We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Tattoos & Working Out

changejen2013
changejen2013 Posts: 87
edited February 7 in Chit-Chat
I got a new tattoo 3 days and and its beginning to scab and heal. I clean it multiple times a day and apply the aquaphor stuff like I'm told. Am I allowed to work out and sweat while it's healing? I don't want it getting infected but I literally just logged onto this site for the first time in 4 months and I want to get back into working out. Do I need to wait a week or so until the scabs are gone or should it be ok if I just wash it after? HELP need advice!

Replies

  • dslfkhad
    dslfkhad Posts: 4
    I don't have any experience with this, but what I've heard from friends you should be alright. I was told so long as you don't have a wet shirt sitting on it for prolonged periods of time you're fine. I had a friend who worked out after getting a tattoo on their shoulder and seemed to have no problems. They just used a sleeveless shirt (or tank-top) and dabbed off the sweat if it got too bad.

    Always remember the old workout adage: if it hurts, don't do it! I'd recommend trying your normal routine for a week, making sure to dab off any sweat in regular intervals, and if you don't experience any irritation, then you should be alright.
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    You can exercise as much as you want depending on location. If the tattoo is in an area that rubs with exercise (like your foot, bra line, etc.), then wait.
  • PhoenixStrikes
    PhoenixStrikes Posts: 587 Member
    As long as you aren't too sore from the tattoo you're fine to work out. Just clean it and pat it completely dry when you're finished.
  • Patzycakes
    Patzycakes Posts: 175 Member
    As long as its not getting rubbed a whole bunch (where it might disturb the scabs) you're good. Just wash it and pat it dry after working out, reapply your cream stuff and you should be fine.
  • changejen2013
    changejen2013 Posts: 87
    Great, thank you everyone!
  • kristibusque
    kristibusque Posts: 178 Member
    I just had my foot tattooed and chose not to work out for a week just so it wouldn't rub. After that I just left my laces a little looser than usual and made sure I cleaned it well. No problems! :)
  • xxghost
    xxghost Posts: 4,697 Member
    I had the top of my foot tattooed, and exercised like normal for the first week without my shoes. I was at home, so I could do Zumba/30DS/elliptical with bare feet. As long as nothing is rubbing, you're good to go!
  • missashleigh92
    missashleigh92 Posts: 37 Member
    i just finished 2 sittings of tattooing on my forearm; it was fine for me working out as normal so long as i didnt wear sleeves. but who wants to wear long sleeves anyway when theyre heating up while running about. :)
  • minijag06
    minijag06 Posts: 70
    My tattoo guy says no working out for 4 days - and the day of the tattoo does not count as one. It sucks but you don't want it infected. After the four days, I just make sure I clean off the aquafor and clean real good and then reapply the aquafor. Now I see everyone else is saying workout and don't rub it. My tattoos took 6 - 10 hours so they are pretty major. If it's just a quick 30 minute outline kind of deal, I'm sure you could get away with it.
  • mrsamanda86
    mrsamanda86 Posts: 869 Member
    Like most have said, working out is fine as long as it doesn't bother the scabs. I worked out the day after I got more work on my arm, and it still looks just fine/healed normally.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories