For many health and fitness enthusiasts, bodies serve as a canvas where they sculpt not only their physical form but also their personal narratives. Countless hours are spent breaking down muscles with many hour dedicated to recovery, nutrition and rest. Like a carefully crafted physique, tattoos often tell a similar story. They mark milestones and reflect personal values. Wearing the art as armour often has a profound impact on spiritual and emotional well-being. The two are inter-connected.
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Fitness meets ink
Stepping into the world of fitness and ink, the journey begins with stories and insights from a professional tattoo artist at FY Ink Tattoos. The shop is located in the heart of Toronto, where art, culture, and diversity intertwine. Known for being home to industry leading artists and for tattooing some of the most famous celebrities like Justin Bieber, Lewis Hamilton, Travis Scott and many more.
Sitting down with Key Tattoos, he was keen to share his experiences and insights on the fascinating intersection between tattoos and men’s health. As we delve into the captivating world of tattoo artistry, we discover how FY INK Tattoos has become a sanctuary for those seeking to transform their bodies into living canvases that proudly wear their stories for all to see.
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Armour made out of ink
In the world of tattoos, the art of designing ink that seamlessly fits and flows with the anatomy of the wearer’s body is a unique challenge and an extraordinary achievement. This art form demands a harmonious collaboration. One between the artist’s creativity and the canvas of the individual’s body, creating a striking fusion of body and art.
When I design large-scale tattoos for men, I like to think of the process as designing an armour. I take into consideration the natural form of the wearer’s body and the energy they would carry with them. Each piece is created to embody a feeling, whether that is strength, honour, or resilience. Their inked armour does not only adorn the skin but transforms the wearer into a modern-day warrior.
Muscle growth vs. aesthetic
A common question is often whether muscle gains overtime will affect the overall appearance of a tattoo. The simple answer is yes.
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I asked the very same question to Key, a prolific artist who specializes in hyper-realistic black and grey tattoos. “Muscle gains can impact the look of your ink. As you build muscle, your body’s contours and dimensions may change, which can stretch or distort the original design of your tattoo. It’s advisable to consult with a skilled tattoo artist who can offer guidance on placement and design considerations that account for potential changes due to muscle gains.”
Hardknocks
Our quest to uncovering the relationship between men’s health and tattoos wouldn’t be complete without speaking to professional athletes. So I made a stop at Hardknocks Boxing Club in Toronto. Home to many internationally renowned fighters and champions. In discussion, we dove deep to learn about why fighters get tattooed. More importantly, how being inked makes them feel when they are in the ring.
Many of the fighters we interviewed shared something in common. Whether it was a last name proudly displayed symbolizing a legacy in their chosen sport, portraits of loved ones, or memorials to family members who had passed away, these tattoos held deep and multifaceted meanings. Each fighter carried with them a symbol of the people who had pushed them forward. Not just in the ring but in life itself.
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As professional fighter Adrian Bembridge, who trains at the Hardknocks Boxing Club, eloquently put it, “Every time I go in the ring, I know I have them behind me, and I know that they are proud of me.” For Adrian and many others like him, their tattoos serve as a constant reminder of the unwavering support and inspiration they derived from their loved ones.
Emotional & mental well-being
In the realm of physical fitness, the connection between body and mind is undeniable. Investing in one’s physique could elevate drastically how you feel about and present yourself. This rings especially true for fighters. Their ink represents the harmony between a healthy body, a resilient mind and spirit. As aptly articulated by Luis Zarate, “I think the way you process the information when you see yourself in the mirror, it definitely changes how you feel. You’re crafting your own self. It’s not just about looking good, although that’s a byproduct of the hard work, dedication, and countless hours invested in becoming the person you aspire to be.”
Feature image by Gordon Jason
