Tattoos and Working out

mcibty
mcibty Posts: 1,252 Member
in Chit-Chat
Hiya,

Just booked a tattoo for August and I'm wondering when I'll be able to workout again? I'm (hoping) by August I'll be maintaining, rather than hitting it as hard as I do now, so I'll get away with doing gentler exercise. I don't want to not work out, but I don't want to jepordise the healing of the tattoo, as it's going to be fairly large, on my ribs.

Replies

  • Iron_Lotus
    Iron_Lotus Posts: 2,295 Member
    I have lots of tattoos and I have been able to work out with them no problem.


    ETA: I have a full sleeve that has been constantly worked on every 3 weeks.
  • JustCallMe_Tanya_Eh
    JustCallMe_Tanya_Eh Posts: 954 Member
    I have alot of tattoos and it never stopped me from working out
  • mrs_castro
    mrs_castro Posts: 11
    I just got a tattoo on my foot. And was wearing shoes working out the next day :)
  • ChelsieDOSH
    ChelsieDOSH Posts: 8
    You'll probably just have to go easy on whatever area you're getting the tattoo on.
  • TracyJo93
    TracyJo93 Posts: 197 Member
    I didn't work out for two or three days. It was on the back of my shoulder and hurt to lift weights and I didn't want to get it really sweaty with cardio. After that you'll be fine! Make sure to wash it really good with antibacterial soup and use whatever lotion your artist recommends!
  • mcibty
    mcibty Posts: 1,252 Member
    Cool - I know I'm over-thinking it, but worth being safe!
  • _crafty_
    _crafty_ Posts: 1,682 Member
    I have one on my back that I've been getting work done on every couple weeks for a couple months and it hasn't slowed me down one bit. Just keep up with your regular after care and it shouldn't be an issue.
  • rassha01
    rassha01 Posts: 534 Member
    Depends on where it is and how big but it shouldn't be a big issue.
  • Spartan_Chick
    Spartan_Chick Posts: 8
    Yep. I've worked out the day after having work done. I'd just slather some tattoo goo or something similar over it to keep the sweat out of any open wounds.
  • kendrafallon
    kendrafallon Posts: 1,030 Member
    I would say it depends on where you're having your tattoo as to whether you're able to continue working out. I had a half sleeve done last year (my first) and it didn't stop me from training.
  • MustangUSN
    MustangUSN Posts: 28 Member
    Husband works out religiously. Morning exercise includes sit ups, push ups and 2-5 mile run. Just had 2 different fairly large tats on his abdomen (either side of rib cage) and it didn't affect his morning routine whatsoever. Guess it all depends on how you feel.
  • TitzMcGeez
    TitzMcGeez Posts: 104
    I've got quite a few tattoos, even one on the foot. never stopped me from working out :)
  • clobern
    clobern Posts: 341 Member
    Lifting or running or whatever you do won't matter with a tattoo. As long as you aren't scraping it on something, you should be fine. It might be sore, but it shouldn't damage the tattoo if you're working out with a fresh one. I got my tattoo recently on Saturday and was in the gym on Monday since Sat/Sun were my rest days.
  • nhouse3417
    nhouse3417 Posts: 105
    I just got a new tattoo on Sunday on my foot and I didnt go Monday or Tuesday to the gym because I didnt want to put my foot in my shoe yet. Today I would have gone if I wasnt up all night not feeling well. So you can just use your judgement, on your pain and healing. Good luck! I am wanting one on my ribs now as well!
  • escloflowneCHANGED
    escloflowneCHANGED Posts: 3,038 Member
    I did 6-8 hour sessions and it only stopped me for a few days at the maximum because my ankle swelled up like I was a pregnant lady!
  • BioMechHeretic
    BioMechHeretic Posts: 128 Member
    Not sure how short these people's sessions are, but I always sit for 6/7 hours at a time. There is NO way you would want to work out for 2-3 days after that, if your working out is actually strenuous physical working out. Generally I will do nothing for 3 days, light isolated weights away from the healing area and light cardio for 3 days and THEN back into the full swing.

    If you're getting a small piece of flash or some little one to two hour postage stamp piece then yes that healing time will shrink.

    It's on your body for the rest of your life, you can spare a few days of not working out and eating a little lighter to compensate some.
  • boredlimodriver
    boredlimodriver Posts: 264 Member
    It won't stop you from working out, but you don't want to goto the gym for a couple days til the skin heals. There are alot of germs in the gym. You don't want them getting in your open wounds.
  • rmhand
    rmhand Posts: 1,067 Member
    Hitting the gym shouldn't be a problem. Just don't swim in a chlorinated pool. I've heard it can bleach the ink in a new tattoo that hasn't healed.
  • Cliffslosinit
    Cliffslosinit Posts: 5,044 Member
    Not sure how short these people's sessions are, but I always sit for 6/7 hours at a time. There is NO way you would want to work out for 2-3 days after that, if your working out is actually strenuous physical working out. Generally I will do nothing for 3 days, light isolated weights away from the healing area and light cardio for 3 days and THEN back into the full swing.

    If you're getting a small piece of flash or some little one to two hour postage stamp piece then yes that healing time will shrink.

    It's on your body for the rest of your life, you can spare a few days of not working out and eating a little lighter to compensate some.

    ^^This....size, placement, etc.
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    Really depends. I got a 6-7 hour piece on my back last summer. I couldn't even wear a bra for a few days because I was so sore. A few days later I was good to go...
  • StrongFitSexy
    StrongFitSexy Posts: 129
    I'm getting a tattoo on my ribs too very soon, but I would still work out:) Tattoos can't stop me!
  • kju52
    kju52 Posts: 45 Member
    technically you could work out the same day
  • TikiTony13
    TikiTony13 Posts: 323
    never had any issues training after a tat.might be a little sore first couple of days tho
  • Sarahonly
    Sarahonly Posts: 36 Member
    I didn't work out when I got my foot tattoo, but I guess that's just me. I didn't want to risk the rubbing of the sock/shoes and possible colour loss. (I also had a friend who got one on each foot and they swelled three times their size, so there's that too).

    As for other areas, I wore loose clothing and it was fine. I just don't like the thought of friction on a new tattoo.

    edited b/c I can't type today :P
  • iLoveMyPitbull1225
    iLoveMyPitbull1225 Posts: 1,690 Member
    I was worried about this with my most recent one, but my artist told me its nothing to worry about. Just don't let it get saturated with water or sweat for an extended time.
  • Bakerchk
    Bakerchk Posts: 424 Member
    I think it entirely depends on a lot of factors, where you're getting it, how many hours you need to sit for, if the artist has a heavy hand, etc. I have over a dozen tattoos and most didn't bother me. But I sat for 8 1/2 hours in one session on my thigh and couldn't walk for 2 days after, so obviously that slowed me down. Just listen to your body.
  • carbons2k
    carbons2k Posts: 383 Member
    Ive gone to the gym 20 mins after being inked
  • kathyms13
    kathyms13 Posts: 497 Member
    ive got tatoos had them for years, cant show you cos one is on my boob and the other is on my back, but when i loose some more i wont a new one, by the way im 66 in a few months.
  • crackur
    crackur Posts: 473 Member
    ive got tatoos had them for years, cant show you cos one is on my boob and the other is on my back, but when i loose some more i wont a new one, by the way im 66 in a few months.
    that's awesome....

    I'm getting a half sleeve friday, I worked out after a few days on my last one but he suggested I wait a week on this one....I was thinking I could walk for a week.....or do some C25K. I'm currently doing weight work and T25 Beta.

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