Working Out After a Tattoo: What You Need to Know

Are you as passionate about tattoos as you are about working out? So are many of our clients. But if you’ve just gotten a tattoo, you may need to put your exercise regimen on pause for a short time while your body heals. Otherwise, you may risk infection, damaging your tattoo, or prolonging the healing process.

How long do you need to wait before hitting the gym? And once you’re ready to sweat again, what’s safe and what’s off limits? We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Can You Work Out Immediately After Getting a Tattoo?

The short answer? No. After getting a tattoo, we recommend waiting at least 48-72 hours before any strenuous activity, and here’s why:

• Sweating can irritate tattoos and increase the risk of infection
• Excessive movement can disrupt the healing process
• Friction caused by tight clothing can damage the tattoo
• Gym equipment harbors bacteria and may cause infection

Treat your tattoo like an open wound. Fresh ink can take two to four weeks to heal on the surface and three to six months to fully heal.

What Kind of Post-Tattoo Workouts Are Safe?

Once that 48- to 72-hour post-tattoo timeframe passes, you can gradually reintroduce light workouts into your regimen. However, it’s important to stay mindful of your new tattoo.

Begin with:

• Low-impact cardio like walking, jogging (if the tattoo isn’t on your legs), or biking (if the tattoo isn’t on your lower back or legs)
• Light weightlifting that doesn’t stress the tattooed area or stretch the skin
• Gentle yoga that does not strain or stretch the skin in the tattooed area

Essentially, acceptable exercises include light movements that do not:

• Directly strain or stretch the skin in the tattooed area
• Do not cause excessive sweat
• Do not involve holding static positions
• Do not cause friction with clothing
• Do not directly expose your tattoo to gym equipment

What Kinds of Workouts Should I Avoid?

In general, we recommend avoiding outdoor exercise that exposes your tattoo to sunlight. Tattoos are incredibly sensitive, and sunlight may fade fresh ones. We recommend keeping your tattoo out of the sun for at least four weeks.

We also recommend putting your swimming routine on hold for at least two weeks. Exposing your tattoo to pool chemicals can cause irritation and infection, and going for a dip in lakes and oceans can expose your tattoo to bacteria.

Additional Considerations

Remember that the healing isn't over once you've passed the initial waiting period and are ready to resume light workouts. How you treat your tattoo in the next four to six weeks will impact its final appearance.

• Clothing: Once you return to the gym, protect your tattoo by wearing loose clothing. Avoid compression gear or anything that can cause friction. 
• Cleaning: During the healing process, clean your tattoo after sweating using lukewarm water and unscented, antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a paper towel.
• Moisturizing: Apply a thin layer of tattoo-friendly moisturizer after cleaning your new ink to prevent your skin from cracking or drying out.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout to ensure proper healing.
• Listen to your body: If you experience any pain, redness, or unusual swelling in the tattooed area, stop exercising and consult with your tattoo artist.
• Gym equipment: Use a clean towel to place a barrier between your tattoo and any shared gym equipment.

Three Locations. Infinite Possibilities.

Have tattoo aftercare questions? Ready to consult with an artist who can bring your vision to life? We can help. With three locations to assist you, Bay Ink Tattoo can help you bring a work of art to life or keep it looking its best. Book a tattoo appointment, or contact us if you have questions!