José Manuel Felices, radiologist and university professor, issues a warning after training: 'Never shower after exercising'
Radiologist José Manuel Felices advises against immediately showering after exercise to allow the body to stabilize.
José Manuel Felices, a radiologist and university professor in Argentina, has raised an important point regarding post-exercise routines by cautioning against the automatic reaction to shower immediately after physical activity. His warning stems from the body's need for a short period to recover and adjust after intense physical exertion. While many individuals rush to cool off, Felices explains that doing so before the body has stabilized can cause unnecessary fluctuations in blood pressure and disrupt the body's natural cooling processes.
Felices emphasizes that the advice is not about hygiene but rather about timing. The body's physiological functions continue to operate actively even after stopping exercise; therefore, a transition that is too abrupt from physical exertion—where the body is hot and vasodilation occurs—to a sudden exposure to cold water can be detrimental. This transition phase is crucial, and allowing the body to gradually cool down can help prevent negative reactions.
This advice is especially relevant in settings like gyms, sports fields, and among runners, where the lure of an immediate shower is strong. Felices stresses that respecting this brief period post-exercise can lead to healthier exercising habits and better overall physical responses, ultimately promoting a more effective recovery process after workouts.