{"id":50650,"date":"2023-04-18T16:43:14","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T16:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=50650"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"cold-shower-after-workout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? Here&#8217;s What The Science Says"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#What_Does_A_Cold_Shower_Do_After_A_Workout\" >What Does A Cold Shower Do After A Workout?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#1_Cold_Showers_Can_Reduce_Cardiac_Stress\" >1. Cold Showers Can Reduce Cardiac Stress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#2_Cold_Showers_Can_Trigger_The_Sympathetic_Nervous_System\" >2. Cold Showers Can Trigger The Sympathetic Nervous System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#3_Cold_Showers_Can_Give_You_A_Mental_Boost\" >3. Cold Showers Can Give You A Mental Boost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#4_Cold_Showers_May_Have_A_Placebo_Effect\" >4. Cold Showers May Have A Placebo Effect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#5_Cold_Showers_May_Trigger_Catabolic_Hormones\" >5. Cold Showers May Trigger Catabolic Hormones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#6_Cold_Showers_May_Not_Speed_Up_Post-Exercise_Recovery\" >6. Cold Showers May Not Speed Up Post-Exercise Recovery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#7_Cold_Showers_Arent_An_Effective_Weight_Loss_Aid\" >7. Cold Showers Aren&#8217;t An Effective Weight Loss Aid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#When_To_Take_A_Cold_Shower_After_Workout\" >When To Take A Cold Shower After Workout?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#How_Soon_After_Workout_To_Do_Cold_Shower\" >How Soon After Workout To Do Cold Shower?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#How_Long_A_Cold_Shower_After_Workout\" >How Long A Cold Shower After Workout?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#What_Does_A_Hot_Shower_Do_After_A_Workout\" >What Does A Hot Shower Do After A Workout?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#Which_Is_Better_Cold_Or_Hot_Shower_After_Workout\" >Which Is Better, Cold Or Hot Shower After Workout?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve seen athletes immerse themselves in a cold plunge pool after an intense workout, you may be wondering what a cold shower could do for your body.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It turns out that there are some potential benefits to taking a cold shower after exercise, but the research is still inconclusive. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The popularity of cold showers after exercise is somewhat influenced by Cold Water Immersion (CWI), a technique used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts that involves immersing their body in cold water after exercise.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have suggested that CWI may help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and fatigue\u2014all of which are beneficial post-exercise (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27704555\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). That said, there is a lack of research specifically examining the effects of cold showers on recovery after exercise.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on to find out what the current science says about the potential benefits of taking a cold shower after exercise, whether or not hot water is a preferable option, and how to make sure you&#8217;re taking a safe shower.<\/span><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_A_Cold_Shower_Do_After_A_Workout\"><\/span><strong>What Does A Cold Shower Do After A Workout?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a couple of reported <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/hot-cold-shower-therapy\/\">benefits<\/a> of taking a cold shower after a workout.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include reducing inflammation, relieving soreness and helping with recovery . Many fitness gurus believe that cold water can help reduce the inflammation caused by strenuous activity, allowing the body to repair itself more quickly and effectively (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27631616\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They assert that cold showers stimulate circulation and can help relieve muscle soreness post-workout (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/are-cold-showers-good-for-you\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A close look at the science behind taking a cold shower after a workout is not as clear-cut. Here&#8217;s what we know so far:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Cold_Showers_Can_Reduce_Cardiac_Stress\"><\/span><strong>1. Cold Showers Can Reduce Cardiac Stress<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a 2019 study, participants cycled in hot weather and then took cold showers to cool down.\u00a0 Researchers found that the cold showers significantly reduced their cardiac stress, lowering the participants&#8217; heart rates and reducing the amount of time it took for them to return to a resting state (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/334729164_Effect_of_Cold_Shower_on_Recovery_From_High-Intensity_Cycling_in_the_Heat\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How important is this for post-workout recovery? Not very. After exercise, your heart rate will return to normal over time without any intervention. A cool-down routine that involves light movement and stretching is likely to be as or more effective than taking a cold shower.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such a routine offers additional <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/is-hot-water-bad-for-your-hair\/\">benefits<\/a>; it helps to reduce lactic acid build-up and can lead to improved flexibility (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/healthy-living\/fitness\/fitness-basics\/warm-up-cool-down\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But since working out in hot weather can be uncomfortable, and a cold shower may be a more appealing option, it may be worth giving cold showers a try.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/do-cold-showers-burn-fat\/\"><i>Debunking The Myth: Do Cold Showers Really Burn Fat?<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47396 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207619-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Fitness App\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207619.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207619-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207619.