In the minutes following a high-intensity workout, when breathing is deep, blood pumps and adrenaline is high - you may find yourself experiencing the urge for a cold shower to refresh you. Impulse makes sense. A cold shower lowers the internal temperature, slows down breathing and regenerates our tired muscles. But, apparently, if you take a shower while you are still actively sweating from your workout, you are not benefiting enough from this "calming". Apparently, there is an ideal time to take a shower after exercise and it is not immediately after, as is widely thought.

Women's health coach Ariel Belgrave recently refuted this old myth on Instagram. 

"Have you ever taken a shower right after a workout, only to find yourself still sweating after that shower?"

According to Belgrave this happens because you did not take time to properly calm your body before "shaking" it with water.

So when is the best time to wash after exercise? His response is about 20 minutes after the training session ends.

"I know. The last thing you want to do is stay sweaty after a workout, but the body needs at least 20 minutes to calm down after a workout session."

That said, the passing 20 minutes does not mean you have to wait and do nothing. You can use this time for a stretching routine, meditation or gentle exercises. Or you can drink plenty of water and prepare a quick and healthy meal to have ready when you take a shower.

Start the shower with a lukewarm temperature so as not to feed your body with water that is too hot or too cold. Gradually, make the water cooler.

Source: Well & Good