Cooling hands

Cooling the hands can significantly enhance athletic performance and recovery by efficiently reducing core body temperature. Andrew Huberman explains that cooling specific areas like the palms, feet, and face are more effective because they prevent vasoconstriction and optimize heat dissipation. Holding a relatively cool object in one or both hands between exercise sets can improve endurance and strength gains 1.

Practical methods include using a sink with cool water (not ice-cold) for 10 to 30 seconds, which can help manage fatigue during workouts 2. Additionally, using packs of frozen vegetables or cold water bottles can serve as simple solutions for in-between exercise cooling 3.

These techniques have been shown to increase workout capacity significantly. In one instance, such cooling resulted in a 60% increase in the number of dips performed in a single session 1.