Female gymnasts also apply chalk to their feet before a routine on the balance beam. Male gymnasts also apply chalk on their armpits for the parallel bars as they swing with their upper arms.

A rapidly growing gymnastics organization is putting a new spin on the sport. Athletes who compete for the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs are allowed to perform on whatever ...

"Everything a gymnast does impacts our feet," she tells ESSENCE. I’ve used so much chalk over the years, which removes moisture from my feet. Hard landings cause bruising and swelling ...

Gymnasts use chalk, also known as magnesium carbonate, on high bar, parallel bars, uneven bars, and rings to reduce friction. They also use chalk on vault, beam, floor exercise and pommel horse to aid ...