[LeBeau]

Couldn't find a specific thread on this so here it is.

Contrast showers refer to switching between hot and cold water intermittently. Some people believe the best way to do this is to take it to the extremes of both hot and cold. I don't know the exact science behind it, but I've read that it can help calm the nervous system, increase testosterone, create better circulation, strengthen the immune system, and in general will definitely leave you feeling alert.

I've been doing these for years and I found the most effective way for quick morning showers before work is as follows (approx. 1-2 mins for each step):


1) Hot as you can go while applying soap, shampoo, etc.

2) Stand with your back to the shower head, let the water hit your lower neck/upper shoulders. With as little movement as possible, reach behind and adjust the temperature colder and colder. This allows you to get it even colder than you could normally stand while moving around as it is focused on one area. Focus on breathing deeply and stand up straight (most people will naturally gasp or start to hunch/compress with colder temps)

3) Rinse at a warmer temp (though your body may not feel like going as hot as the beginning due to the contrast from the cold and the water hitting more sensitive areas)


When showering with a girl, I generally wait till we're done washing then switch on the cold after she gets out first to start on some food.

Unless I feel like surprising her...


Many northern climate cultures already have a version of this using a sauna before going out into the snow. Some people even take the cold therapy one step further:

Does anyone do this differently or have any suggestions for even healthier variations?

[Statsi]

My understanding is that exposure to cold is good for sperm production, or more accurately that the warmth from bathing lowers sperm production. That's likely linked to testosterone so I could well buy cold showers being good. I've seen nothing that suggests intermittent showering is the way to go though, I think just cold showers are best. Also have some circulation and health benefits.

[Screwston]

The soap doesn't get soapy enough when I take cold showers and I feel like my face doesn't get as clean when using face wash. I take a hot one and let cold water run over me for as long as I can take it before stepping out.

[Wreckingball]

I started to lower the temperature of the water at the end of each shower, I feel more energetic after. And after workout i decrease the temperature of the water very quickly and go cold until i finish

But as houston said, I also feel that if i dont use warm water, i don't feel clean.

[Brodiaga]

I try it sometimes at the office gym after 1 hour on a cross trainer. 1 minute hot water, 1 minute cold, then hot and cold again. I think a combination of aerobic exercise and contrast shower gives me more energy and puts me in a better mood.