When to Shower After Hot Yoga?

While the urge to jump into a cool shower immediately after a grueling hot yoga class is strong, it's best to practice a little patience for a more comfortable and beneficial post-class experience. The general recommendation is to wait at least 10 to 20 minutes before showering. Your body's cooling process does not stop the moment you leave the hot room. Your internal temperature is still high, and you will likely continue to sweat for several minutes as your body works to return to a state of equilibrium. Hopping into a shower, especially a cold one, too quickly can be a shock to the system and can prematurely close your pores, trapping heat and sweat inside. This can lead to feeling hot and sweaty again just a few minutes after you've dried off. Allowing yourself this 10-20 minute buffer gives your heart rate a chance to slow down, your body temperature to regulate more naturally, and the sweating process to complete itself. Use this time to slowly sip on your water or electrolyte drink and enjoy the post-yoga glow. When you do shower, a lukewarm temperature is often more soothing and less jarring to the system than an icy-cold blast.