A tattoo is a big commitment with its risks, but if you’re sure you want to get one, why not? With society being more open to tattoos, this is perhaps the best time to set up an appointment with your local tattoo place and have your favorite design etched into your skin forever.

However, what many fail to consider before getting tattoos is that they are not only a decoration on your body but also a responsibility. If you want to keep your tattoo looking as much as it did when you first got it, it’s crucial to care for it.

Besides avoiding the sun and applying sunscreen on your fresh tattoo, you must also avoid hitting the gym for some time.

The Effect of Working Out on the Skin

The last thing you want to do is make your skin tighter than it already is, right? Well, that is a common misconception people have about tattoos. Many people think that because they’re getting a tattoo on their skin, they can work out as they please, and it won’t affect the tattoo itself.

Well, when you work out too soon after you get your tattoo, you’re actually making it tighter. That is because your skin is tender and sensitive to touch. Your skin will be at its most sensitive for about the next two weeks after you get a tattoo.

This means that any activity that is anything but gentle will cause your tattoo to hurt during that period, and it will most definitely make your skin feel tighter.

As such, if working out is part of your daily life, it may be challenging to avoid it, but for the sake of your tattoo’s healing, it’s crucial to wait.

But, for how long exactly?

The Waiting Period

There is no specific period that every tattoo needs before working out as you please. It’s not like pizza where you can have it right out of the oven, or you wait a certain amount of time to have it hot and ready. While there is little definite research on this, it’s clear that the longer you wait to have a tattoo, the better it will look.

However, you must be patient enough to wait at least six weeks after you get one. Of course, some people wait even longer than that. That’s because the surface area of your tattoo is directly proportional to the amount of time you must wait. This means the bigger your tattoo is, the more time you must wait for it to heal.

After six weeks, you can go back to the gym if you want to. The only exception is if you’re planning on getting a lot of exercises, such as becoming a personal trainer or signing up for a marathon. Otherwise, you can get back to exercising and even hitting the gym as you please.

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo is a big decision you need to think about and plan. You need to talk to your tattoo artist, check out the tattoo shops, do your research, and then get yourself inked. However, you also have to take care of your tattoo to make sure it heals properly. With proper aftercare, you can be sure that you’ll have a great-looking tattoo that you can show off for a long time! If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, stop by Lucky Deville Tattoo Co! Whether it be full color, black, and grayscale, or photo-realistic portrait work, our tattoo shop is the place to be. Set up your appointment today!