Magnesia in gymnastics: The invisible helper for more grip and safety

Magnesia, also known as chalk, is an indispensable companion in gymnastics. The white powder that gymnasts sprinkle on their hands before competitions and training has a crucial function: it ensures a secure grip on the equipment and prevents slipping. But how exactly does magnesia work and what role does it play in the various gymnastic disciplines?

Why Magnesia?

Human skin is naturally sweaty, which can be a problem when doing gymnastics. Sweaty hands lead to a reduced grip on the equipment, which not only makes it more difficult to perform the exercises, but also increases the risk of injury. Magnesia counteracts this by:

• Absorbs sweat: The powder binds the sweat and ensures dry hands.
• Increased friction: The rough surface of the magnesia creates greater friction between the hand and the device, which ensures a secure grip.
• Skin protection: Magnesia forms a protective layer on the skin and thus prevents skin irritation caused by friction from the equipment.

Magnesia in action: device by device

The use of magnesia in gymnastics is varied and depends on the exercise and the equipment. However, the purpose is the same across the entire sport: secure support during all exercises.

Male gymnasts

• Horizontal bar: A secure grip is particularly important on the horizontal bar, as the gymnasts hang from the apparatus with their upper bodies and are subjected to constant strain for around 40 seconds. A change between turns, elements close to the bar and the extremely difficult flying elements means that the gymnasts need high-quality magnesia so that their hands do not slip and they can perform their exercises safely.
• Parallel bars: A firm grip is also crucial on the parallel bars. The gymnasts switch between different grips and positions, with magnesia ensuring a secure hold. The combination with honey is particularly popular and widespread on the parallel bars, as it gives the gymnasts a perfect grip for long hang elements.
• Rings: The strain on the hands is particularly high on the rings, as the gymnasts have to hold their entire body weight, similar to calisthenics, and also perform high-impact swing elements. Magnesia prevents the hands from slipping and the gymnasts from falling off the rings.
• Jump: When jumping, magnesia is used primarily on the hands and feet to ensure a quick start, safe take-off and a controlled landing.
• Floor: Magnesia can also be useful for floor gymnastics, especially to ensure that your feet have a non-slip approach and take-off. It also helps you to have a better grip during certain elements such as handstands or turns.
• Pommel horse: Magnesia is just as important for the pommel horse so that the gymnast always has a good grip in the various support positions and no unnecessary sweat forms, which would lead to slipping off the apparatus.

Female gymnasts

• Beam: A secure stance on the beam is very important. Magnesia ensures that the gymnasts do not slip and can perform their exercises precisely.
• Uneven bars: Similar to the parallel bars or high bar for men, a firm grip is also crucial on the uneven bars. Magnesia prevents the hands from slipping and thus ensures that the exercises are carried out safely.
• Jumping: When jumping, magnesia is used primarily on the hands and feet to ensure a non-slip approach, safe take-off and a controlled landing.
• Floor: Magnesia can also be useful for floor gymnastics to provide a better grip during certain elements such as handstands or turns.

Liquid Magnesia: An Alternative

In addition to the classic magnesia powder, there is also liquid magnesia. This is applied to the hands and dries quickly, creating a thin, adhesive layer. Liquid magnesia is particularly suitable for gymnasts who are looking for a less dusty alternative or whose skin is sensitive to the powder. However, it should be noted that liquid chalk has not yet prevailed over classic magnesia in competitive sports.

Magnesia and competition rules

The use of magnesia is strictly regulated in gymnastics. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) sets out precise rules on the amounts and types of magnesia that may be used. Violations of these rules can lead to disqualification.

Conclusion

Magnesia is an essential tool for gymnasts to optimize their performance and avoid injuries. The white powder ensures a secure grip on the equipment and allows gymnasts to perform their exercises with precision and safety.

We at MoonKing Sports have over 20 years of experience in artistic gymnastics, which we incorporate into the selection and production of our products. We therefore want to ensure that high-quality magnesia is used in all gymnastics sports and has been extensively tested by professionals.