𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁

Cold vs Hot Showers After a Workout.

Think cold showers are the recovery secret?

They reduce inflammation—but might also reduce your gains.

Here’s what the science says about muscle growth, recovery, and what to actually do post-workout 🧵 https://t.co/rLilu0uN7m

1. Cold Showers vs Hot Showers — Which is better post-workout?

Cold = inflammation relief & soreness reduction.

Hot = blood flow boost & muscle relaxation.

But if your goal is maximum muscle growth, there’s more to consider... https://t.co/9yhAZAFB5W

2. Cold therapy right after training may backfire.

It blunts anabolic signaling — the crucial process your body uses to build new muscle after lifting.
So the question is:

Should you avoid cold showers altogether? https://t.co/oUBbXanlBG

3. Cold therapy isn’t bad. It does reduce inflammation.

But there’s a catch:
Reducing inflammation too soon may stop the body’s natural growth and recovery response.

That’s a problem if your goal is hypertrophy (muscle gains).💪 https://t.co/1NTKgTarDi

4. A 2019 study backs this up (PMID: 31513450).

Participants who did cold-water immersion after workouts gained less muscle over 7 weeks vs those who didn’t.

Why?
Because they interfered with the recovery signals needed to build muscle. https://t.co/la9OujfBxR

5. So should you ditch cold exposure?

Not exactly.

Cold water has benefits—just not immediately after training.

Instead, use it:
✔ 8+ hours post-workout
✔ On rest days
✔ For general recovery or stress reduction

7. What to do instead post-workout?

Research suggests heat therapy is better:
🔥 Boosts circulation
🔥 Helps muscle recovery
🔥 Supports growth signals

You can use a sauna or simply take a warm/hot shower. https://t.co/1BYL5VEb3g

The Bottom Line

If muscle growth is your goal:

• Skip cold showers right after lifting
• Opt for heat post-workout
• Save cold exposure for later in the day or on off days

Train hard. Recover smarter. 

Repost and follow @GodswillChemist for more science-backed tips.