8 Ways To Freshen Up When There's No Time For A Post-Workout Shower

Sometimes, your post-workout routine is absolute bliss. You’ve got all the time in the world to stretch, rehydrate, shower, enjoy a nutritious snack and take a moment to reset. Other times, not so much. As soon as you’ve finished your final rep, you’re rushing out the door and barely have a second to catch your breath before your next appointment, let alone time to jump in the shower. 

Next thing you know, you’re back at your desk red-faced and Googling how to stop sweating. 

While we’re all about personal hygiene, we get it. Time isn’t always on your side. So what are your options when squeezing in a shower straight after exercise simply isn’t possible? Here are eight ways to feel fresh in a flash.

Wash your hands and face

Even if you can’t fit in a full shower post-workout, washing your hands and face is a must. Rinsing sweat off your face is a great way to prevent your pores from becoming clogged, and it’s important to remove the bacteria and dirt from your hands you might have picked up from gym equipment, yoga mats or the ground before you touch your face. You might also want to consider giving your underarms a rinse.

Change out of sweaty clothes 

An easy way to get rid of that damp feeling and any funky smells is to pop on a fresh set of clothes. If you tend to feel quite sweaty or hot after working out, opt for loose-fitting items and natural fibres such as cotton and linen.

Getting changed into clean clothes and regularly washing your activewear isn’t just about feeling fresh, it also reduces your risk of skin irritation, breakouts, bacteria growth and infections.

Keep wipes in your bag

Although antibacterial wipes aren’t a replacement for a shower, they can definitely help to remove any sweat, dirt and bacteria if you won’t have time to shower for a few hours. 

Depending on how much you sweat, you can also buy specialised athletic body wipes designed for this exact purpose! Wipes or a damp cloth can be used over your entire body if necessary, or just on those particularly sweaty, fragrant areas such as your underarms, groin, neck or under your sports bra.

Apply fresh deodorant 

Following your wipe or rinse routine, don’t forget to reapply your deodorant. This is for your own personal hygiene as much as being considerate of those around you. As much as you might be proud of your fitness routine and want people to know you’ve been working out, they don’t need to smell your fitness progress.

Rehydrate to cool down

Drinking plenty of water should already be part of your post-workout routine to replace the fluids lost through your breath and sweat, but it can also go a long way to helping you cool down. Being hydrated allows your body to regulate your temperature and an icy sip is so refreshing when you’ve just finished a tough Sweat session. 

Spritz yourself

If you feel a lot of heat in your face or neck after exercising, keeping a cooling face mist handy could be just what you need to ease redness and soothe your skin! 

Is a facial mist just water? Nope! Most are formulated to boost hydration and improve the absorption or application of other skincare products and makeup. Some mists are designed for unique skincare issues, so check the packaging first.

Get breezy 

One of the easiest ways to cool down and dry off quickly is to get outside into some fresh air, turn on a fan, or switch your hairdryer to its cold setting. If you’re driving somewhere immediately after your workout, turn on the air conditioning or open the windows!

Hair care makes a difference 

To feel as fresh as possible post-workout, there are a few things you can do when it comes to your hair. If you’re a fan of dry shampoo, remember to apply it before you even start exercising to avoid creating a cakey mess by applying it to sweaty hair afterwards.

Using scrunchies, coils or snagless hair ties can also prevent damage or creases when you take your hair out, and opting for a style that keeps your hair away from your face and neck such as a bun, ponytail or braids can reduce the amount of sweat in your hair.

The sooner you can shower after a workout, the better, but these tips can keep you feeling fresh on days when there simply isn’t time. We’ve got you!