Your decision to take a cold or hot shower after exercise may not be as consequential as you think.
You’ve just followed up an intenseHIIT workoutwith an extendedcool-down routinein hopes of keeping soreness at bay.
Many gym-goers who want maximum recovery benefits swear by using either hot or cold water while washing off.
Photo: Getty Images
However, there’s not enough research on cold showers to confirm that they can in fact improve recovery.
So, Should You Take a Hot or Cold Shower After Workout Sessions?
Don’t jump into your cold-to-hot shower just yet.
And there’s even less evidence supporting showers as a post-workout recovery tool.
If you believe showers can help with your muscle recovery, they very well may.
“Pain and function are not a biomedical phenomenon but biopsychosocial,” says Simon.
“So, what you think about an intervention does matter as it may influence its effects.”
“This may be the more likely pathway to a shower making you feel good after exercise.”
