Workout Recovery Gone Wrong: The Danger of Hot Showers
Summary: A young man fainted after a hot shower post-workout, showing how dehydration and heat can be a dangerous mix if you don’t cool down properly.
Introduction
In an alarming incident, a hot shower, taken by a young man (aged 24 years), post his workout, made him collapse. This shows that post-workout recovery is essential to prevent such incidents.
The young man, immediately after his intensive workout, went for a hot shower, where he collapsed and had to be rushed to the ICU. Doctors advise that intensive workout or exercises lead to dehydration. Taking a hot shower post this, causes the blood pressure to drop drastically, leading to loss of consciousness.
A point to be noted, say experts, is that the wrong water temperature almost led to death of the young man, who was put on ventilator support, for saving his life.
This instance has set off discussions as to the lack of awareness regarding the process of recovering after an intense workout and how the temperature of water plays an important part in the same, according to a general physician and medical educator Dr. Aditij Dhamija.
Perils of a hot water shower post-workout
Dr. Dhamija, in a video, on Instagram, narrated that the 24-year-old man, did his regular workout, and thereafter went into the bathroom for a hot shower. Since he did not come even after 30 minutes, the door was broken down and he was found by unconscious, with a very weak pulse. He had to be rushed to the emergency room and was hooked up to a ventilator, as he had a very weak pulse and his blood pressure was extremely low.
The doctor says that though we may not think much of it, but hot water is extremely detrimental to health. After a workout, if a hot shower is taken, the blood vessels begin dilating, causing the blood pressure to drop excessively, and decreasing the blood flow to the brain, thereby leading to unconsciousness and collapse. The patient was lucky to be alive.
Muscle recovery post workout
Hot showers make the skin dry and dehydrated, thereby depleting the skin of its natural oils, leading to skin issues like redness, irritation and itchiness. Patients having eczema are advised to refrain from hot water showers/bath as it worsens the condition.
Benefits of cold showers
Recommendations by the American College of Sports Medicine and some experts suggest that a cold shower makes the muscle recover faster post-workout, as opposed to hot water showers. Some people find that cold showers are good energy boosters and relaxing too. Cold water showers post workout reduce swelling and inflammation, as it narrows the blood vessels, reducing the blood flow. The cold water cools down the body post workout in a closed/stifling gym or in the heat. Cold water also reduces Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in which muscles become sore and painful after a highly intense workout, making them recover faster. This increases the blood flow facilitating the movement of oxygen-rich blood to the muscles.
How to avoid accidents post workout
There are some ways that can be useful in avoiding accidents in the gym.
- Do not immediately shower post-workout; sit and rest for 10-15 minutes before showering
- Be attentive to any symptoms of light-headedness or dizziness; If dizzy, lie down and keep your legs elevated
- Before, during and after workout, keep sipping water to stay hydrated; Post-workout, re-hydrate yourself with water and electrolytes
- Take some time to relax and recover down post-workout
The doctor added that fitness is what makes one stronger, not lead one towards death.
Inputs from various media sources.
