Fitness buffs often find it exciting to return to exercise after getting new tattoos, yet taking precautionary steps such as giving the ink time to heal will ensure a more straightforward recovery process. But, to protect the artwork, taking some time off after receiving one can prevent further aggravating its ink.
Time for Tattoo Healing:
Tattoo healing requires at least 72 hours after getting inked. So, it’s best to wait before starting vigorous activities like cardio or weight-lifting exercises that might irritate it further and take longer than anticipated to heal. Sweat from such workouts could irritate it further and prolong healing.
Sweat it out:
Sweat is your body’s natural cooling mechanism, with your eccrine and apocrine sweat glands dispensing it through skin ducts. Sweating can help regulate body temperature by dissipating heat through skin pores; how much sweat you produce depends on the activity you engage in; however, new tattoos should wait a few weeks after receiving inking before engaging in strenuous physical exercise for maximum effect.
Exercising with a New Tattoo:
Ensure not to exercise the muscles beneath your tattoo, which could stretch and irritate it during workouts. Instead, opt for exercises focused on your legs, such as squats without weights or the stair-climber, for optimal results. After working out, shower and thoroughly clean the tattoo area to reduce infection risks. Furthermore, your tattoo should be covered to shield it from gym germs.
Stretch it out:
Your tattoo is still healing, so allow it time to do its thing before stretching it prematurely or too soon – doing so may exacerbate oozing or bleeding, disrupt the healing process and lead to unnecessary scarring or bleeding.
Avoiding Intensive Exercise:
Avoid all forms of intensive exercise such as running, weight training, and overstretching of muscles and skin. Instead, opt for gentle walking or light stretching exercises. Before exercising after getting your tattoo, it is recommended to wait at least several weeks after having had one done as your skin may still not have fully recovered, potentially stretching the tattoo during any physical activities that might come your way.
Keeping it Clean:
After getting a tattoo, keeping your new skin clean is essential. Soap and water should be used twice daily when washing your tattoo to help keep it free from infection and keep its color vibrant. Your artist should provide specific instructions on how to care for and clean your tattoo. It is best to use unscented, antibacterial soap, as scrubbing can aggravate skin conditions; also, avoid using moisturizers that contain fragrance or alcohol, as these will only worsen it further. When cleaning your tattoo, gently rub in a circular motion to remove any plasma and ink that may have settled onto its surface. After cleansing your tattoo, use an aftercare ointment recommended by your artist – one without fragrance or alcohol, such as Keri or Curel, would be most suitable.
Keeping it Covered:
For the first few days after getting a tattoo, it is best to refrain from exercising; doing so could cause itching. Once your tattoo has completely healed, you can work out without feeling like there’s an additional skin patch on your body. However, please follow your artist’s aftercare instructions for some months after healing. tattoos heal at different speeds for different individuals; some may take as little as one week or up to several months. Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions closely to keep your tattoo looking as vibrant and stunning as when it was initially applied. Doing this will ensure it keeps looking its best over time.
