How to avoid blisters without gloves

[gvcormac]

Years of rowing have toughened me up enough that I ca do 10k without a problem For longer distances, I sometimes use tube socks on the handles. I'm undecided whether cotton or synthetic is better. They are different.

Children's sizes are good.

[Fit4Life]

I have only been using the erg for under 300,000 meters. I only got blisters once. And that was because like riding a bike and holding the handlebars or doing pullups, or lifting weights, you absolutely do not need to squeeze your hands. All it does is tire your hands and firearms, unnecessary tension, and cause blisters.

I'm definitely a novice though. I don't believe I'm even utilizing enough power consistently to have blister concerns. It's consistently under 90 watts. I imagine that's lack of power from the drive rather than pulling with my arms and hands though. My longest times on it haven't been more than 1hr 40mins straight. Maybe as I get better I'll have to change my approach.

[iain]

Blisters tend to result from the movement of the handle over sweaty hands. So less of an issue in winter.

Callouses form over time and if looked after generally keep you blister free after a time of consistent rowing. But aftyer a few weeks you need to grow some new ones!