Can I Workout After Getting a Tattoo?
It’s a common question – can you workout after getting a tattoo? The answer may surprise you. Learn more about the best time to workout after getting inked.
Before You Workout
It can be tempting to jump right back into your workout routine after getting a tattoo, but it’s important to let your tattoo heal properly first. When it comes to working out after getting a tattoo, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Knowing these tips can help you to keep your tattoo from becoming infected and ensure that your body heals properly.
Wait until the tattoo is healed
Before you work out after getting a tattoo, it is important to make sure the tattoo is healed properly. New tattoos may be checked by a doctor, who can advise on how long to wait before resuming physical activity. The size and placement of the tattoo, as well as the type of exercise you plan to do, will factor into this decision.
Immediately after getting a tattoo, it’s important to keep it covered with a clean bandage or plastic wrap in order to keep the area protected from friction or exposure to sunlight or other environmental factors which could irritate or delay healing. It’s important not to swim in pools or hot tubs during this time, as these activities may cause bacteria and microbes to form on your skin which can result in infection. Aftercare instructions given by your artist should be followed carefully in order for the best chance at speedy healing and minimal risk for infection.
After 24 hours have passed since getting your new ink, you can typically remove the covering and begin lightly washing off any blood, lymph fluid accumulation (serum), dead skin cells and excess coloring scabs with mild soap and lukewarm water. However, it is important to avoid soaking your new tattoo for extended periods of time until all the layers of skin flakes have been peeled away from one another — usually 4-6 weeks post-tattooing depending on individual aesthetics.
Once all layers are fully peeled away from one another and all peeling is completed (this will probably involve some itching but don’t scratch!), normal physical activities such as workouts can resume — unless advised otherwise by a doctor — although special care must still be taken when swimming in pools/hot tubs or direct exposure to sunlight until full color intensity has returned and entire process is complete (can take up 8-12 weeks).
Choose low-impact exercises
When it comes to working out after getting a new tattoo, it’s important to choose activities that are low-impact. Swimming and walking are two great options – both allow you to move around without the constant jarring that you get from running and some other workouts. When possible, try to use machines like treadmills, exercise bikes or elliptical trainers with adjustable resistance settings so that you can control the intensity of your movements. You should also avoid weight lifting in areas where your tattoo is located and any workouts that involve repeated contact with the area as these can damage your skin.
Wear protective clothing
Before you hit the gym after getting inked, it’s advisable to wear protective clothing. Depending on where the tattoo is located on your body, you may want to cover your new tattoo with some lightweight fabric that won’t overheat your skin while still protecting it from sweat and dirt. Additionally, consider wearing moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and spandex that can pull moisture away from the skin and let it evaporate more quickly. Doing this will help keep excessive sweat off the tattoo, which can irritate skin cells and lead to infection. That said, if your new ink looks like it is healing well and isn’t flaking or painful, then there’s no need to cover up. As always, if the area feels irritated by any kind of fabric during your workout then you should remove it immediately for comfortability’s sake.
During Your Workout
Working out after getting a tattoo can be tricky, but not impossible. It is important to wait for the initial healing process to be completed, and follow any instructions you were given by your artist in order to ensure that your tattoo heals properly. After the initial healing period, there are a few things to consider when planning to workout with a new tattoo. Let’s take a closer look.
Avoid contact with sweat
It is important to take precautions when exercising during the healing process of a tattoo. Be sure to avoid contact with sweat, wear loose clothing when going to the gym and start off light in order to give your tattoo time to heal. Immediately after finishing your workout, ensure you clean off the area with warm soapy water and pat dry with a soft clean towel or paper towel. Consult with your tattoo artist before exercising as they will know best how long your tattoo should have to heal before engaging in any physical activity.
During your workout, avoid direct contact with equipment and surfaces at the gym that can come in direct contact with the fresh ink on your body, such as gym mats and weight machines. If you choose to use machines, be sure to use a towel or wipe down any surface area which could potentially cause friction. Always remember two key factors – patience and hygiene!
Avoid direct contact with equipment
Getting a tattoo is an exciting process, but it can be quite painful and you may need to adjust your workout routine. In order to help protect your new ink, it’s important to avoid direct contact with gym equipment while working out after a new tattoo. This means that any exercise which involves direct contact with machines or bars will need to wait until your skin has healed completely.
