a person diving into the sea from a boat

Grooming

How To Shower Properly After an Intense Workout

Whether your pulse is racing from an influencer HIIT class, the weights section, or the absolute sort deadlifting next to you, there’s no better feeling than stepping into a steamy shower after an intense sweat sesh.

But did you know, there’s a right and a wrong way to shower?

Yep.

While you *think* you may have got showering down by now, this post-workout shower routine will have you smelling and feeling better than you’d have ever imagined – even after a sweaty HIIT or intense battle royale (no judgement, we’ve all been there).

THE BEST STEP-BY-STEP POST-WORKOUT SHOWER ROUTINE

Should you shower after a workout? Even if you didn’t get that sweaty?

The answer is, YES #sorrynotsorry. Always. If you’re not sure how often you should really be showering, check out this handy guide. Remember, if you do it right, this isn’t a chore – a shower after a workout is one of life’s good bits. Here’s why!

STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE

So, we already know the answer to ‘should you shower after working out?’, (just to reiterate, it’s a yes). Now it’s time to look at the crème de la crème of shower-after-workout routines.

First thing’s first – the temp. What’s best, a hot or cold shower after workouts?

Lots of people say it’s best to have a cold shower after running – and you’ll always hear about tennis champs or footballers having an ice bath or a cold shower after exercise. But should you have one, despite not racking up a huge Insta following after your live home workout vids? Here’s what we reckon.

If you’re in doubt about a hot or cold shower after gym sessions, opt for ‘contrast showers’ – a mix of hot and cold water for a dreamy shower sweet-spot. The cold should help strengthen immunity in the long run and help treat sore muscles, while the hot water may help reduce swelling and relax your muscles. But do one temperature and then the other – otherwise you’ll just have a sort-of-warm-but-not-really shower.

STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

Step two of your post workout shower routine is choosing the right products: make sure you’re using a shower gel that works to fight odour and keeps you smelling fresh and ready all day long – even if you’ve been making The Rock look lazy with your big sessions.

New Lynx Sports Recharge Body Wash is a winner, with energising, high-definition fragrance, and easy-lather formula with plant-based moisturisers for post-workout odour-busting hydration. PLUS, the 100% recycled bottle means your body will be as clean as your conscience. That’s one less thing to lay awake thinking about at night – giving you more time to scroll through your feed.

Pair your shower gel with the Lynx Manwasher, a great way to get the most out of your shower routine (besides freestyling some bars for whenever someone puts you on the spot). Simply lather up with the black mesh and dig in with red scrub. When done, rinse the tool thoroughly, squeeze out excess water and hang up to dry.

STEP 3: KEEP THINGS STEAMY

Steamy showers aren’t just great to help you relax, they also help soften facial hair, which makes shaving much easier and helps decrease irritation. AXE Sport Blast Body Wash is a winner, with energizing, high-definition fragrance, and the easy-lather formula with plant-based moisturizers for post-workout odour-busting hydration. PLUS, the 100% recycled bottle means your body will be as clean as your conscience. That’s one less thing to lay awake thinking about at night – giving you more time to scroll through your feed.

For all the tips and tricks for shaving in the shower.

STEP 4: KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR HYGIENE

The best way to ensure you’re smelling your best is to shower on the reg, even if you didn’t think you got that sweaty at the gym. Plus, showering is a great way to let off some steam (pun fully intended) – warm showers have been proven to help relax both your muscles and your mind.

Oh, and you’re obviously going to want to keep that iconic smell from your shower on your skin for as long as possible. Chances are, if you’ve got a favourite Lynx Body Wash, there’s a Lynx Deodorant or Body Spray to keep you smelling incredible for another 12 hours. It’s time to smell ready!