5 Reasons Why Working Out After Getting a Tattoo is not Recommended

You can ensure proper healing and avoid issues like fading or infection by adjusting your routines after getting a tattoo.

Aftercare steps like cleaning the area and applying tattoo numbing cream can help you avoid irritation and infection. You will also want to avoid your regular workouts for at least two to three days after getting your artwork, and it may take several weeks to get back to your usual routine.

Here is why this break from the gym is necessary.

1. Infections

Gyms have many high-touch surfaces containing some bacteria. Your tattooed area is like an open wound, so bacteria on machines, benches, free weights, or mats can easily get below your skin, causing infections.

2. Friction

Workout clothes will rub against your skin during exercises, causing inflammation and irritation, so any contact between your tattoo and equipment will be painful.

3. Colour fade

Intense workouts may stretch your skin and cause perspiration. These things could make the tattoo pale and lead to premature fading or dulling of the colours after only a few days.

4. Bleeding

Blood vessels around the newly inked skin will be sensitive for a week or more. Working out might increase pressure on these healing areas, causing bleeding during or after exercise.

5. Performance

The discomfort and concerns about infection or damage to your new body art may limit your routine, so it is usually better to refrain from full workouts rather than risk problems with your new tattoo.

How long should you wait to work out after your tattoo?

At least 48 hours is the waiting time after getting a tattoo. Keep in mind that it will take four to six weeks for the area to heal completely. Here are some considerations for getting back into your workout routine in the weeks after getting a tattoo.

1. Tattoo placement. Avoiding workouts to minimise stretching out the tattooed area.
2. The tattooed area should be thoroughly cleaned after a workout until it heals completely.
3. Opt for loose fitting clothing to avoid irritation.
4. If you work out outside, the tattooed area should be covered to avoid fading. This step is always a good idea, even after healing.

Use the best tattoo numbing cream to reduce irritation during and after your tattoo

Numbastay Tattoo Numbing Cream, the best tattoo numbing cream in Australia, has three active ingredients — tetracaine, prilocaine, and lidocaine — to deal with the initial discomfort. Dermatologist-tested Numbastay Tattoo Aftercare Oil, which relies on purified lanolin to naturally speed healing and can also aid your aftercare routine. Even with the tattoo numbing cream and oil, you will need to be careful about exercise during the days after getting your tattoo.