Supercharge Exercise Performance & Recovery with Cooling

In this episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, Andrew Huberman discusses the impact of temperature on physical performance, skill learning, and recovery. He explains how the body regulates temperature through vasoconstriction, vasodilation, and sweating, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a proper temperature range for optimal muscle function and preventing hyperthermia. Huberman highlights the unique role of glabrous skin on the face, palms, and bottoms of the feet in heat exchange, referencing research on palmar cooling to enhance endurance and strength. He also addresses the use of cold for recovery, cautioning against full-body immersion and advocating for targeted cooling of specific body areas. The episode further explores how stimulants, anti-inflammatories, and alcohol affect body temperature and, consequently, athletic performance, providing practical advice for leveraging temperature to improve workouts and overall physical well-being.