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Contrast showers are showers that alternate between hot and cold water.
Some believe that this is a method of detoxing, improving the circulatory system and the immune system. It is also used as a method for recovery after strenuous exercise, such as rugby, football or bodybuilding. Whilst it may be believed that contrast showers reduce the levels of lactic acid in muscles, thereby reducing or avoiding muscle soreness, the scientific evidence is to the contrary.
Contrast showers are also occasionally used in hazing, initiation rituals and to self-inflict pain.
Various cycles can be used, usually ending with a cold cycle. Some sources suggest an increase in the temperature difference over the cycles.
- 3 minutes hot, 1 minute cold
- 2 minutes hot, 1 minute cold
- 1 minute hot, 1 minute cold
See also
External links
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- DOMS at Sports Injury Bulletin
- R. Robergs, F. Ghiasvand, D. Parker (2004). "Biochemistry of exercise-induced metabolic acidosis". Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 287 (3): R502–16. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00114.2004. PMID 15308499.
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