Engaging in physical activity stimulates perspiration. Therefore, it can sometimes be tempting to shower immediately after exerting oneself. However, could this action pose a risk to health? Furthermore, should one favour hot or cold water? Here are some recommendations if you wish to shower after exercising.
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Post-exercise: Recommendations for showering.
Summary
- Why should one shower after exerting effort?
- Please wait a while before taking a shower
- Opt for lukewarm water initially
Published November 5, 2021,
updated on August 8, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
2 min read
Why should one shower after exerting effort?
Taking a shower after each workout session is not optional. This act is crucial for maintaining bodily hygiene. Indeed, when you engage in physical activity, your body temperature rises. Consequently, you begin to sweat in order to expel this heat and cool down. However, in the absence of cleansing, sweat can stagnate when it comes into contact with bacteria that proliferate on the skin's surface. This phenomenon is the root cause of unpleasant odours associated with perspiration. Neglecting to shower after exercise can also lead to skin eruptions, irritations, and infections, particularly in the case of lesions (such as scratches). Indeed, during a workout session, toxins can be expelled through sweat and accumulate on the surface of the epidermis.
Please wait a while before taking a shower.
After a workout, your body needs time to regulate its temperature. As evidence, it's not uncommon for the phenomenon of perspiration to continue, even after exertion. If you shower at this point, you add stress to your body. You've probably noticed that when you shower immediately after your workout, you continue to sweat and feel hot. For your well-being, it's best to wait around thirty minutes before washing. This will also give you time to stretch and hydrate.
Opt for lukewarm water initially.
To avoid thermal shocks, we advise you to steer clear of excessively hot or cold showers and instead rinse with lukewarm water. Indeed, overly cold water can constrict blood vessels and cause a sudden rise in arterial pressure, while excessively hot water can increase the size of blood vessels (vasodilation) and thus a decrease in the return flow of blood to the heart. Consequently, this can potentially cause a problem with blood supply to the brain and in some cases even lead to a loss of consciousness.
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