A doctor has issued a warning after a gymgoer made a mistake in the shower and "almost didn’t survive."
Dr Aditj Dhamija, a doctor in India, shared the frightening case on Instagram, revealing how a 24-year-old man collapsed after stepping into a hot shower straight after finishing an intense workout.
“A 24-year-old man hit the gym like every day … but when he didn’t come out of the bathroom for 30 minutes, the door had to be broken down,” Dr Dhamija explained. “He was found unconscious on the floor, pulse barely there.”
The man was rushed to the hospital and put on a ventilator in intensive care. According to Dr Dhamija: “the patient barely escaped death.”
Why hot showers can be risky after a workout
While showering after exercise is normal, doctors warn that diving into very hot water immediately can create dangerous conditions for the body.
Dr Zac, a leading Australian doctor, explained to news.com.au: “However, it can be risky if you jump straight in after intense exercise. When you finish working out, your heart rate is high, blood vessels are dilated, and your body is cooling itself.
"Very hot water at this point can further dilate blood vessels and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness, fainting, or – in rare cases – collapse.”
He recommends waiting five to ten minutes before hitting the shower to allow the body to cool down.
“When done carefully, hot showers can actually help recovery,” he added. “They relax tight muscles and boost blood flow, which can be helpful later in the day. But they might also prolong inflammation and direct more blood to the skin instead of the muscles, possibly slowing recovery if used immediately.”
Safer alternatives and warning signs
For those who want to cool down right away, Dr Zac suggests choosing cold or lukewarm water instead, which helps lower core temperature and reduce inflammation.
Sports medicine research also supports cooling techniques like cold water immersion as effective methods for muscle recovery.
In his video, Dr Dhamija stressed the importance of listening to your body during post-workout showers. “Don’t ignore light-headedness or dizziness,” he warned, adding: “Don’t forget to hydrate properly.”
He also advised rehydrating after exercise, and if you feel faint, to lie down and elevate your legs.
“Fitness should make you stronger — not take you closer to death,” he said.