José Manuel, a doctor, on the dangers of showering after exercising: "It can lead to dizziness or even fainting."

Taking a shower right after exercising is a widespread custom, but it's not without risks. Radiodiagnostician Dr. José Manuel Felices Farias has warned on social media that this common habit could be counterproductive if done immediately after completing physical activity . While the body continues to regulate its internal temperature , interrupting this natural process with cold or hot water can affect the body more than we think. "It can lead to dizziness or even fainting," he says.

During exercise, body temperature increases as a result of muscular exertion. To compensate for this heat, blood vessels dilate , and sweating kicks in. This mechanism remains active for a few minutes after we stop, so showering immediately can interfere with it. According to Felices, in addition to possible dizziness, we miss the opportunity to completely eliminate toxins through sweat. "We don't allow the body to finish excreting them," warns the doctor.

Sweat also acts as a natural defense. Its slightly acidic pH protects the skin against bacteria and external agents. Disrupting this balance with alkaline soaps right after a workout, far from being beneficial, can have negative effects. "Your skin is more vulnerable, potentially becoming irritated or dry," she points out. Therefore, it's not about sacrificing hygiene, but rather understanding the best time to apply it without harming the body.

The solution Felices proposes isn't complicated: wait . Science indicates that the process of thermoregulation and sweat excretion lasts about fifteen minutes after finishing exercise. During that time, he recommends hydrating, relaxing, or even chatting with your training partners. "Hydrate, socialize with your teammates, or reflect on how well you did," he suggests. Only then, with your body more stabilized, comes the ideal time for that shower, which will now be truly restorative.