Perhaps you are wondering if it's okay to work out right after getting a tattoo if you are physically active.

Fortunately, tattoos and exercising are not mutually exclusive, but you should consider a few things first.

Is it possible to work out after getting a tattoo? High intensity training should be avoided for 2-3 days after high intensity exercise. Following the tattooing, it's recommended to wait slowly with light exercise programs until the new tattoo is completely healed (2-3 weeks).

Our goal in this post is to share some recommendations and best practices for taking care of a new tattoo while exercising, as this is a topic that is often discussed.

Here are 5 reasons why you should not work out after getting a tattoo

1. Risk of infection

Sweat sinks into your skin and can get into your tattoo, causing itching and infection.

2. Irritation

Healing time will be delayed, and the area where your tattoo is located may become extremely irritated.

3. The color of the tattoo can fade

When practicing after a new tattoo, there is the risk of tattoo ink disappearing from the tattoo.

Despite tattoo inks doing a pretty good job of staying inside the skin throughout healing, it is possible for the ink to be lost through the top layer of the skin in the early stages.

It is possible that your new tattoo may run out of ink if it is kept wet for long periods of time. Moisture should be kept in the tattoo area, but excessive sweating should be avoided.

When the tattoo is completely healed, you will not have to worry about ink bleeding out.

4. Excessive bleeding

Excessive bleeding from your tattoo can also be caused by exercise, as it increases your blood pressure.

5. Compromised performance

Rather than concentrating on your workout, you will probably be focused on your tattoo. Physically and mentally, this results in an interrupted workout.

Best Practices for Training After Getting a New Tattoo

It is not recommended to exercise after getting a tattoo until 48 hours have passed. Some light training may be possible after these 2 days, depending on the location of the tattoo.

In order to ensure that your tattoo heals perfectly and with the least risk, we recommend waiting at least two weeks.

Nevertheless, we recognize that many people can't wait and need better alternatives. As a result, we have created a list of best practices and tips for training after getting a tattoo.

1. Start slowly

If you decide to exercise while your tattoo is healing, which we do not recommend, you should at least do light exercises such as:

• Walks
• Easy stretch
• Light weight lifting
• Yoga
• Other forms of lower-intensity exercises.

You can resume your normal workout routine once the tattoo has healed completely after 2-3 weeks.

2. Avoid swimming or water sports for at least 4 weeks

It is forbidden to swim or do anything water-related until your tattoo has completely healed. In both pools and seas, bacteria are more prevalent in water, which is why this happens.

3. Avoid direct sunlight

Make sure your tattoo is not exposed to the sun, for example, if you decide to take an easy walk. The combination of sunlight and tattoos is not recommended. Take this into consideration, therefore.

4. Wear loose clothing to prevent rubbing

If you want your new tattoo not to rub against your clothes, choose clothes that fit loosely.

5. Disinfect the gym equipment

This may seem obvious after the pandemic, but it's good to remember that bacteria spread faster in polluted environments.

Properly cleaning the equipment you use will reduce your risk of infection.

6. Make sure you clean your tattoo before and after training

Be sure to clean your tattoo properly before and after working out, just as you would equipment.

7. Avoid locker rooms

Wet locker rooms are more prone to bacteria and aren't always well-cleaned.

If you avoid them while you have a new tattoo, you will reduce your risk of getting an infection.

New Tattoos and Running

All runners should wait at least a week before resuming any kind of running.

Running moves almost every part of your body, so it doesn't matter where your tattoo is, it will be affected.

Summary

Missing a few training days is okay if it prevents infection and other complications.

If you give your skin time to heal, you can return to exercising quickly.

What is our recommendation? After a few days, you can train gently. Avoid direct sunlight and water at all costs.

It is also possible to wait a few days to sweat if you are able to sit through an entire tattoo session.