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207619-1635x920.png 1635w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207619.png 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Cold_Showers_Can_Trigger_The_Sympathetic_Nervous_System\"><\/span><strong>2. Cold Showers Can Trigger The Sympathetic Nervous System<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body&#8217;s fight-or-flight response. It activates when the body is under duress, and can be triggered by sudden exposure to cold water. This response can lead to increased alertness and improved focus (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenhub.com\/en\/library\/anatomy\/sympathetic-nervous-system\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proponents of cold showers after exercise suggest that triggering the sympathetic nervous system may help promote recovery and prevent fatigue (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplypsychology.org\/sympathetic-nervous-system.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). In a way, this is true. Think of it like this: if you have a stressful day ahead, you might take a cold shower to wake up and feel more alert.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same principle could be applied to post-workout recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the science is still inconclusive, and there are a few things to consider before you decide to make cold showers part of your post-exercise routine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firstly, what time of day are you exercising? Assuming you exercise in the morning, it&#8217;s likely that you want to feel alert and focused for the day ahead. In that case, a cold shower would be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you exercise in the evening, it&#8217;s best to stay away from cold showers before bed; they may make it harder to fall asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondly, consider how intense your workout was and how much stress you are putting on your body. If you are doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or other intense workouts, the stress on your body can be significant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold showers are not recommended in this situation; they may just add more stress to an already taxed system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Cold_Showers_Can_Give_You_A_Mental_Boost\"><\/span><strong>3. Cold Showers Can Give You A Mental Boost<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There&#8217;s a psychological element to cold showers, too. It has plenty to do with the mental fortitude required to stand under a cold stream of water. For some, it&#8217;s a challenge they want to take on. And once successful, it can be a confidence booster.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether or not this mental boost translates to physical performance is still unclear, but it may be worth considering. Getting accustomed to discomfort and pushing through challenging situations, such as a cold shower after exercise, will help you build mental resilience (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.evertrain.fit\/cold-shower-after-workout-benefits\/#:~:text=Exposing%20yourself%20to%20a%20cold%20shower%20after%20a,become%20better%20at%20dealing%20with%20other%20temperature%20extremes.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Cold_Showers_May_Have_A_Placebo_Effect\"><\/span><strong>4. Cold Showers May Have A Placebo Effect<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The placebo effect refers to medicinal benefits that are achieved by taking a medication due to the belief that it will have an effect, not because of any actual medicinal properties (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mental-health\/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It doesn&#8217;t only apply to medicine;\u00a0 it can extend to other activities, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re feeling sluggish after a workout but are convinced that taking a cold shower will help, you may feel better just because you believe it will.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, if you believe that cold showers after exercise will improve your post-workout recovery, then you may be more likely to experience the benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that the placebo effect doesn&#8217;t imply an imaginary benefit; it&#8217;s just that any real benefits may be enhanced by your belief in them. The mind is a <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-to-relax-back-muscles\/\">powerful tool<\/a>, and if you believe in the power of cold showers, the placebo effect can be a legitimate factor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Intense sweat sessions, working weight loss tips, lip-smacking recipes come in one package with the BetterMe app. And all of it is at your fingertips, <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\">start transforming your life now<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47362 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207634-1024x576.png\" alt=\"cold shower after workout\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207634.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207634-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207634.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207634-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207634.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Cold_Showers_May_Trigger_Catabolic_Hormones\"><\/span><strong>5. Cold Showers May Trigger Catabolic Hormones<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most convincing claims made by those in <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/bicep-workouts-at-home-no-equipment\/\">support<\/a> of taking cold showers after a workout is that these showers boost testosterone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mbsf.org\/does-a-cold-shower-increase-testosterone-in-men\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is good news for those lifting weights for a toned physique.