by Tami Raco, Personal Trainer, Health & Nutrition Coach
Contrast showers are defined as, the act of quickly changing body temperatures from hot to cold, and back again, by alternating between hot and cold water. This technique has been used for decades by athletes. Contrast Showers can provide many health benefits to your circulation, immune system, organ function and give your parasympathetic nervous system a boost.
Benefits of contrast showers are:
•Boost immune system: Studies have shown that switching between hot and cold water helps boost the immune system function by increasing the number of disease fighting immune system cells in your body called monocytes. This is believed to happen by the stimulation of the cold-water exposure.
•Increase circulation: The contrast temps increase circulation by triggering your heart to send more blood to the vital organs. Over time this forces the circulatory system to become more efficient and adaptable.
•Prevent or reduce muscle soreness: One of the most immediate benefits of contrast showers is the preventing of exercise related soreness or injuries. Exposure to the hot and cold water helps reduce inflammation and better blood flow to the tissues.
•May reduce depression: The increased blood flow to the brain can increase endorphins and other important hormones to the brain to reduce depression and create a pain-relieving effect.
How do you take a contrast shower?
Shower in the warm/hot water for 3-5 minutes followed by 1 minute of the coolest water you can manage. Repeat this cycle 3-5 times making sure you finish with cold water. The larger the temperature contrast the better for maximum benefits.
