Urgent warning for fitness enthusiasts: Experts - don't do this during workouts

Medical Advice

Express newspaper

26/06/2025 19:59

Fitness enthusiasts wear everything — from the latest sneakers to smartwatches to monitor progress.

But experts warn that there's one thing you should definitely remove before you get on the treadmill or lift heavy weights:

Wedding or engagement rings.

As strange as it may seem to temporarily remove your love ring, wearing it while exercising can lead to a buildup of sweat, bacteria, and dirt, experts say.

It can even be a serious risk of serious injury.

Jewelry expert Neil Ditta of Angelic Diamonds warns:

"Gyms are already high-risk places for bacteria and fungi, due to sweaty surfaces and close contact. The growing trend towards high-intensity exercise further increases the risk."

He brings 7 reasons why you should remove the ring before every workout:

1. Bacteria and microbes

A survey of 2,000 people found that 66% never clean their ring.

Sweat and dirt that collect during exercise make the ring a "haven" for bacteria, which can cause:

skin rash

exasperation

infections

2. Physical damage

The metal weight of dumbbells, kettlebells, and bars can scratch or distort the ring.

Even precious stones, such as diamonds, can crack or split if hit hard.

The risk is even greater for softer stones like sapphires or emeralds.

3. Swelling of the fingers

During exercise, blood circulation increases and fingers become numb.

This can make removing the ring painful or impossible, often resulting in an emergency.

4. Severe Injuries – “Ring Avulsion”

A ring that sticks to the equipment during exercise can pull hard on the finger, causing:

skin damage

tendon rupture

bone fracture

There are tens of thousands of cases every year, many of them in the gym.

5. The risk of losing it

Sweat and vigorous movements can cause the ring to slip off your finger without you feeling it.

6. Skin irritation

Sweat, dirt, and chemicals from gym cleaning products can:

damage the skin

dim the shine of the ring

accelerate the wear of metals and stones

7. High-intensity exercise increases risk

Types like CrossFit, HIIT, weightlifting, or functional training involve fast movements and strong grips.

“These forms of exercise are great for health, but bad for the rings,” says Ditta.

"It is much safer to leave them at home during these activities." /GazetaExpress/