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone is an anabolic hormone, meaning it helps build muscle and burn fat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But there is a counterargument that suggests cold showers can actually reduce testosterone levels. Temperature shock can trigger the production of catabolic hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine (aka adrenaline) (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0161749\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These hormones work in opposition to testosterone, meaning they can break down muscle and other tissues. The result? Muscle stress and longer recovery times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Cold_Showers_May_Not_Speed_Up_Post-Exercise_Recovery\"><\/span><strong>6. Cold Showers May Not Speed Up Post-Exercise Recovery<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/sound-therapy\/\">effect<\/a> of exercise, and a study analyzing the effects of Cold Water Immersion (CWI) on DOMS found that they are indeed an effective remedy to lessen the effects of DOMS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&#8217;s because they reduce inflammation, swelling and pain (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochrane.org\/CD008262\/MUSKINJ_cold-water-immersion-for-preventing-and-treating-muscle-soreness-after-exercise\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>But here&#8217;s the thing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014CWI is not the same as taking a cold shower. The former involves exposing your entire body to a uniform temperature of around 10-15\u00b0C (50-59\u00b0F) for at least 15 minutes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19847682\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast, a cold shower is more like exposing some parts (as they&#8217;re hit by the showerhead) to cold temperatures. The effect isn&#8217;t uniformly distributed and can&#8217;t be compared.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, there aren&#8217;t any studies done specifically on the effect of cold showers on post-exercise recovery. We can&#8217;t really say for sure whether cold showers speed up post-exercise recovery or not. It&#8217;s still possible that they could, but more research is needed to confirm this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Cold_Showers_Arent_An_Effective_Weight_Loss_Aid\"><\/span><strong>7. Cold Showers Aren&#8217;t An Effective Weight Loss Aid<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss is an area that attracts a lot of myths, and cold showers are no exception. Proponents say that cold showers force your body to burn brown fat to keep you warm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since studies have shown that your metabolic rate can increase when brown fat activation occurs, it makes sense that weight loss should be possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, the reality is a bit more complex. While it&#8217;s true that taking a cold shower can boost metabolism, the effect is short-lived and probably too insignificant to result in any meaningful <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/honey-cream-body-wraps\/\">weight loss<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The studies cited in support of this theory involve one to two hours of exposure to extremely cold temperatures, while showers are usually just a few minutes long and don&#8217;t really get that cold. If you were hoping to lose weight with the help of cold showers, you may want to look for other methods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/contrast-shower\/\"><i>Contrast Shower Therapy: The Science, Benefits, And How-Tos<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47364 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207632-1024x576.png\" alt=\"cold shower after workout\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207632.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207632-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207632.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207632-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207632.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_To_Take_A_Cold_Shower_After_Workout\"><\/span><strong>When To Take A Cold Shower After Workout?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weighing the pros and cons discussed above, it seems clear that cold showers may not be the best choice for everyone. But if you&#8217;re still keen on taking one after exercise, here are some scenarios where it might be beneficial:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have been exercising in hot and humid conditions, a cold shower can help you cool down.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have been exercising for a long period of time or at a very high intensity, cold showers can help reduce inflammation and soreness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/workoutdaily.io\/do-cold-showers-help-after-a-workout\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve exercised early in the morning and are looking for an energy boost before work, a cold shower may help.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you enjoy taking cold showers and don&#8217;t experience any ill effects from them, there&#8217;s nothing wrong with continuing to do so.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Soon_After_Workout_To_Do_Cold_Shower\"><\/span><strong>How Soon After Workout To Do Cold Shower?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediately after exercise is not the best time to take a cold shower. Our bodies have a core temperature that needs to be regulated, and it&#8217;s quite efficient at returning to a comfortable homeostasis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a cold shower immediately after exercise can interfere with this process and cause physiological stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best time to take a cold shower is 30 minutes after exercise once your core temperature has cooled down. This way, you will get the most benefit without causing too much stress on your body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifehack.org\/908464\/how-to-take-a-cold-shower\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_A_Cold_Shower_After_Workout\"><\/span><strong>How Long A Cold Shower After Workout?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The length of your cold shower depends on what you&#8217;re trying to achieve. Generally, a short 5-minute shower is enough to get the benefits such as increased energy levels and alertness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/foryourmassageneeds.com\/cold-shower-long\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re looking for more therapeutic benefits such as reduced inflammation and pain, a longer 15-30-minute session may be more ideal (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4049052\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Ultimately, how long you&#8217;re in there comes down to how much cold you can tolerate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47361 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207635-1024x576.png\" alt=\"cold shower after workout\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207635.