When it comes to exercise and fitness, we’ve all been there — stuck in a post-workout shower, wondering if it’s better to hop in before or after. While the answer may seem obvious, there are actually some benefits to waiting until after your workout to clean up.

Before we get into that, let’s talk about the differences between hot and cold water. The average shower temperature is about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), which is just above body temperature. Cold water is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) while hot water can be as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).

Cold showers have been linked with improved energy levels, deep breathing and pain reduction — but how exactly? According to Dr. Richard Hansler at Penn State University, cold showers cause blood vessels in your skin to constrict which reduces blood flow near the surface of your skin. This makes you feel colder but also boosts circulation throughout your body by increasing heart rate and muscle contractions. Dr. Hansler also says cold showers can help increase metabolism because they activate brown fat cells which burn calories faster than white or beige fat cells do.

Last modified: July 29, 2022