I'm a doctor and here's why you should never shower right after exercising.

The health benefits of exercise are well-established. But a very common mistake made after a workout can be detrimental to your health.

After a workout, you probably just want to take a good shower right away. However, this habit, which most athletes have, is a mistake that can be dangerous for their health. "Never shower after exercising," warned Spanish doctor José Manuel Felices on Instagram. There are several reasons why it's better to wait to shower after exercising.

First, during physical activity, muscles produce heat, which increases body temperature and dilates blood vessels. To avoid overheating and staying at 37°, the body begins to sweat. By evaporating, perspiration helps cool the skin and the blood vessels underneath.

But "if we finish our workout and rush into the shower, we interrupt the body's natural temperature regulation process," explains Dr. Felices. As a result, the body has difficulty cooling down, "which can lead to dizziness or even fainting," warns the Spanish doctor.

Cold showers (such as during hot weather) should be avoided in particular, as cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for them to dissipate heat. Sweating also "carries toxins. If we shower immediately, we don't allow the body to finish excreting these toxins." On the other hand, staying in sweaty clothes can promote the growth of bacteria that can be dangerous to your health.

That's why it's recommended to shower 15 to 30 minutes after exercising. This gives your body time to cool down slowly. During this time, don't hesitate to stay active rather than flopping on the couch. You can take the time to stretch, hydrate to compensate for sweating, prepare your post-workout meal, or even tidy up your home a little.