During the healing process your Tattoo Artist will recommend that you do not soak in water (not even sweat!) for 2 weeks; so swimming, hot tubs and saunas should also be avoided. It’s best to avoid rigorous exercise such as running for at least 2 weeks; although if you must take part in this sort of intense activity, use plenty of padding or wear loose clothing to help protect your still tender skin from sunburn and friction.
You will also want to keep sweat from coming into contact with the tattoo area, since this could further irritate the skin; stick to activities like biking or yoga where little skin-on-equipment contact is required. Always remember: no matter what exercise routine you choose for aftercare it’s best not to push yourself too hard during this time – listen what your body is telling you!
Avoid direct contact with other people
When working out with a new tattoo, it’s important to keep direct contact with other people to a minimum. This includes contact sports, such as boxing and mixed martial arts, and activities with shared equipment. Avoid placing any pressure on your newly tattooed area for two weeks. You can exercise the muscles around the tattooed area but be sure to not put too much strain on it during this recovery period.
It is also important to keep your freshly inked skin clean and protected from sweat, dirt and other contaminants. Wearing a protective wrap or garment when exercising may help protect the area from too much movement as well as dirt and sweat. Wash your hands before touching the shirt or wrap in order to avoid introducing bacteria into the healing wound.
Your freshly tattooed skin will likely still be sensitive to chlorine so you should avoid swimming or immersing your body in water until it has healed and is no longer painful or swollen. If you plan on running outdoors, wear long sleeves or pants to reduce sun exposure — this can also provide an extra layer of protection against bacteria that could enter the healing site through an open wound caused by clothing friction. Taking these precautions will help ensure that you heal quickly so you can show off your new ink!
After Your Workout
After you get a tattoo, you may be wondering if you can still go to the gym and continue your regular exercise routine. Although you should take extra care of your new tattoo, as long as you take proper precautions, it is completely safe to continue working out. In this article, we will discuss how to properly care for your new tattoo after exercising.
Clean the area with lukewarm water
When caring for a healing tattoo, it’s important to keep the area clean and moisturized to avoid infection and promote healing. After your body is done with the exercise, shower with lukewarm water – not too hot. If you feel like you need to use a cloth or remove sweat, use the scrub technique and apply gentle pressure using a non-abrasive cloth or paper towel. Additionally, make sure you don’t rub the tattoo while in the shower; instead, pat it dry and apply a thin layer of approved brand lotion to keep it moist. When drying after your shower, do not rub the tattoo but rather lightly pat or dab it with a clean towel. If possible, try to avoid any sort of friction on your tattoo for at least the first few weeks or until it is healed completely.
Apply an antibacterial ointment
After you have finished with your tattoo session, applying an antibacterial ointment is key in healing. An anti-bacterial ointment prevents infection by forming a protective barrier that locks out bacteria and other elements that can cause infection. Apply a thin layer of the ointment with a cotton swab or clean finger around the edges of the tattoo and wait until it is fully absorbed before covering with a bandage. While using an anti-bacterial ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin can help promote healing, be sure to check with your tattoo artist as they may recommend a specific brand or product. It’s recommended not to use petroleum jelly or any cream type ointments as they tend to trap moisture and won’t allow your skin to breathe properly. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the area and make sure they are completely dry before applying the antiseptic.
Wear loose-fitting clothing
After getting a tattoo, you should not work out for the first few days while your skin is healing. When you are ready to begin exercising again, there are several steps you should take to ensure that your body stays safe and healthy while your fresh ink continues to heal.
Clothing can have an important impact on your post-tattoo recovery process. You should make sure to always wear loose-fitting clothing during a workout; tightly fitted fabric can increase friction and cause irritation of the tattoo or small tears in the skin where the image has been applied. Professional workout apparel often features breathable fabrics that wick away moisture, which can help minimize irritation. Additionally, wearing long sleeves or pants may be beneficial for shielding your new artwork from sweat, which can lead to infection if it is not kept clean and dry. Wearing compression garments during intense exercise sessions may also help you feel more comfortable in the days following a tattoo session and provide gentle support as well as modulation of blood flow and improved circulation around the area of your new ink.
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