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207635-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207635.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207635-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Frame-207635.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_A_Hot_Shower_Do_After_A_Workout\"><\/span><strong>What Does A Hot Shower Do After A Workout?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If after reading the pros and cons of cold showers you decide that they&#8217;re not right for you, you may wonder if a hot shower might be a better option. The truth is, there&#8217;s not much research on that subject.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, studies on the effect of heat on muscle recovery suggest that hot showers may be beneficial. Heat can increase blood flow to muscles, which can help reduce pain and soreness after exercise (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/physioactive.sg\/hot-cold-whats-best-way-shower-workout\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved circulation may also help speed up the recovery process because it helps the body remove lactic acid and other metabolites that build up in muscles during exercise (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4551211\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Heat can have a relaxing effect as well, which can help you wind down after an intense workout.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that super hot showers can be extremely drying to your skin and hair. They strip away natural oils and can leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Not to mention, hot water can cause blistering on sensitive skin (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamourmagazine.co.uk\/article\/why-hot-showers-are-bad-for-skin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Whether you\u2019re looking to simply pep up your fitness routine, jazz up your diet with mouth-watering low-calorie recipes or want to get your act together and significantly drop that number on your scale \u2013 BetterMe app has got you covered! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\">Improve your body<\/a> and revamp your life with us!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47349 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207807-1024x576.png\" alt=\"cold shower after workout\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207807.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207807-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207807.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207807-1635x920.png 1635w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207807.png 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Is_Better_Cold_Or_Hot_Shower_After_Workout\"><\/span><strong>Which Is Better, Cold Or Hot Shower After Workout?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to deciding between a cold or hot shower after exercise, the answer isn&#8217;t straightforward. It really depends on what you&#8217;re trying to achieve and how well your body responds to each.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, a lukewarm shower may be the best option for most people. This way you don&#8217;t have to worry about extreme temperatures, and can find other ways to speed up recovery such as stretching and foam rolling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re still keen on experimenting with cold or hot showers, you can try a contrast shower.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A contrast shower is a type of therapeutic bath that involves alternating between hot and cold water temperatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s believed to have numerous health benefits, such as improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, relief from muscle soreness, improved mental clarity and relaxation, increased metabolism and weight loss, stronger immunity, and improved skin tone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ContrastShower.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a contrast shower, you typically begin by standing beneath very hot water for two to three minutes before switching abruptly to very cold water for around 30 seconds. This cycle should be repeated at least three times, with the heat and cold durations lasting longer each time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ll finish off with a few minutes of warm water to relax your muscles and close the pores on your skin. After stepping out of the shower, you may want to apply some lotion or body oil to rehydrate your skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there isn&#8217;t much scientific proof to support this treatment, many people swear by it and practice contrast showering regularly. It doesn&#8217;t have any serious side effects, so it&#8217;s worth a try if you&#8217;re looking for something to help relax your body and improve your health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrast showers should not be taken too often, as they can be quite taxing on the body. It\u2019s best to stick to a few times per week. If you have any serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, consult with your doctor before trying a contrast shower.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you take a cold or hot shower after a workout? The answer will depend on your individual needs and preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many people, a lukewarm shower is the best option. However, if you want to experiment with something different, a contrast shower can be a great way to relax your body and potentially improve your health. Research is limited, so be sure to practice caution and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Should_You_Take_A_Cold_Shower\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;ve seen athletes immerse themselves in a cold plunge pool after an intense workout, you may be wondering what a cold shower could do for your body.\u00a0It turns out that there are some potential benefits to taking a cold shower after exercise, but the research is still inconclusive. The popularity of cold showers after [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50651,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[138],"tags":[],"coauthors":[123],"class_list":["post-50650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-therapy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? Here&#039;s What The Science Says - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Should you take a \u2605 COLD SHOWER AFTER A WORKOUT? \u27a4 Here&#039;s what you need to know about the potential benefits and risks. Just keep reading for more!