The thought of jumping into a hot shower after a workout does sound enticing, but it’s not the best thing to do for your health. Why? Because it puts extra stress on your body. “After a workout, the body is already heated up, the heart rate is high, and the blood vessels are wide open to cool you down. Hot water further raises your body temperature, which may make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint,” said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
It can also increase dehydration, especially if you’ve been sweating a lot during exercise, Dr Agarwal continued.
Exercise causes blood vessels to expand, and muscles require more oxygen. When you stop, the body starts to redirect flow and cool slowly down. “Taking a hot shower too quickly gets in the way of this natural process. Instead of helping recover, it might leave you dizzy, particularly if you’re already marginally dehydrated,” added Dr Aniket Mule, consultant, internal medicine, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
According to Dr Agarwal, your muscles and joints also need some time to cool down. “It is better to wait at least 15–20 minutes after your workout before taking a hot shower,” said Dr Agarwal.
Do you work out regularly? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
In the meantime, drink some water, stretch, and let your heart rate come back to normal.
So, are cold showers best after exercise?
“A lukewarm or cool shower immediately after exercise is a safer choice to refresh and relax,” said Dr Agarwal.
According to Dr Mule, they cool down the body, decrease inflammation, and can be beneficial for muscle recovery. Many athletes use cold water immersion for these purposes. “Ice-cold showers are not required, though lukewarm water is good enough for most individuals, providing refreshment without shocking the system,” said Dr Mule.
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Does this imply that hot showers are bad in general?
Not really. Hot showers can soften tight muscles and ease tension. They are best after your body has leveled out, preferably later in the day or after sufficient cooling. Timing is everything, said Dr Mule.
What to note for fitness buffs?
Consider recovery as a part of training. Just as with hydration and stretching, itis crucial to let the recovery process unfold naturally. Minuscule changes in routine do wonders to enhance post-workout recovery,” said Dr Mule.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
