Tattoos and Exercise

moochachip

After running two marathons last fall, I decided to celebrate with a tattoo. After thinking long and hard about it, I designed one and had it done yesterday on my leg/ankle. I love it (as you can see in my photo.)

I've been walking and standing around quite a bit today. Its pretty tender and sore right now, which I am sure is normal, but made me wonder if I should wait awhile until I actually exercise again? Does anyone have experience with this?

BigBrunette

Wait a couple of weeks for it to heal before you do any strenuous exercise involving your leg/ankle. At least, that's what two different tattoo artists have told me.

Daisy80

You should avoid heavy cardio type exercise as the sweating is not good for the new tattoo. You should try and keeo it dry apart form the cream. The swelling should go down soom.
I got a new one yesterday too :-) I am doing X3 and luckily I am in recovery week so not too much sweating.

chunkybun

You should be OK to exercise, but make sure you clean it well right after. Dry off with a clean towel each time as you don't want any chance of bacteria getting into it.

Once its fully dry, make sure to moisturize with an unscented lotion.

rybo

I don't think I took more than a day or 2 off for mine. As long as you are following the normal post tattoo care and not doing things that are rubbing against it you'll be fine

candythorns

as someone who has many tats I can say that you don't need to take more time off that a couple of days....if any at all

Just follow your cleaning routine (unscented soap) with whatever moisturizer they recommended (I always use unscented Lubriderm). But you should honestly be ok. Also don't cover it when you work out!

AmyZ46

as someone who has many tats I can say that you don't need to take more time off that a couple of days....if any at all

Just follow your cleaning routine (unscented soap) with whatever moisturizer they recommended (I always use unscented Lubriderm). But you should honestly be ok. Also don't cover it when you work out!

^^^ This - I got mine three weeks ago on my calf and I can tell you i took off the next day because of the pain ( it was terrible the second day ) but I exercised the day after that and no problems at all .

knightreader

can't offer any advice as i got mine before i started this whole exercise thing, but just wanted to tell you yours looks awesome. i love it!

basslinewild

I waited about a week after getting my last tattoo but that was mainly because my sternum and collar bone were tender for so long. I think you'll be fine as long as you wash it after working out.

BurnBabyyyBurn

Great question. I'm getting a tattoo soon.

determinedbutlazy

Make sure you keep it clean, moisturised and uncovered. Don't wear anything that will rub on it. I just got a new one yesterday and will be doing some yoga today.

Ophidion

Just to add keep it out of the sun till it heals!

determinedbutlazy

Just to add keep it out of the sun till it heals!

Ugh, I totally forgot some places in the world have sun at this time of year. I've forgotten what sun looks like.

PhoenixStrikes

I feel your pain! I just had my second session on a large thigh piece and it's still pretty painful. :laugh: I'll probably do more upper body workouts until it stops being tender. Just remember to wipe it clean from sweat afterword and keep it as dry as possible till it heals. Good luck.