Getting tattoos done and can't go to gym

looks cool, did they hurt?

ninerbuff wrote: »

To avoid MRSA, don't go to the gym till it's healed.

Well that escalated quickly.

I'm all for taking precautions, but I know several nurses who got tattoos and managed to not contract MRSA and I would have thought they are at higher risk than a gym.

Depends on size/location of the tattoo, but I got a relatively small one on my arm a few weeks ago, and I just put Aquaphor on it before I went out to run, and it was fine. The tattooist told me that your own sweat won't give you an infection, since it's produced by your own body. But to be sure to clean it before/after.

Now going to the gym is a different story. Way too many infection risks there with other people's sweat and germs and grossness But you can still work out pretty normally if you're not in a gym environment. Maybe give it a couple days to heal if it's a bigger or more intricate piece.

omma_to_3 wrote: »

There are lots of opinions on google out there (having a sitting done in November so I was looking). I'll talk to my artist more specifically, but the online consensus seems to be take several days off and once your tattoo enters the peeling phase, you should be OK to resume working out.

I have lots of tattoos including some very large ones, and only take 2 days off after getting them. Just keep it covered (by clothing, or whatever) for the hour or so you're in the gym, and then shower immediately after. Unless you're rubbing your tattoo on the machines, it's really not a problem. Sweating certainly isn't going to cause problems, so just avoid any direct contact.

Your artist is being ridiculous (2 weeks?!) in order to avoid a lawsuit. You'll be fine.

myfelinepal wrote: »

ninerbuff wrote: »

To avoid MRSA, don't go to the gym till it's healed.

Well that escalated quickly.

I'm all for taking precautions, but I know several nurses who got tattoos and managed to not contract MRSA and I would have thought they are at higher risk than a gym.

The risk of MRSA and tattoos exists .... mostly at the tattoo parlour. Choosing a proper artist that practices very good care is important. The issues with exercise are related not only to infection but proper healing and minimising scar risks. Depending on the type of tattoo and quality of work - two weeks is likely overkill for minor line work.

I'd stay off gym equipment for a solid week or two. Some seriously nasty stuff in there for an open wound, I've watched people take a dump and walk out of the bathroom and right over to the weights without washing their hands (people are seriously so gross sometimes). Stick to workouts at home, and even then keep it low key if you can. The first and possibly the second day after getting one I would take it easy and not workout. After that you are ok, but definitely make sure whatever you are doing isn't going to stretch, pull, or rub on the skin of wherever you got your tattoo or it could mess up the tat. Excessive sweating will also mess up the healing process, so keep your workout intensity pretty low if you choose to try and workout. A few days off from the gym won't derail your progress, but you will be mad if you mess up your tat, that will be there literally forever.

MeiannaLee wrote: »

Update: Ive acually lost some weight and finally got my period during these past four days.(I was 3 months late) I guess skipping the gym does the body good once in a while, especially when you go 6x a week xD

Umm, please see a doctor. That a sign of too much dieting and exercise.