Can You Workout With A Necklace On: Here’s What You Should Know

A necklace is a piece of jewelry that is worn around the neck. It is one of the oldest forms of adornment and has been used by various cultures throughout history for both aesthetic and symbolic purposes.

Necklaces can be made from a wide variety of materials, including precious metals like gold and silver, gemstones, beads, shells, and even natural materials like leather and wood. Specifically a necklace is one of the most popular choices as a wearable fashion piece ans some exercise enthusiasts love fashion so much they want to wear them 24/7 including the gym.

Here are some key aspects of necklaces and their role in the world of fashion:

1. Historical Significance: Necklaces have a rich history dating back thousands of years. In ancient civilizations, necklaces often had cultural and religious significance. For example, in ancient Egypt, necklaces were worn as protective amulets, and in ancient Rome, they were a symbol of wealth and status.
2. Materials: Necklaces can be crafted from a wide range of materials. Precious metal necklaces, such as gold and silver, are classic choices for formal occasions. Gemstone necklaces feature various types of gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Costume jewelry necklaces are typically made from less expensive materials like glass beads, plastic, or base metals like brass and copper.
3. Styles: Necklaces come in a plethora of styles to suit different occasions and personal tastes. Some popular necklace styles include:
   • Choker: A choker necklace is worn snugly around the neck and is typically 14 to 16 inches in length. It sits high on the neck and can be a trendy and fashionable choice.
   • Pendant Necklace: This type of necklace features a pendant or charm suspended from a chain. The pendant can be personalized with a symbol, initial, or meaningful design.
   • Statement Necklace: These necklaces are bold and eye-catching, often featuring large or elaborate designs. They are intended to make a statement and are often worn with simple, understated outfits.
   • Beaded Necklace: Beaded necklaces are made from various types of beads, including glass, wood, or semi-precious stones. They can be simple or intricate and are versatile for both casual and formal wear.
   • Layered Necklace: Layering multiple necklaces of different lengths and styles has become a popular trend in recent years. It allows for a creative and personalized look.
4. Cultural and Symbolic Meanings: Necklaces can carry cultural or symbolic meanings. For example, a cross necklace may hold religious significance for Christians, while a hamsa hand necklace is a symbol of protection in Middle Eastern cultures.
5. Trends in Fashion: Fashion trends influence necklace styles and designs. What’s fashionable can change over time, with certain styles gaining popularity in different eras. Designers and fashion houses often incorporate necklaces into their runway shows to showcase new trends.
6. Personal Expression: Necklaces are a way for individuals to express their personal style and preferences. Whether it’s a subtle and elegant necklace for a formal event or a funky and colorful one for a casual outing, people use necklaces to enhance their overall look and make a fashion statement.

Everyone knows that working out is essential to your health, but sometimes we can forget to take off our jewelry when rushing out the door, specifically a necklace.

Wearing a necklace during a workout seems to enhance the experience yet remains a mystery when it comes to the unspoken rules behind it. Here’s what you need to know below. 

General Things to Know

In most cases, it is fine working out with a necklace on or even a cuban link chain, but there are a few things you want to take into consideration such as your necklace length, weight, and durability. Wearing a 12–14-inch necklace is your safest bet. You’ll be able to avoid your necklace bouncing around wildly, brushing your arms, getting tangled with machinery, or becoming an annoying hindrance to your workout in general. Wearing too long of a necklace could led to tugging, where your skin could get damaged by your jewelry, or it could get caught in your hair.

It’s recommended that you wear a necklace that is light and simple, otherwise the weight could slow you down and negatively impact your overall performance. Robust metals such titanium or stainless steel are durable and can handle hitting equipment without becoming damaged. Gold and silver metals are a bit more delicate and could end up becoming dented or bent if they hit a weight or sturdy piece of gym equipment. 

Does My Necklace Affect My Skin? 

Be mindful of the type of necklace you wear while working out because they can have a negative impact on your skin. Cheap base metals such as copper, nickel, and brass corrode easily and can leave your skin green and/or blackish. Sterling silver necklaces and gold-plated necklaces can lead to skin discoloration as well. This unsightly skin discoloration occurs when copper commonly used in jewelry reacts with oxygen in the air. This creates a copper oxide deposit that leaves the green or black residue on your skin. The skin discoloration isn’t harmful and does clear up with time. 

According to Shape Magazine, 15% of people are allergic to nickel, which is found inside a lot of cheap jewelry. A lot of cheap jewelry sold at malls contain nickel, which leads to skin irritation. This can make your skin itchy, red, swollen and sometimes bumpy. Friction combined with sweat can cause gold to leach out of jewelry, which can lead to a reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis. This is an uncomfortable red rash that forms on the surface of your skin. 

Purchase something cool such as a cuban link chain to accessorize with their workout outfit. Several pro athletes from a variety of sports backgrounds love wearing necklaces while being physically active, such as Olympic medalist Bernard Lagat, Major League Baseball (MLB) player Mookie Betts, and China’s soccer player Wang Shenchao.

Will Sweat Ruin Your Necklace?

According to metallurgist Shahram Sheybany, the best metallic material to wear while working out is stainless steel material. Consider wearing 316 stainless to the gym because it is highly resistant to chloride found in your sweat. Sweat is harsh on metals such as sterling silver and gold, but you may not notice the tarnishing until months later. You should avoid wearing cheap necklaces to the gym mainly because they’re made from brass, copper, and/or nickel. Many of these metals easily corrode from sweat as well as oils, and the same idea applies to gold-plated jewelry. If you really wish to wear a necklace during your workout, go for high quality metals such as solid gold anything above 18 carats, sterling silver, and gold-filled jewelry. The most optimal type of necklace you should wear that won’t get ruined by sweat is silicone. 

Take Care of Your Necklace 

It’s highly important to clean your necklaces or your cuban link chain following any kind of workout especially the more intense ones where you leave drenched in sweat. Sweat and chlorine dulls the brilliance of your necklaces so it’s ideal to clean your jewelry with mild soap, warm water and possibly a small brush. Another reason to clean your jewelry is for hygienic reasons and to reduce your chances of infection as well as skin irritation. Your necklace can accumulate the buildup of bacteria every time you workout so it’s crucial that you clean it thoroughly and on a regular basis. 

Conclusion

Wearing necklaces and other jewelry to the gym is becoming a popular trend for fitness enthusiasts and gym goers alike, but can you truly workout with a cuban link chain hanging from your neck? The short answer is yes, but there are several factors you must take into consideration first, before donning a necklace. You have to find the perfect length and the right material so you can avoid skin discoloration. It’s also important to be weary of the type of metal because it could become damaged or lead to an injury. Post workout care for your necklace is important so you can maintain the brilliance and shine. If you follow the advice and knowledge above, you’ll be well equipped for any workout in your cuban link chain or any other necklace that fits your taste.