When it comes to gym etiquette, there’s an abundance of advice about what to wear and what to leave at home. Yet, a unanimous recommendation from jewelers, fitness trainers, and healthcare professionals is to take off your wedding or engagement ring before hitting the weights.
It might feel odd to leave it behind, but wearing it can lead to issues like bacteria, injuries, or even damaging the ring itself.
Impact on the ring
Makaila Donovan, who co-founded TMC Fine Jeweler, emphasized how crucial it is to remove the ring while working out, regardless of its sentimental value. She mentioned that lifting weights or using resistance machines can put undue stress on it.
Over time, this stress could lead to issues like stone misalignment, scratches, or loosening of the setting. This risk isn’t something to take lightly, especially since precious metals like gold are soft and can easily be deformed.
Additionally, sweat and dirt that build up during workouts can dull the ring’s finish. Donovan pointed out that many people overlook this; grime accumulates quietly, especially on rings with intricate designs.
It can affect your training
Ben Lucas, co-founder of Flow Athletic, agrees and adds that wearing a ring can even impact your exercise routine. For example, discomfort can arise during specific movements, like when in plank position or doing yoga. He highlighted that you might end up with cuts or blisters from pinching or circulation issues.
Potential health risks
Furthermore, Dr. Zach, a general practitioner, warns that wearing a ring during workouts could lead to emergency room visits. He explains that when lifting weights, the ring can create friction against sweaty skin, resulting in a condition known as wedding ring dermatitis. This type of contact dermatitis is caused by moisture, friction, and dead skin buildup.
If you need more convincing, research indicates that rings can harbor approximately 730 million bacteria, including harmful strains like Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to serious infections.
When doing strenuous training, any small skin irritation could become an entry point for bacteria, according to Dr. Zach. There’s also a risk of an allergic reaction to the metal, particularly if the ring contains nickel or low-grade alloys.
He also cautioned about the dangers of “ring peeling damage,” which happens when the ring gets caught on gym equipment, leading to potential injuries.
So, what should you do instead?
Experts advise leaving your wedding rings at home or in a secure spot while working out. If sentimental value is important, consider wearing a silicone band that is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and designed to break if necessary. If you can’t part with your ring, using training gloves might offer some protection—but the safest option is really just to leave it at home.
