Why do athletes need magnesium and how to choose the right

What is a sports Magnesia

Magnesia - a powder or a solution of the white or silver-white. Its main ingredient is a magnesium salt, which is extracted from sea water and mineral resources. Magnesium helps with sweating, for example, during stress or excitement in the process of conquering new heights. It absorbs moisture and sebum, dries his hands and increases the reliability of grip. It is no coincidence with its help even remove grease stains from clothing.

Without magnesium sweaty palms will slide, and you or your child - ripped off literally with any support (hook, horizontal bar or shell). The same magnesium prevents callousesIt improves comfort, safety and the probability of success.

where used

Magnesium is used in at least eight kinds of sports:

• climbing;
• athletics (when the projectile throwing: spears, nucleus or disc);
• weightlifting;
• powerlifting;
• weightlifting;
• gymnastics;
• acrobatics;
• sports on the pylon.

what happens

dry magnesia

application

Magnesia powder sold in the form of compressed cubes in plastic jars, plastic or fabric bags. The latter allows to fully process the palm without overspending magnesia as simply squeeze them in her hand.

However, because it takes time, climbers before the next lesson to rip up the cloth and pour the powder into a special bag. This waist bag (worth 330 rubles) are arranged behind and, if necessary, dipped into her hands. IN bouldering as it is often left under the highway, as applied to magnesium to pass a short distance.

The cost of the dry weight of magnesium from 56 to 440 g - from 140 rubles per pack.

Advantages and disadvantages

In some sports friable magnesium is indispensable. Thus, the difficulty in climbing is an essential element: without it, it is very difficult to grasp the small and uncomfortable hooks, and the actions of the liquid magnesium is often not enough until the end of the track. In addition, dry magnesia liquid accessible.

At the same time, powdered magnesia:

• Not suitable for speed competitions.
• When used in a closed unventilated spaces lung damage: regular inhalation of magnesia formed by it "clouds" may gradually lead to silicosis - an occupational disease of miners.
• For some people it causes allergyAt which lays nose, watery eyes, itchy skin or rash.

The liquid magnesium

application

A solution of the liquid magnesium usually sold in tubes of 100 and 200 ml, and is from 380 rubles (price depends on the size and manufacturer). After a few minutes or seconds after application to the brush fluid evaporates and the magnesium remains. This tool is useful when speed climbing and bouldering.

Advantages and disadvantages

Liquid magnesium, as opposed to dry:

• lasts longer;
• consumed more economical;
• leaves no residue on clothes;
• not dusty and therefore less allergenic.

However, before embarking on the passage distance, you need to wait for complete drying of the solution. Therefore, it makes no sense to put a tube in the bag on long climbing routes. In addition, the liquid magnesium smell of alcohol, and tightens the skin more dry: the less published its smell and faster drying speed, the higher the price tag.

What are the equivalents of magnesium

Novice athletes jokingly called magnesia flour or coke. It happens that it is confused with chalk or talc. That's just not one of these substances to achieve the objectives of physical education will not work. In particular, because the last two powder does not increase, and reduce friction.

The best alternative to magnesium experts believe pine rosin. Musicians rubbed her violin bow, while experienced athletes - the limbs (not only hands, but also the sole of the shoe). Rosin creates a bonding effect of the fingers and hands to the hold or the projectile, thereby providing a better grip compared with magnesia.

Resins made from wood trees and smelling light yellow powder packaged in plastic bags or plastic containers of 100 g Such a package can be purchased at sports stores online for as low as 84 to 300 rubles (ie, less dry magnesia or at the same price). Just do not take the dark red liquid rosin in the hardware store - it is for other purposes.

An interesting fact is that the rosin together with a magnesium salt is sometimes present in the composition of the liquid magnesium.

Output

Now you know the properties of each type of magnesia and its analogs, and are likely to have already decided what to buy based on the specifics of their sport. And if still in doubt, try different options and eventually will pick the ideal tool.

Just do not forget to immediately after exercise to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and lubricate them with a moisturizer or balm. So you reduce the harmful effects of magnesia or her substitute.

see also

• Why and what should be in a sports bag each athlete →
• 15 unobvious sports gadgets that are useful to you in training →
• Sports equipment, which we rarely use, but in vain →