When you are an avid exerciser, it can be hard when something takes you out of your workout routine for even a little while. So that’s why it’s important to know that getting a brand new tattoo might stop you from being able to work out, at least for a short time. If you’re planning to get a tattoo and want to know how it’ll impact your ability to exercise, here is what you should know.
A new tattoo is an open wound, meaning that it’s very important to keep it clean and away from bacteria. Unfortunately, sweating and going to a gym with lots of other sweaty people isn’t the greatest for your fresh, open wound. That’s why you’ll want to stay away from gyms and avoid vigorous exercise for an absolute bare minimum of 72 hours after you get a new tattoo.
That being said, a tattoo isn’t fully healed after 72 hours; it requires at least 2-4 weeks to get to that point. So after the 72-hour period, you’ll still have to exercise caution (pun intended).
Depending on where your tattoo is, you might have to modify or avoid certain exercises until your tattoo is healed. For example, if your tattoo is on your back, you probably shouldn’t do sit-ups for a while.
And if you swim, you’ll have to stop doing that entirely until the tattoo is completely healed.
