Can I use talc or rosin instead of weight lifting chalk?
No. Talc is magnesium silicate; it is not the same as weight lifting chalk. Instead of aiding your grip, talc will reduce it. Talc is slippery; use it to reduce friction during kettlebell swings or similar exercises. Rosin is an organic resin exuded by conifers. Although a baseball pitcher’s rosin bag is superficially similar to a weight-lifter’s chalk bag, they are two entirely different things. Rosin is sticky. Its use is illegal during weight lifting competitions. It will hasten the formation of calluses. It has no place in the weight room.
