Getting a tattoo is something very exciting and it really is the perfect partner for exercise, whether it's weights or fitness. It's ideal to be able to show off your body art when you go to the gym and wear clothes that reveal much of your body.
But it is very important to be aware of aftercare. Once your tattoo heals, you may be tempted to get back to exercising. Let's keep in mind that the gym is one of the best places to display body art but also There is a chance that you will sweat and expose yourself to germs.
Therefore, since getting a tattoo is an experience that can be somewhat painful, it is essential to heal it in the correct way, waiting for the entire necessary healing process to occur. to avoid bad results such as infection, allergies, or the tattoo being poorly healed.
To do this, some considerations must be taken into account. Can you exercise with a recent tattoo? How long do you have to wait? And what precautions should you take?
In this article we'll explore whether you can exercise with a new tattoo, how long you should wait, and everything else you need to know about exercising with a tattoo.
Can you exercise with a recent tattoo?
The first thing you should consider before getting a tattoo It's whether you can exercise immediately. In some cases, it may be okay to exercise after a recent one, if done the right way.
But in some cases, you may have to wait for it to heal completely before starting the practice. Exercise can cause your tattoo to swell, which can damage it. It will be important for you to get an idea of what a healthy exercise routine looks like for your specific situation.
How long should you wait?
The general rule is that you should wait the entire tattoo healing process without rushing it, and then start exercising without any complications. This could take at least a couple of weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo.
It is important to follow all the steps that your tattoo artist has explained to you when getting your tattoo, and ask when it will be safe to resume your normal exercise routine.
If you exercise before the tattoo has completely healed, It can cause the tattoo to stretch or become infected. Additionally, if you sweat during exercise, you can damage the healing process and cause discoloration.
Precautions you should take
Once your tattoo is completely healed and you are ready to start exercising again, it will be important to take some precautions.
You should never exercise with a fresh tattoo, but always wait until it is completely healed. When you start exercising, it's also important to stay away from activities that will cause your tattoo to bruise.
Activities like skateboarding or contact sports may not be the best option when you have a new tattoo. Instead, opt for activities such as cycling or jogging, which will prevent your tattoo from becoming damaged.
The exercise that is totally prohibited is swimming, you should avoid it for at least two weeks after getting a new tattoo since pools are treated with chemicals that can cause infection and irritation. In the case of swimming in natural waters such as lakes and oceans, harmful bacteria can be introduced into the wound.
Also It is important that you take extra precautions to protect your tattoo from the sun, because UV rays They can cause the tattoo colors to fade. Be sure to apply sunscreen before going outside and wear clothing that protects your tattoo.
Additional care for exercising after a tattoo
Once you know that your tattoo is completely healed and you are ready to start an exercise routine again, you should take extra care to ensure that your tattoo does not become infected or damaged.
You have to keep in mind that tattoos can take weeks and in some cases months to completely heal, and you should continue to take precautions when resuming your physical activity such as:
- You can start with low intensity training that do not make you sweat as long as it does not involve the tattooed area.
- Other ways to start is to practice gentle exercise such as light cardio or restorative yoga, those exercises would not be a problem.
- Make sure your tattoo stays clean and use an antibacterial soap to wash it.
- It will be important to clean the tattoo after exercising to get rid of any bacteria or sweat.
- Furthermore, Be sure to apply unscented lotion to the tattoo to keep it hydrated, as exercise can dry out the skin.
- You should wear loose clothing to avoid friction and facilitate the healing process.
- Keep tattoos protected from the sun, the ideal is to do exercises indoors, if you do it outdoors you have to use sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
We also have to keep in mind that total healing depends on some factors such as the size of the tattoo, the technique used and the immune system of each person. So it is difficult to say an exact date.
You should also not think that because a tattoo is black and white it will heal faster than a very colorful piece, the difference is in the pigments, but it is not what prolongs the healing time.
Many times the most important thing is the surface, if they are larger it will take more time to heal before returning to the gym.
When the tattoo begins to heal the skin relaxes and there is no pain around the tattooed area. If you notice that something is not going well in the healing process, you feel itching or the color changes, you should consult your doctor quickly.
Finally, if you want to exercise with a recent tattoo, it is important that you take special care. It may be okay to exercise once your tattoo has fully healed, but be sure to take precautions to avoid damage.
Take it easy, start with a gentle exercise routine, and make sure to keep your tattoo clean and moisturized. If you take care of your tattoo by following these tips, you will be able to enjoy your workout while your tattoo remains a happy and healthy part of your life.