Did you get a new tattoo or thinking about getting one? A 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found nearly 2 in 10 young adults are thinking about their first tattoo1.
Also, 32% of US adults have at least one tattoo, with 38% of women and 27% of men1. You’ll need to learn how to care for your tattoo and make lifestyle changes while it heals.
This includes figuring out if can you workout after getting a tattoo. You’ll also need to know how long to wait before starting some exercises again.
Key Takeaways
- Most people can workout 2-3 days after getting a tattoo2
- Avoid high-intensity workouts for at least a week after getting a tattoo2
- Stay out of pools, lakes, oceans, saunas, and hot tubs for at least a month to prevent infection2
- Stay out of the sun for at least 4 weeks to avoid cracking and fading of the tattoo2
- Cleaning and moisturizing the tattoo area are crucial steps in aftercare to avoid infections or color loss3
Why you should wait to exercise after getting a tattoo?
Getting a new tattoo is exciting. But, it’s key to wait and let your skin heal before working out hard. Tattoos are made by needles that poke your skin to put ink in it4. This makes your skin an open wound that can get infected. Working out too soon can make it worse and even fade your tattoo4.
The first weeks after a tattoo are very important for your skin to heal. You might see tattoo swelling, tattoo scabbing, and tattoo peeling as your skin grows new4. Hard workouts can mess with this healing and cause problems, like infections4.
To make sure your tattoo heals right and looks good, you should slow down or stop working out for a bit4. It’s also important to follow the tattoo care instructions your artist gives you5.
“Your first workout after getting a tattoo should be low-intensity and should avoid excessive stretching or contracting the scabbing area.”4
Waiting for your skin to heal helps avoid problems. This way, your tattoo will look great for a long time.
How long do you have to wait?
After getting a tattoo, wait at least 48 hours before working out67. The time you can exercise depends on the tattoo’s size, design, and where it is. Also, how your body heals is important.
Smaller tattoos like lines or dots might let you work out sooner6. But bigger, detailed tattoos or those in stretchy areas should wait a few weeks6.
Talk to your tattoo artist to find out when it’s okay to start exercising again67. They can give you advice based on your tattoo and healing.
| Healing Timeline | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Rest and focus on skin repair6 |
| 2-3 days after | Most people can start working out again6 |
| 1-2 weeks after | Avoid high-intensity workouts to allow for proper healing6 |
| 4 weeks after | Swimming, saunas, and sun exposure should be avoided6 |
| 6-7 days after | Resume full-intensity training for most individuals6 |
Listen to your body and talk to your tattoo artist. They will help you know when it’s safe to start exercising again. This way, your tattoo will heal well and you won’t have any problems.
Can you workout after getting a tattoo?
You can work out after getting a tattoo, but wait times vary8. Most people can start working out 2-3 days after8. But, avoid hard workouts for a week8.
Stay away from pools and hot tubs for a month to avoid infection8. Also, avoid the sun for 4 weeks to keep your tattoo looking good8. It takes about 6-7 days to heal enough for hard workouts again.
9 Tattoos usually heal in two weeks, but it depends on size and your immune system9. Different body parts heal at different rates. Arms and legs heal faster than the torso9.
Exercise is safe a day after getting a tattoo, as long as it doesn’t touch the floor9. Avoid hard activities like sports for a while9. Also, don’t soak in water for two to four weeks to prevent infection9.
9 Try to sweat less on a new tattoo. Wash it after working out9. Walking or cycling are good exercises during recovery.
10 Tattoos usually heal in 4-6 weeks10. Avoid heavy sweating for at least 72 hours10. Scabs usually fall off by the third or fourth week10.
It takes 4-6 weeks for the skin to fully repair10. Itching should go away in two weeks with good care10. Avoid exercises that touch your tattoo area during recovery.
9 Gyms are full of germs, so be careful9. You can swim again around the 4-week mark if your tattoo is healing well.
10 If you sweat a lot, wash the tattoo with a mild cleanser10. Pat it dry and use moisturizer to soothe itching.
Consulting your tattoo artist is key to determining the safest timeline and activities for your specific situation.
Safe exercises
After getting a new tattoo, it’s key to take it easy. Avoid hard activities that could hurt the healing skin. But, you don’t have to stop working out11.
You can start with light exercises 2-3 days after getting a tattoo. Just make sure to avoid the tattooed area11.
Safe exercises include gentle strength training, light cardio, and yoga11. Stay away from hard workouts for a week to help the skin heal11.
Don’t do things that could hurt your tattoo, like swimming or using saunas1112. Wait about 4 weeks before doing these things to let your tattoo heal12.
Also, don’t let your tattoo get too much sun for 4 weeks. This can cause problems like infection and fading1112. Avoid tight clothes for the first 2 weeks to prevent irritation11.
By being careful and slow with exercise, you can stay active. This lets your tattoo heal well1112.
Everyone heals differently. So, listen to your body and talk to your tattoo artist or doctor1112.
Also Reade: How long does Pre Workout take to Kick In?
Which exercises are not recommended?
After getting a new tattoo, it’s important to take it easy. Avoid exercises that could harm the healing process13. Most people can start working out again 2-3 days later13.
It’s best to skip high-intensity workouts for a week13. Also, avoid pools and water for a month to lower infection risk13. Don’t let the tattoo get sun for at least 4 weeks.
13 For the first 24 hours, rest the skin to help it heal13. Start with light activities like walking or simple bodyweight exercises after the first day13. After a week, you can do more intense workouts, but at a lower level13.
Full intensity training can start around 6-7 days later13. This makes sure the tattoo heals right.
14 You can do cardio, HIIT, CrossFit, weightlifting, or bodybuilding the day after14. But swimming should wait until the tattoo is fully healed, about 2 weeks13. After 4 weeks, you can safely swim again if the tattoo is healed.
Stay away from exercises that cause sweating, friction, or stretching on the tattoo13. This includes yoga poses that stretch the skin. Being careful with your workouts helps your tattoo heal well.
How to keep that new tattoo safe during workout?
Even after the healing period, you must still protect your tattoo during exercise15. Wear loose, breathable clothes to avoid rubbing and irritation. Clean and moisturize the tattoo right after working out15.
Also, make sure to clean gym equipment before using it to avoid infections15.
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for a few weeks to prevent fading and damage15. These steps help you exercise safely while keeping your tattoo looking great.
Watch your tattoo closely during and after exercise16. Look for signs like irritation, itching, or too much heat. If you’re worried, talk to your tattoo artist16.
Using products like SecondSkin can also help protect your tattoo from exercise problems16.
