Urgent warning to fitness fanatics: Expert reveals the one item you should NEVER wear at the gym

Fitness fanatics will wear all sorts to the gym, whether it be trendy trainers or the latest smartwatch to track their progress.

But experts have revealed one item you should always remove before you start running on the treadmill or lifting heavy weights.

While it might feel strange to take off your wedding or engagement ring, keeping it on during workouts can lead to sweat, grime and bacteria building up, they warned.

And it could even pose a risk of serious injury.

Neil Ditta, a jewellery expert from Angelic Diamonds, said gyms are already notorious hotspots for bacteria and fungi, with sweaty surfaces and close contact making infection easy.

The recent rise in high-intensity workouts is further fuelling risk, he said.

Here, he provides seven reasons to always take off your engagement and wedding rings before working out.

So, will it convince you to remove yours?

Gyms are already notorious hotspots for bacteria and fungi, with sweaty surfaces and close contact making infection easy (stock image)

Germs

A recent survey of 2,000 ring owners found that 66 per cent never clean their jewellery, despite advice to do so at least every six months.

Your ring can become a ‘breeding ground’ for bacteria when you add sweat, dirt and grime from gym equipment, Mr Ditta warned.

‘Jewellery worn during exercise collects bacteria that can cause skin redness, rashes or infections,’ he said. ‘If your skin around the ring starts to look sore or inflamed, it is a clear sign to give your ring a break and clean it thoroughly.’

Damage

Metal dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells are tough and metals like gold and platinum can get scratched, bent or dented through repeated contact.

‘The constant gripping and friction during workouts weakens the ring’s band and can loosen stones,’ Mr Ditta said. ‘Damage may not be obvious straight away, but it builds up quickly over time.’

While diamonds are hard, they can also chip or crack if hit hard enough – and the risk is even higher for rings with softer gemstones like sapphires or emeralds.

Wearing wedding or engagement rings to the gym can fuel sweat, grime and bacteria build-up, a jewellery expert has warned (stock image)

Swollen fingers

Exercise boosts blood flow and can cause fingers to swell, meaning a ring that fits perfectly at rest might become too tight mid-workout, making removal difficult or even painful.

‘Swollen fingers combined with tight rings are a common cause of emergency visits to A&E,’ Mr Ditta said. It is an avoidable risk if you remove your ring before exercising.’

Ring avulsion injuries

Ring avulsion happens when a ring catches on equipment and forcefully pulls on your finger, causing serious damage to skin, tendons, or bone.

Tens of thousands of these injuries are reported annually, many in gyms or during sports.

Risk of loss

Sweaty fingers and vigorous movements can heighten the risk of a ring slipping off unnoticed, Mr Ditta warned.

Irritation

Gym sweat, dirt and chemicals from gym cleaning products can harm both your skin and rings.

Meanwhile dirt and sweat trapped in the ring’s crevices dull its sparkle and speed up wear on metals and stones.

How high-intensity training is even riskier

Trends like CrossFit, HIIT, weightlifting, and functional training are booming. These workouts often involve fast movements, gripping, and heavy lifting, all prime for causing jewellery damage or injury.

‘High-intensity training is fantastic for fitness, but tough on rings,’ Mr Ditta said.

‘The combination of heavy weights and rapid motions increases the chance of your ring getting caught, knocked, or damaged.

‘Functional training especially involves equipment and grips that can easily snag jewellery, so it is simply safer to leave rings at home during these sessions.’