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?
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?