Your Guide to the Perfect Post-Workout Bath

Few things feel better post-workout than slowly slipping into a warm bubble bath — especially when your workout involved chilly temps or snowy terrain. "Exercise puts the body in a temporary state of stress, thus stimulating our sympathetic nervous system," says Susan Hart, C.S.C.S., an Equinox Tier X coach based in Boston. "It's important we are able to down-regulate post-workout and find a more parasympathetic state as we go about our day or wind down in the evening," she adds.

After exercise, a bath can calm the central nervous system, bringing you back to baseline. It's the perfect blend of recovery, relaxation, and self care. Here, how to master the art.

Dry Brush Beforehand

Dry brushing is "a great way to increase circulation, kick-start detoxification, and help along the body's lymph drainage system," says Laura Benge, the national spa director for Exhale Spa. Use a brush with firm bristles, brushing up toward the heart with long, vigorous strokes. Start with your feet and work your way up your legs, stomach, arms, and underarms, suggests Benge. "It also gives a full-body exfoliation, which is key to having skin look fresh and glowing," she explains. (Just don't forget to moisturize afterward!)

Keep Water Warm, Not Super Hot

Muscles recover better after endurance exercise when warmed up — not chilled down, according to a study published in The Journal of Physiology. (Save your cold plunge for later.)

"Warm baths provide moist heat, which is the most beneficial type of heat for muscle repair and recovery," says Katrina Kneeskern, D.P.T., a physical therapist at N2 Physical Therapy in Louisville, Colorado. Since the human body is 70 percent water, moist heat can seep deeper into muscles and tissues, allowing them to relax, she explains. "Post-workout, this can enhance recovery," adds Kneeskern.

But everyone has experienced a too-hot bath that leaves you sweaty (not relaxed) after only a few minutes. Consider lowering the temperature a bit. In that study from the Journal of Physiology, the bath water was just about 96.8 degrees — which is warm enough to see benefits but not too hot to soak in for 20 minutes, an amount of time that gives your nervous system and tissues time to adjust and relax, says Kneeskern.

Use Epsom Salts

Epsom salts aren't actually salt, but rather a mix of important minerals, mainly magnesium — an essential electrolyte that plays a role in muscle, nerve, and heart function.

While there isn't extensive research on Epsom salts, the idea is that soaking in the salts — versus eating foods with magnesium in them — bypasses the digestion process, speeding absorption, says Kneeskern. You can't "detox" from an Epsom salt bath, but magnesium can help with inflammation, sore muscles, and recovery, adds Hart.

Look for Lavender

Research finds that the scent of lavender can calm the central nervous system, lowering feelings of stress and anxiety. Sounds ideal for soothing your body and mind post-workout. Hart is a fan of lighting lavender-scented candles, but you can also use an Epsom salt bath product with lavender essential oil mixed in or try a lavender face mask while you soak.

Add Bubbles

Besides being more fun, a layer of bubbles actually acts as an insulator, keeping the bath water warmer for longer, explains Hart. Also: "It's pretty tough to be immersed in a bubble bath and not let out a huge, gratifying sigh," she says.

Meditate

A bath can be a great place to create a zenned-out environment and get in a bit of meditation. Turn on some relaxing music, light candles, and/or lower the lights — whatever you need to make the time your own.

Hart likes an app called CBT-i Coach to aid in creating that relaxing vibe. "There's a great feature on this app called Quiet Your Mind, which takes you through guided imagery through forests, beaches, or something as simple as a guided body scan," she says. "This is a great way to practice meditation, especially for those who may be new to the whole meditation thing," adds Hart.

Kneeskern focuses on a mantra. "I use 'Sat Nam,' which in Kundalini yoga means 'true identity,'" she says. "Even if you can't stop the 'monkey chatter,' just keep breathing and before you know it, it will become easier in time. As with anything in life, practice is what improves any habit, behavior, or lifestyle change," notes Kneeskern.