Exercising and tattoos

Question I have is is there any downside to exercising BEFORE getting a tattoo..in particular, weighlifting. I'm getting a re-color and expansion of an existing tattoo done(shoulder) in the evening but also work out regularly and was going to stop at the gym beforehand. I'm not a huge bodybuilder by any stretch but didn't know if there would be a downside in regards to reaction to the ink ect..I'm thinking not Thanks

Great question to ask, I'm glad you're seeking out the information before getting tattooed. There should be no problem before getting your tattoo, but for the artists sake, make sure you shower prior to walking into the shop :) Just make sure you use common sense after you get the tattoo though, if you're doing an excercise that involves leaning the tattooed part against something other sweaty people just leaned on, that wouldn't be a good idea, and range of motion is important as well, you don't want your tattoo pulling or stretching in an unnatural direction during the healing phase and cause any tearing of the fresh skin cells during healing. Wait until the skin gets its normal elasticity back.

i always tell my weight lifter clients that for the first week i highly recomened that they do a light work out also known as a burn work where you lift light untuil you feel the burn.after that advance to medium and gradually work back into your normal program.like the other post says you do not want to do un natural stretching during healing.so go with light work out first best of luck

I currently am un-inked, and am in the middle of a turn around. I have started working out and getting into shape, and how i will be happy. Once i have achieved the body type i am after, i plan on getting my first tattoo. BUT, i want to continue to go to the gym and maintain my weight, keeping myself toned. Would you recomend the same to someone with a new tattoo as to someone getting a touch up? (waiting a week or 2 to let the skin get back to normal, taking it slow, etc). OR, would it take longer as it is a fully new tattoo, not just a touch up?

both wether its a touch up or new the skin has been opened and during the healing process the new skin cells are growing and the body is doing whta it is designed to do and thats heal the area that has been invaded.i recomened the light work out on both touch up or new thanks (don)