New tattoo and the gym?

Curvycurly223

Hi everyone,

I just got a tattoo on my forearm yesterday and I'm wondering how long you typically wait before heading back to the gym? Or if you wait at all?

Lannie79

I don't have tatoos but my husband does. He waits 2 - 3 weeks before swimming to ensure time to healing. No need to wait for the rest of the gym. Cardio & lifting shouldn't affect it.

SonyaCele

my old gym partner would wait a couple weeks when he had his sleeve worked on

MsSquatAlot

I'm sleeved and also have most of my right leg. I highly recommend waiting a week before going back to the gym because the skin is still broken and staph, among other bacterias that could screw you up, love to live in gyms.

Antibacterial soap and unscented lotion my friend.

Unknown

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Pam_Shebamm

I'm back the next day after a tattoo. I had a quarter sleeve done last year and I'd just wear a long sleeve shirt to protect it for a few days after each session. It was annoying because I usually wear a tank top, but it was fine.

I'd also wash it as soon as I got home.

That tattoo had multiple sessions and I have other tattoos. I have never had a problem with the healing process.

Leadfoot_Lewis

Put some cling-wrap on it and wear a long sleeve over it. Wash it immediately when you get home. Keeping it clean is the key when it's healing.

CM_73

I waited a week, at least until the skin has fully protected itself.
The tattoo is there for life, just not worth risking it for the sake of a few days in my opinion.

crackpotbaby

I am moderately to heavily tattooed depending on who's judging. I would personally stay away.

Your gym is full of MRSA and other nasties, not to mention other gym users don't want your weepy ooze or flaky skin all over the equipment.

Wait until it's healed.

A healthy looked after tattoo will heal in 2-3weeks max.

An infected cellulitic tattoo contaminated by some skanky half wiped down with a sweaty towel bit of equipment could be ruined or even leave you in hospital on IV antibiotics to clear an infection.

You've committed this tattoo to your body for life. Commit a couple of weeks to proper aftercare and healing.

davidcliff

Depends, what are you going to be working on while at the gym and how fast you heal. At least wait until everything is done oozing. Wash before, apply aquaphor, go to gym, come home and wash.

MsSquatAlot

Please DO NOT EVER put any sort of plastic wrap over a tattoo with the exception of the hour directly post tattooing. You will sweat out your ink and trap in bacteria.