How soon should you shower after a workout?
After a grinding session of workout, the first thing you feel like doing is getting out of your sweaty gym gear and rush for a cold, soothing shower. Showering after a workout not only feels relaxing but it also reduces the risk of rashes and breakouts that can be caused by bacteria rapidly multiplying on your skin, all thanks to your sweaty body.
So a quick, cold shower sounds rather tempting but you need to hold your horses right there. It is considered absolutely essential to wait for at least 20 minutes after your workout before you hit the shower.
Confused? Allow us to explain.
After a regular workout, it is important to do a cool-down before you leave the gym. A cool-down is the opposite of warm-up. Low-intensity, cool-down stretches are crucial because you want your body to come back to its resting state. More importantly, it helps in normalising your heart rate and body temperature.
Ideally, once you stop sweating profusely– in about 20-30 minutes–you can go right ahead with your shower.
Tip: While it may feel really frustrating to wait, you can use this time to rehydrate your body, by drinking lots of water or juice.
So, the next time you feel the itch to jump right under the shower head, remember to give some time to your body to dry off the sweat and cool down.
