Is Working Out with Your Engagement Ring on a Bad Idea?
One of the things that make your engagement ring stand out among other jewelry is that you typically wear it 24/7. But it's not completely indestructible, leaving some to wonder: Is working out with your engagement ring on safe or is it a bad idea? While diamonds are considered one of the strongest materials on earth, perfect for long-wear, durability and everyday use, that doesn't mean they can't chip or get damaged. Plus, some of the exercises you might do at the gym could even contribute to the stone becoming loose and getting lost. Read on to find out if you can work out with your engagement ring on.
In this article:
- Can You Workout With Your Engagement Ring On?
- Risks of Working Out While Wearing an Engagement Ring
- What to Do With Your Engagement Ring While Working Out
Can You Workout With Your Engagement Ring On?
If you exercise often, or even just once in a while, you've probably questioned whether or not your ring should stay on while doing so. Regardless of what type of workout you're doing, whether you're lifting weights or engaging in some cardio, the general answer is no. Most jewelers recommend against wearing your engagement ring when working out, especially if you're going to the gym.
While many people do continue to wear their engagement ring at the gym, it is absolutely possible to damage or lose your ring when doing so. The safest and most cautious thing to do is to leave this precious piece of jewelry off of your finger during a workout.
Risks of Working Out While Wearing an Engagement Ring
Working out can potentially cause engagement ring damage or can even lead to you losing your ring or getting it stuck on your finger. Obviously, none of these situations are ideal and should be avoided, if possible. Even if you've been married for years and you've always worn your rings while exercising, consider this your sign to stop doing so. Read on to find out exactly why you shouldn't wear your engagement ring at the gym.
1. You Could Chip the Stone
If your center stone is a diamond, you might assume it can withstand basically anything. While strong, it is definitely still possible to chip your diamond. There's a risk of this happening if you lift weights, especially very heavy weights or large barbells. But it's even possible to chip the stone if you're running on a treadmill and using an elliptical—these are heavy pieces of machinery. Chipping the stone is an even bigger possibility if your ring doesn't feature a diamond and is instead made with a less strong gemstone.
2. The Ring Could Get Stuck on Your Finger
When you're working out, even during a low-impact workout, you probably get pretty hot and sweaty. This rise in your body temperature can cause you to swell up a bit, and certain parts of your body, like your fingers, could get especially swollen. If your ring fits perfectly or is even a tiny bit tight, this could mean that it might end up getting stuck on your finger—something that could cause a trip to the emergency room or even result in your ring needing to be replaced.
3. You Could Lose the Stone
If you wear your engagement ring constantly, it's entirely possible that the center stone could become a little loose—and you might not even notice that it's happened. All it takes is knocking into it with a heavy weight or hitting it against something strong, like a StairMaster, for it to come popping out. In the best-case scenario, you grab the stone and get the ring fixed. Worst case scenario? The stone rolls away and is never seen again.
4. You Can Bend or Scratch the Band
One of the biggest reasons jewelers recommend against working out with an engagement ring on is because the ring can bend or warp. This can happen when you're holding weights—it doesn't matter if they're light or heavy. Pressing weights against your ring on a regular basis can cause the band to bend, which can be really hard to fix, or can scratch the ring band. This is especially true if you have a pavé band, because not only can it bend, but the tiny diamonds can also easily fall out or get very scratched.
5. The Ring Can Get Very Dirty
Between the sweat that will inevitably get on your engagement ring when working out and the fact that it is pressing against dirty weights or machines, your ring can easily get very dirty. Dried sweat can accumulate (gross, we know) around the stones or in a pavé band and require a thorough cleaning, while weight lifting can cause an even dirtier look. If you want to keep your engagement ring clean, wearing it to the gym isn't the best choice.
6. The Ring Could Fall Off
While it's possible that your finger could get swollen, causing your ring to get stuck, it's also possible that a lot of sweat without getting swollen could make your ring fall off your finger—especially if your ring is already a little loose. It could fall off if you're jogging or doing some form of cardio where you're moving around a lot.
7. It Could Bring Unwanted Attention
Whether you're in a crowded gym or jogging or walking outside, you're most likely around other people. As scary and as sad as it sounds, your sparkling engagement ring could make you a target for a crime. Some people prefer to leave their engagement rings off when they're in a situation where it could easily get stolen, and that could be the case when you're working out in public.
What to Do With Your Engagement Ring While Working Out
If you want to protect your engagement ring as much as possible, then keeping it off when exercising is your best bet. Whether you want to keep it off completely or keep it on but give it a little extra protection, read on to find out what to do with your engagement ring when you're at the gym, at home lifting weights or going for a run.
Leave It at Home in a Safe Spot
The best and easiest thing you can do with your engagement ring when working out is leave it at home. Take your ring off before you go to the gym, head out for a jog, or just stream a workout in your home and put it in a safe spot that you're comfortable with, whether that's a little jewelry box or a drawer near your bed. This is the best way to have some peace of mind while you're exercising.
Wear It on a Chain
Sometimes, leaving it at home isn't an option, like if you go to the gym straight from work and you don't want to leave your ring off all day long. In that case, you may not want to stick the ring in your bag that's being left in a locker room. Instead, you can always slip your engagement ring over a different chain, like a necklace you're wearing. It will still be on your person, and while there are still some risks to that, it can feel safer than not having it on you.
Wear a Ring Protector
Don't want to take the ring off your finger? Try a silicone ring protector. This one is designed to protect your engagement ring from wear and tear and from bending or scratching when lifting weights and doing other workouts. You wear it above your engagement ring, and the thick silicone band sits over the band of your ring, preventing it from rubbing against weights and other objects. It has a smooth and comfortable fit, and it still allows you to show off your ring while protecting it from potential damage.
Wear It in a Pouch
If you're not comfortable keeping the engagement ring on your finger, another way to keep it close by at all times is to keep it in a Ring Hero pouch. Stretchy and breathable, this tiny pouch is worn like a wristband (and looks like one too), with a small, hidden zippered pocket to hold your engagement ring. It's sweat-resistant, moisture-wicking, can be thrown in the washing machine to be washed as needed and even has SPF 50 protection from the sun.
Keep It Safe Nearby
Another smart way to protect your engagement ring at the gym without actually wearing it is by using a Lion Latch. This tiny container is the perfect size for small jewelry items like an engagement ring. Once you remove the lid and place your ring inside, put the lid back on and place the carabiner ring through the hook. The container cannot be opened unless the carabiner ring is removed. Slip it onto your key ring and keep those nearby, knowing your ring is safe inside.
Wear a Silicone Cover
Similar to the above ring protector, this silicone cover allows you to wear your engagement ring while working out but helps protect it from damage. Unlike the other option, this one goes completely over your ring. While not quite as aesthetically pleasing, it does offer a layer of tough silicone over the center stone and the band, leaving the entire ring covered and helping to prevent possible chips and scratches on the stone instead of just the band.