Did you get yourself a tattoo and now wondering if you can work out or not? It is normal that if you work out regularly and get a tattoo, you might be interested in doing both things side by side but working out just after a tattoo is not a suitable idea. Once you get a tattoo you can not work out right after getting it. So, how long to wait to work out after the tattoo? Read below to find the answer.
Why Can’t You Workout Right After Tattoo?
There are different reasons. If you pull and move the tattooed area, it can interfere with the healing process prolonging it, and can also result in discoloration and disfiguration of the tattoo.
Your tattoo is like an open wound because getting a tattoo involves puncturing the skin with many tiny punctures that can bleed out easily. Different germs and bacteria can also enter the body through these open wounds and the gym machines can also harbor some harmful bacteria.
When you exercise, your skin stretches. Lots of stretching and sweating in the tattooed area due to a workout can affect the healing process of the skin. The sweat can also cause itching and infection at the tattoo site.
When you work out, your blood pressure also increases. So if you exercise right after getting a tattoo, it can lead to excessive bleeding from the tattoo.
Now, let’s get to the main question how long do you have to wait to work out after getting a tattoo?
How Long To Wait To Workout After Tattoo?
When you get a tattoo, it is recommended to wait for 2 days before you engage in any physical activity or strenuous workout. This is because when you get a tattoo, your skin remains covered in the foil for at least 24 to 48 hours. After 24 hours the bandages are removed.
Sometimes it also takes more than 4 weeks for the tattooed wound to heal properly. It also depends on the place of the tattoo. For example, if you get a tattoo at a place where the body stretches and sweats a lot like the torso, elbows, or somewhere around your knees, it is advised to delay your workout for some time.
Let’s see what kind of workouts are not recommended to do after a tattoo.
What To Avoid After Getting A Tattoo?
After getting a new tattoo, it is recommended to not work for 2 days so that your tattoo heals properly.
1- Avoid Working Out Outdoors
The tattooed skin is really sensitive. You should avoid working out in the sun outdoors as it might fade or bleach your new tattoo along with causing sensitivity. It is recommended to keep your new tattoo away from sunlight for 4 weeks.
2- Don’t Swim
The majority of tattoo artists suggest avoiding swimming for a minimum of 2 weeks. If you swim before your tattoo has healed, it might break down and fade the ink of the tattoo. If you swim in pools, it might cause irritation and infections as these pools are chemically treated.
Conclusion
After getting a tattoo, you need to wait 2 days before engaging in any physical activity or strenuous workout. A tattoo wound needs 4-6 weeks to properly heal before you can get back to a normal physical routine. If your work out before the healing time, your tattoo being an open wound, can get an infection and interfere with the healing process. Working out also stretches and sweats the skin which delays the healing process of the skin and might cause excessive bleeding from the tattoo.
I look up to fitness as a lifestyle and love to pen down about it. I have 2 years of experience in content writing and I am here to share my research and knowledge on health and fitness.
