What is ASMR?
ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. Most people use this term to describe experiences that evoke tingling or an electric-like shiver from their scalp, spine, or even through their limbs in response to a specific sound or visual trigger. These experiences can create a feeling of anxiety relief or relaxation for anyone who enjoys ASMR. Not everyone experiences "tingles" though. Some might watch or practice ASMR purely for its entertainment value.
What is gym chalk ASMR?
Gym chalk ASMR includes gym chalk blocks and reformed gym chalk as part of the audio or visual triggers. Often, gym chalk blocks will be crushed, cracked, shaved, chopped, scraped, or rubbed to evoke a specific sound. Visuals like pouring dye over dry blocks and watching them absorb or covering them in glitter can add to the visual triggers. Gym chalk ASMR is a rising genre of ASMR with millions of followers and counting.
What is gym chalk used for?
Gym chalk is most commonly used for weight lifting, gymnastics, and rock climbing, but in recent years, it has also become popular with ASMR fans for its crispy, crunchy sounds and powdery, dusty visuals.
What is gym chalk made out of?
The main ingredient in gym chalk is magnesium carbonate, but often gym chalk brands will include other fillers to improve the texture and usability of the chalk.
What is reformed gym chalk?
Reformed gym chalk is gym chalk powder that has been recycled and reformed to create new crispy, crunchy shapes to be crumbled. Often, other powders, cleaners, and additives can be included to change the texture of the chalk powder and create new textures and sounds.
How long does it take reformed gym chalk to dry?
Depending on the methods you use, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for reformed gym chalk to dry. Many professional gym chalk ASMRtists will use a dehydrator to speed up the process, but you can also dry your reforms outdoors, in front of a box fan, or even in your oven or air fryer.
Can you reform chalk in the oven?
Yes, you can dry reformed gym chalk in the oven. However, you need to be more careful about which ingredients you use. Cornstarch-based products, for example, will often become stiff and rubbery when baked. It's recommended that you use only chalk powder and gentle softeners, like fabric softener, in your mix when oven baking.
How can I make homemade gym chalk blocks?
Most people use calcium carbonate and/or magnesium carbonate with a mixture of other ingredients, like powdered starch or softening agents, like fabric softener or Pinesol. Every homemade chalk texture is unique, so it's best to experiment and find what works best for you.
What is hydrophobic gym chalk?
Hydrophobic gym chalk is any gym chalk powder that is resistant to mixing with water. The chalk seems to repel the water around it, giving it a cool, beaded effect that is fun and unnerving for some to watch. Examples of hydrophobic molecules include alkalies, some soaps, and oils.
Do you have to wear a mask when crushing chalk?
Yes, you should always wear a respirator mask and protective eyewear when crushing gym chalk. Like any dust, the powder or residue can build up inside your lungs, causing damage. Some powders, like sand, cement, clay, and stone can leave behind silica inside of your lungs. Silica exposure can cause lung cancer, silicosis, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Gym chalk does contain small amounts of silica too, so it's always important to protect your lungs. And protecting your eyes and skin, by covering up and cleaning thoroughly after exposure can prevent any issues from arising.
