Why do athletes need magnesium and how to choose it correctly

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

In some sports, this white powder is simply indispensable.

What is Sports Magnesia

Magnesia is a white or silvery white powder or solution. Its main ingredient is magnesium salt, which is extracted from sea water and minerals. Magnesia helps with increased sweating, for example, during excitement or stress in the process of conquering new peaks. It absorbs moisture and sebum well, dries palms and increases grip reliability. It is no coincidence that it even removes greasy stains from clothes.

Without magnesium, sweaty palms will slide, and you or your child will literally break loose from any support (hook, horizontal bar or projectile). The same magnesium prevents calluses, increases comfort, safety and the likelihood of success.

Where is used

Magnesia is used in at least eight sports:

• rock climbing;
• athletics (when throwing a projectile: javelin, ball or disk);
• weightlifting;
• powerlifting;
• kettlebell lifting;
• gymnastics;
• acrobatics;
• sports on a pole.

What happens

Dry magnesia

Application

Powdered magnesia is sold in the form of pressed cubes, in plastic cans, plastic or fabric bags. The latter allow you to completely process the palm without overspending of magnesia, since it is enough just to squeeze them in your hand.

However, since this takes time, climbers rip up the fabric and pour the powder into a special bag before starting the next session. This belt bag (costs from 330 rubles) is placed behind the back and, if necessary, dip your hands into it. In bouldering, it is often left under the track, as magnesium is applied before the short distance is covered.

The cost of dry magnesia weighing from 56 to 440 g - from 140 rubles per package.

Advantages and disadvantages

In some sports, friable magnesia is indispensable. So, in climbing for difficulty it is an integral element: without it, it is very difficult to grab small and uncomfortable holds, and the action of liquid magnesium is often not enough until the end of the route. In addition, dry magnesia is more readily available than liquid.

At the same time, powdered magnesia:

• Not suitable for speed competition.
• When used in closed, unventilated rooms, it harms the lungs: regular inhalation of magnesia from the "clouds" formed by it can gradually lead to silicosis - an occupational disease of miners.
• In some people, it causes allergies, in which a stuffy nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, or a rash develop.

Liquid Magnesia

Application

A solution of liquid magnesia is usually sold in tubes of 100 and 200 ml and costs from 380 rubles (the price depends on the volume and manufacturer). A few minutes or seconds after being applied to the brushes, the liquid evaporates, but the magnesium remains. This tool is useful for speed climbing and bouldering.

Advantages and disadvantages

Liquid magnesium, as opposed to dry:

• lasts longer;
• is spent more economically;
• does not leave marks on clothes;
• not dusty and therefore less allergenic.

However, before proceeding with the passage of the distance, you need to wait for the solution to dry completely. Therefore, it makes no sense to put the tube in a bag on long climbing routes. In addition, liquid magnesia smells like alcohol, tightens the skin and is more expensive than dry: the less the smell it emits and the faster the drying rate, the higher the price tag.

What are the analogues of magnesia

Novice athletes jokingly call magnesia flour or coke. It happens that it is confused with chalk or talcum powder. But none of these substances are suitable for achieving physical education goals. In particular, because the last two powders do not increase, but decrease friction.

Experts consider pine rosin to be the best alternative to magnesia. Musicians rub the violin bow with it, and experienced athletes rub the limbs (not only hands, but also the soles of shoes). Rosin creates the effect of sticking fingers and palm to a hook or a projectile, thereby providing better grip than magnesium.

Light yellow powder made from tree resin and smelling of forest is packed in plastic bags or plastic containers of 100 g each. This packaging can be bought in online sports stores at a price of 84 to 300 rubles (that is, cheaper than dry magnesia or at the same price) … Just do not take liquid dark red rosin from the hardware store - it is for other purposes.

Interesting fact: rosin, along with magnesium salt, is sometimes present in the composition of liquid magnesia.

Output

Now you are aware of the properties of each type of magnesia and its analogues, and, most likely, you have already decided what to buy based on the specifics of your sport. And if you are still in doubt, try different options and in the end you will find the perfect remedy.

Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and lubricate them with moisturizer or balm immediately after training. This will reduce the harmful effects of magnesium or its substitute.