Let’s just get this out of the way: cold showers are uncomfortable. We get it, there’s a reason the Ancient Greeks invented heating systems for their baths. On a cold day, an early morning, honestly whenever, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a warm, blanket-y shower. That being said, what if we told you that cold showers could have a positive impact on both your health and your weight? Would you consider a change to your routine?
According to Daniel Wallen of Lifehack, cold showers can help you burn fat. Wallen writes that “exposure to cold temperatures increased the metabolic rate of brown fat by fifteen fold, which could help a person drop nine pounds in a year if sustained.” That’s right, cold showers activate our good fat to fight against our bad fat.
Cold showers also aid in recovery after exercise. You probably know that athletes take ice baths after a hard workout or game to reduce soreness, “but you can obtain a similar benefit with a quick cold shower after your training sessions,” according to Wallen. And strong recovery means strong workouts.
Wallen continues to explain how cold showers can help us stay alert and energized. Makes sense, right? We all know that rush (for better or worse) of jumping into cold water—that translates to showers, too. Wallen explains that “when cold water pours over your body, your breathing deepens in response to the shock of the cold (this is your body trying to keep you warm by increasing overall oxygen intake). Your heart rate will also increase, resulting in a rush of blood through your body that will help you get energized for the day.”
Cold showers can also help to keep you healthy, literally. Cold showers speed up your metabolism, which triggers your immune system to release “virus-fighting white blood cells that will help you get sick less frequently.” Definitely worth a few minutes of cold.
Lastly, cold showers can help your skin. “Hot water dries out your skin, while cold water tightens your cuticles and pores, preventing them from getting clogged.” This can help reduce acne and cut down on breakouts, leaving your confidence sky high.
So, are you convinced yet? If you want to give cold showers a try but aren’t ready to brave the low temperatures from start to finish, try alternating. Simply turn the water from hot to cold every 30-60 seconds, your body will still reap the benefits of cold and the comforts of warmth.
