives athletes to incessantly fill their hands is only one strong instinct for self-preservation or, to put it simply, the fear of getting hurt.
Can you do without magnesite?
There are cases in which the use of magnesium carbonate is superfluous. Let's think for example of those sets you are almost to complete: just a few repetitions to close the circuit, the finish line one step away from you. Yet you stop the same, convinced that you need to dip your hands into the bucket to complete the feat. But is it really so? Think about it. Maybe you are just tired, you lose your grip because the arms begin to give way. Also a good grip on the bar is achieved with practice. Take your time. If you feel you can't do it, take a break, let your hands dry by themselves. And it starts again soon after.
Magnesite slows you down
In this sense, it can really be said that the use (or abuse) of chalk slow down your performance. The crossfit is also exercise of resistance and intensity. Undergo long repeated breaks does not help you achieve your goals. True, there are situations where you can afford it. When for example you are working on your ceiling and you have time to recovery between one round and another. In that case dedicating those few seconds to your hands can only add to your performance.
Ma during a metcon, the metabolic conditioning wod that involves fast pace, better go easy on chalk. Limit yourself, reduce use to one time, preferably before starting. And then strive to hold on. You will realize that finishing the exercise is not that impossible after all. You will discover, in other words, how much has influenced your head up to that moment, and how much is gained in definitely put aside the magnesite bucket.