By Nikita Jeppesen

Working Out After Getting Tattooed - What You Should Know

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but it comes with certain responsibilities. One of the most important is taking care of the tattoo during the healing process. This means avoiding any activities that could potentially damage the skin or cause infection. One question that often arises is whether it's safe to exercise after getting a tattoo. In this blog post, we'll discuss some important information you should know about exercising after getting a tattoo.

  1. Wait a couple days and stick to light exercise

It's important to wait until the tattoo is fully healed before engaging in any strenuous physical activity. This is typically around 2-4 weeks after getting the tattoo, although the healing time can vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Exercising too heavily too soon can cause excessive sweating and rubbing, which can damage the tattoo and slow down the healing process. Additionally, exercise increases blood flow, which can cause bleeding in the tattooed area and lead to complications.

  1. Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating

Excessive sweating can cause irritation and infection in the tattooed area. Therefore, it's important to avoid activities that cause excessive sweating during the healing process. This includes activities such as hot yoga, intense cardio workouts, and weight lifting. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises that don't cause too much sweating, such as walking or light stretching.

  1. Keep the tattoo clean and dry

During the healing process, it's important to keep the tattoo clean and dry to prevent infection. This means avoiding activities that involve water, such as swimming. When you shower, we recommend using our Dr Pickles Foaming Tattoo Wash to clean your tattoo morning and night. It can also be beneficial to keep the tattoo covered with a waterproof bandage like our Dr Pickles Tattoo Film to protect it from water for the first couple of days. 

  1. Avoid tight-fitting clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can cause rubbing and irritation on the tattooed area, which can slow down the healing process. It's best to wear loose-fitting clothing during the healing process to allow the tattoo to breathe and avoid any unnecessary rubbing.

  1. Listen to your body

Ultimately, it's important to listen to your body when it comes to exercising after getting a tattoo. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or excessive bleeding, it's best to stop exercising and give the tattoo more time to heal. Remember that every person's body is different, and the healing process may take longer for some people than others.

In conclusion, exercising after getting a tattoo requires some extra care and attention. It's important to wait until the tattoo is fully healed before engaging in any strenuous physical activity, avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, keep the tattoo clean and dry, avoid tight-fitting clothing, and listen to your body. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tattoo heals properly and looks great for years to come.

 

Published: 24/2/2023 | Author: Nikita Jeppesen