Using sunbeds (aka indoor tanning) and working out is a great combination, because you will keep your body looking slim and toned and you will give your skin a sexy sun-kissed glow. Having a tan will make your muscles look more defined and can give the illusion of slenderness.

Here's a picture I found online (courtesy of serunamujer.com) of a before and after picture taken minutes apart...you'll notice the biggest change that was made was that they tanned (and shaved)!

A great workout in the gym and a few minutes on the tanning bed every couple of days will have you looking like a buff, bronzed babe in no time! Obviously tanning is NOT a replacement for a consistent exercise and healthy eating program...but it sure can help!

However, if you work out and use a sunbed, you might be wondering whether or not it is better to do one before the other. Should you get a tan, and then go workout? Or should you do your exercise first and tan afterwards? #FirstWorldProblems! 😉

Tanning Before a Workout

One of the disadvantages of tanning before your workout is that it can zap your energy. When you are lying under the heat of a sunbed, your muscles relax and your body sweats and may become slightly dehydrated. It’s a lot harder to do a strenuous workout immediately afterwards because of this. Imagine how much harder it would be to go outside for a run if the temperature was very hot outside.

Also consider that you may have tanning lotion on your face and when you sweat it may get in your eyes...so make sure to rinse the lotion off your face before you begin exercising!

However, some people report that tanning before their workout helps to relax their muscles and warm them up, which results in better performance.

Tanning After a Workout

There are some disadvantages to using a sunbed after your workout, such as the fact that you will be all sweaty when you are trying to apply the sunbed lotion and you might feel extra warm due to your raised heart rate. Make sure that your heartrate has returned to a normal pace before lying down.

Some people don’t like the sensation of lying in a sweaty sunbed after they have just been exercising.

However, some say that tanning after you exercise will allow your skin to take in more UV rays because your pores will be open and your blood will be circulating. This means that you can get a better tan by using the sunbed after working out. Also, the feeling of the warm sunbed might be relaxing after a workout and can be a soothing experience.

If you tan after your workout, you will probably want to have a shower afterwards to rinse all of the sweat and tanning lotion from your skin.

It is also very important to drink lots of water, whether you tan before or after your workout. Exercising will make you dehydrated, and so will tanning, and if you are doing one after the other your body will need lots of fluids. If you feel thirsty, drained or develop a headache, this is a sure sign that your body is becoming seriously dehydrated. Take a bottle of water with you to the gym always and keep drinking from it throughout your workout and before and after your tanning session.

The Result

It's really up to each person and their preference. I think it'll also depend on type, length and intensity of their workout.

Whether you choose before or after....either way you should choose Caribbean Tan! Members of Titan Fitness get a VERY discounted rate to add UNLIMITED tanning at Caribbean Tan to their gym membership. Click HERE for the special offer that expires soon!

Have fun and happy tanning and exercising!