Should you wear rings during your workout?

culled from:pulse.ng

For the married folks out there, it's easy to imagine you going to the gym, all prepped for a gruelling workout, while sporting jewelry.

We Nigerians seem to think taking off our ring is a sign of dishonesty in marriage as some people have been seen with deformed fingers from wedding bands that were too small or washed out unto their fingers.

This is also a question every newly-engaged fitness fanatic runs into. What am I supposed to do with my ring when I’m at the gym?

Leaving it in your car could be risky but is it really safe to keep jewelry on when you’re sweating it out?

“Many women have certain pieces of jewelry that never come off,” acknowledges Franci Cohen, a certified personal trainer and nutritionist based in New York.

“But it can definitely pose as a dangerous weapon during workouts.” Cohen learned this first hand as a teen, when she left a ring on while kickboxing and ended up with cuts and bruises not just on her ring finger, but on the two surrounding it.

What you do with your ring might depend on what you're doing. Weights while wearing a ring is another easy way to hurt your hand and the band to boot, says Jenny Skoog, a personal trainer in New York City.

She’s seen precious stones get knocked out of their settings, and the band itself can get banged up during weight workouts. Plus, a ring can affect your grip, which might pose a safety risk.

While many women wear their engagement and wedding rings on chains around their neck while they work out, necklaces are a no-no, says Cohen.

“One summer, a friend of mine scratched her cornea while jogging, as her gold necklace, which had sharp edges, flew up at her face and nicked her eye.”

Skoog also recommends against bracelets, watches, and earrings, all of which can get caught on your clothing or equipment during exercise and cause you to injure yourself.

Ultimately, what you do with your ring is up to you, But if you're worried, get in the habit of taking off your jewelry before leaving the house for a sweat session.

You could also try this out:Make a two-inch slit in a tennis ball with a box cutter, then stash in your gym bag.

To store valuables, squeeze the ball and pop money or jewelry inside.