Tattoos & Lifting: Can You Lift With A Fresh Tattoo?

Summary by Krater

A powerlifter with extensive tattoos discusses how to train and heal tattoos concurrently with tattoo artist Shane Ford, offering advice on modifying workouts and aftercare.

From the video

Answers: How do you train and heal tattoos when powerlifting?

• tattoo healing and powerlifting training
• modifying exercises for fresh tattoos
• tattoo aftercare products and routines
• managing sweat and joint movement on new tattoos

Exercises

• bench press · barbell
• overhead press · barbell
• deadlift · barbell

What it concludes

• Modify training to avoid stretching or moving skin over freshly tattooed joints during the healing process.
• Avoid high-bar and low-bar squats if you have upper back tattoos, and use front squats or safety bar squats instead.
• Switch from bench pressing to overhead pressing to avoid laying on freshly tattooed skin.
• Keep new tattoos moist using Aquaphor ointment, especially in winter, to prevent scabbing.
• Use glycerin soap as a simple cleanser for washing new tattoos.
• Leave tattoos uncovered for the first 4 to 5 hours, or remove bandages the next morning.