<p>I’m doing pull ups on the local elementary school’s monkey bars (we don’t have a pullup bar in our house), and I’m getting blisters that I keep rubbing when I do the pull ups. They’re extremely painful and one broke today. Not to mention, it’s making my grip weaker because it hurts. Any suggestions to circumvent this problem? Also, the monkey bars are thinner than regular pull up bars, so I’m worried I may not be able to get as many pull ups when I actually get to the Academy (I might have a weaker grip with a larger bar).</p>
<p>Quite the opposite on the bars. You will be able to do more on a larger bar than a smaller one. ;) It helps, trust me!</p>
<p>Wear gloves, like weight gloves if you can get some. Personally, I have large calluses for pull-ups now that have solved that problem for me. :)</p>
<p>Body lotion should help moisten and soften your hands. I have the same problem although it only hurt when I grab the bar. Now I wear weight lifiting gloves. There is a way to hold the bar that it wont hurt your hands, can't really explain it. If you put your thumbs over the bar, yes it will hurt.</p>
<p>With a week to go, I'm pretty sure getting weight gloves now would be somewhat of a waste. I think I can find a cloth or something to put on there though. I just don't want to bleed anymore. Lotion works, huh? I always thought it would just make your grip slippier...</p>
<p>No let me clarify, putting lotion often through the day helps not getting rid those blisters. But yea, you will probably have a hard time maintaining your grip if you have just put on lotion.</p>
<p>Tape your hands? (white adhesive has some traction vs. duct tape).</p>
<p>blisters typically are a result of friction...reduce the friction and you should be blister free. </p>
<p>Gloves should help if they allow them in BCT. I'd let them heal now so that you do not get an infection which could prevent your admission. Don't risk stuff.</p>
<p>what I do is just use my fingers to pull up. I don't have the palm of my hand on the bar. But this is sort of hard if you're just starting it because you have to get good finger muscles!</p>
<p>I had one of those "Why is the white tape on the bar now pink?" [looks at hands] "Oh, that's why. I'm bleeding." moments... I don't know what to say, unless you can find a taped/padded bar to use. Those blisters will turn to callouses after a while. Just keep your hands clean, and try to to beak the blisters.</p>