![\"Shahid](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Shahid_1756793693691_1756793731772.jpg\" "\\"Shahid")
Shahid Kapoor swears by dry chalk to improve his grip in the gym.(Instagram and Freepik) <\/p>\nShahid Kapoor and his fitness levels are a model for 40-plus men! At the gym, he ensures a mix of cardio, strength training and functional training. But here’s a secret from his gym bag that you may not know!<\/p>\n
Shahid Kapoor swears by dry chalk to improve his grip in the gym.(Instagram and Freepik) <\/p>\n
The 43-year-old actor was asked about the most unexpected thing in his gym bag, during an interview to Esquire magazine. That’s when Shahid revealed: “I like to put dry chalk on my hands. I don’t if it will surprise people, but I don’t know if people know about it.”<\/p>\n
Shahid’s interesting reveal intrigued us enough to reach out to fitness experts to know more about what dry chalk really does.<\/p>\n
What are the benefits of dry chalk?<\/p>\n
Dry chalk is a powdered substance used by several fitness enthusiasts in the gym and even sportspersons, says Mahesh Ghanekar, trainer to celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Soha Ali Khan.<\/p>\n
Also called gym chalk powder, this is essentially magnesium carbonate that is used in the gym by people to absorb moisture and sweat from hands. “This prevents slipping and improves grip during heavy lifts such as deadlifts and pull-ups,” fitness trainer Varun Rattan tells Health Shots<\/a>.<\/p>\n It may offer the following benefits:<\/p>\n Better grip to hold gym equipmentMay improve performanceMay prevent injury as dry chalk resists gym equipment from slippingIt offers a friction-free experience, reducing the risk of tears and blistersSide effects of dry chalk<\/p>\n Dry chalk is widely available in block form or as a fine powder. It is affordable, but can be messy as it can easily spread in the air. “It is sometimes even banned in gyms due to the dust it causes,” adds Rattan, stressing how it may lead to an unpleasant experience for other gym users.<\/p>\n This powder may also have certain side effects on skin. Some people may experience skin irritation, dryness, and redness. Since dry chalk blocks moisture, it can strip the skin’s natural oils, causing the skin to feel rough and itchy. It should, therefore, be used with caution.<\/p>\n In recent times, liquid chalk has emerged as an alternative. “Some athletes, however, prefer dry chalk as it does not dry out skin like the liquid one. Overall, both types help strength training,” he adds.<\/p>\n