Some people have the habit of taking a hot shower after winter swimming. One reason is that they believe the hot and cold stimulation can strengthen their physical fitness, and another reason is that it helps to restore body temperature. So, is it okay to take a hot shower after winter swimming?
Is it okay to take a hot shower after winter swimming?
It is not advisable to take a hot shower immediately after winter swimming. The water temperature during winter swimming is generally around 0°C, while the water temperature for a hot shower is usually above 35°C. The large temperature difference between hot and cold is difficult for the body to adapt to.
Disadvantages of taking a hot shower after winter swimming
During winter swimming, the pores of the skin contract in response to the cold. Taking a hot shower immediately after swimming will cause the pores to open from the outside due to the sudden heat, allowing "cold air" to penetrate into the body, which can easily lead to a cold. Additionally, the blood vessels in the skin rapidly expand from a contracted state, which may result in poor blood supply to other organs and cause dizziness, palpitations, and other discomfort.
How long should you wait before taking a hot shower after winter swimming?
It is recommended to wait for at least half an hour before taking a hot shower after winter swimming.
When winter swimmers first come out of the water, their body temperature is usually about 10°C lower than normal body temperature. They should immediately engage in physical activity to restore body temperature. After getting ashore, dry the body with a towel until it becomes red and warm. Then, quickly put on clothes and jog or jump in place until the body temperature is mostly restored.
Not suitable to rely on a hot shower to restore body temperature
After winter swimming, it is important for swimmers to rely on their body's own heat generation function to restore body temperature within a short period of time. During this process, the internal organs of the body intensify their movements, and the metabolic function of various systems is enhanced, which improves the physical fitness of winter swimmers. Therefore, winter swimmers should not rely on a hot shower to restore body temperature, otherwise, the meaning of winter swimming would be lost.
