damaged skin from low bar

[Rickster]

If this is still of concern, I get the same thing. A big part of it for me is actually lack of shoulder flexibility, a wide grip, and thus a rolling bar as I bend in my lowbar squat. The knurling grinds away as the bar rolls an shifts. The long-term solution for many of my squatting issues is shoulder flexibility, icluding this issue. Short term, I use a vasoline covered waterproof bandaid to cover any lesions and wear a sweatshirt. Works just fine!

[crookedfinger]

I squat in a thick cotton T Shirt and have a big leathery patch of skin on my back that is in essence a form of callous. I also have discoloration across my back. Been like this for years.

[goran1862]

This is good Kristara , thank you

[Kristara]

I know you said that you use chalk all over and your back is the only area that is dried out, however it is normal to have certain area's of our skin that dries out quicker. Chalk is known to dry out skin, that is the reason it works so well improving grip and such. I did a little searching about the use of chalk and some types are less drying than others you may want to look into the type you are using. It was also suggested to wash it off as soon as possible due to drying, and just an aside that chicks do all the time, what about moisturizing right after you get out of the shower in that area and using mild soap, strong smelling or harsh soaps can also dry your skin. You could also dry off and change shirts just before you squat so all is dry and good, this may alleviate your need for chalk and might be worth the effort. Good luck I hope it feels better!

[goran1862]

I think I'll be doing high bar till my skin recovers

[Inmyelement]

If dry skin is actually causing the problem, I don't see how it could hurt, with the obvious caveat of not applying lotion right before you lift.

[goran1862]

To piggy back on the previous post, do you have sensitive skin, by chance. I have sensitive skin and am always really dry in my shoulders from taking hot showers. I could see having even more skin issues in the shoulders of they were getting exposed to chalk.

Interesting, I must pay attention a little more for this.
Do you think some cream or losion would help?

[goran1862]

Dumb question here. Could you be allergic to the chalk? Or is this a friction problem? Can you squat effectively w/o chalk?

I don't think I'm allergic to chalk because I put it all over me, not just back. It friction problem definitly. And can't squat witout it because it is getting way too warm and I'm sweating alot on squats

[goran1862]

Aside from the other good info others mentioned, I will say that using a thicker t-shirt on squat days helps. Thicker T-Shirt will grip the knurling better and stop the bar from moving around so much on your back. Also, you are using a power bar with center knurling to help keep the bar in place, yes? If not, I would definitely advise it, as the center knurling does a lot to help keep the bar from moving around and scraping your skin up.

I will try tight shirt then. No i dont have center knurl on my bar but I bought athletic tape and will tape it around bar to mimic knurl. This could help

[Inmyelement]

To piggy back on the previous post, do you have sensitive skin, by chance. I have sensitive skin and am always really dry in my shoulders from taking hot showers. I could see having even more skin issues in the shoulders of they were getting exposed to chalk.

[MitchellCole]

Dumb question here. Could you be allergic to the chalk? Or is this a friction problem? Can you squat effectively w/o chalk?

[PWard]

Aside from the other good info others mentioned, I will say that using a thicker t-shirt on squat days helps. Thicker T-Shirt will grip the knurling better and stop the bar from moving around so much on your back. Also, you are using a power bar with center knurling to help keep the bar in place, yes? If not, I would definitely advise it, as the center knurling does a lot to help keep the bar from moving around and scraping your skin up.

[Dave_E]

Choose a bar with a less aggressive knurl (if thats an option) or if you're squatting in a singlet, start wearing a t shirt. I wear a XL during the day but a L in the gym. Fits nice and snug and gives the knurl something to bite into other than my skin.
Plus it makes my upper arms look jacked. And you cant put a price on that..

[goran1862]

I'm training 5+years so I dont think it is form problem. This started when I started using chalk regulary

[Inmyelement]

When I switched to low bar I got some pretty impressive bruising across my entire back. I was having trouble keeping the bar from sliding on my back which I believe caused the bruising. Working on my form stopped the bruising.