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? Here&#039;s What The Science Says\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Should you take a \u2605 COLD SHOWER AFTER A WORKOUT? \u27a4 Here&#039;s what you need to know about the potential benefits and risks. Just keep reading for more!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_2145688569.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"716\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Nderitu Munuhe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Nderitu Munuhe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/5ebf2773ceb32ef6b8abc0c882459360\"},\"headline\":\"Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? Here&#8217;s What The Science Says\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/\"},\"wordCount\":2443,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_2145688569.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Therapy\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">If you've seen athletes immerse themselves in a cold plunge pool after an intense workout, you may be wondering what a cold shower could do for your body.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">It turns out that there are some potential benefits to taking a cold shower after exercise, but the research is still inconclusive. <\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The popularity of cold showers after exercise is somewhat influenced by Cold Water Immersion (CWI), a technique used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts that involves immersing their body in cold water after exercise.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Studies have suggested that CWI may help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and fatigue\u2014all of which are beneficial post-exercise (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27704555\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). That said, there is a lack of research specifically examining the effects of cold showers on recovery after exercise.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Read on to find out what the current science says about the potential benefits of taking a cold shower after exercise, whether or not hot water is a preferable option, and how to make sure you're taking a safe shower.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><strong>What Does A Cold Shower Do After A Workout?<\/strong><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">There are a couple of reported <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/hot-cold-shower-therapy\/\\\">benefits<\/a> of taking a cold shower after a workout.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">These include reducing inflammation, relieving soreness and helping with recovery . Many fitness gurus believe that cold water can help reduce the inflammation caused by strenuous activity, allowing the body to repair itself more quickly and effectively (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27631616\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">17<\/span>< ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/\",\"name\":\"Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? 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Here's What The Science Says - BetterMe","description":"Should you take a \u2605 COLD SHOWER AFTER A WORKOUT? \u27a4 Here's what you need to know about the potential benefits and risks. Just keep reading for more!","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? Here's What The Science Says","og_description":"Should you take a \u2605 COLD SHOWER AFTER A WORKOUT? \u27a4 Here's what you need to know about the potential benefits and risks. Just keep reading for more!","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_author":"#","article_modified_time":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":716,"url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_2145688569.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Nderitu Munuhe","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Nderitu Munuhe","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/"},"author":{"name":"BetterMe","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/5ebf2773ceb32ef6b8abc0c882459360"},"headline":"Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? Here&#8217;s What The Science Says","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/"},"wordCount":2443,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_2145688569.jpg","articleSection":["Therapy"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you've seen athletes immerse themselves in a cold plunge pool after an intense workout, you may be wondering what a cold shower could do for your body.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It turns out that there are some potential benefits to taking a cold shower after exercise, but the research is still inconclusive. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The popularity of cold showers after exercise is somewhat influenced by Cold Water Immersion (CWI), a technique used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts that involves immersing their body in cold water after exercise.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have suggested that CWI may help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and fatigue\u2014all of which are beneficial post-exercise (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27704555\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). That said, there is a lack of research specifically examining the effects of cold showers on recovery after exercise.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on to find out what the current science says about the potential benefits of taking a cold shower after exercise, whether or not hot water is a preferable option, and how to make sure you're taking a safe shower.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What Does A Cold Shower Do After A Workout?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a couple of reported <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/hot-cold-shower-therapy\/\">benefits<\/a> of taking a cold shower after a workout.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include reducing inflammation, relieving soreness and helping with recovery . Many fitness gurus believe that cold water can help reduce the inflammation caused by strenuous activity, allowing the body to repair itself more quickly and effectively (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27631616\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span>< ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/cold-shower-after-workout\/","name":"Should You Take A Cold Shower After A Workout? 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