People always assume it is to combat the cold but I believe it

is to counteract that hand swelling you sometimes get when exercising....

"Hand swelling during exercise is a fairly common problem. The cause isn't completely clear, but hand swelling appears to be a result of the way your body and blood vessels respond to the increased energy demands of your muscles during exercise.

Exercise increases blood flow to your heart and lungs, as well as to the muscles you're working. This can reduce blood flow to your hands, making them cooler. In turn, the blood vessels in your hands may react by opening wider — which could lead to hand swelling."

Posted By: Pixelman, Dec 14, 12:08:12