Arnold Schwarzenegger is after any performance benefit he can get inside the gym. In his Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter published on June 11, 2025, he revealed whether cooling off during workouts can lead to improved physical or cognitive performance.
Schwarzenegger has established himself as an authority in the fitness sector. Having won seven Mr. Olympia titles in his prime, he understands the holistic approach that goes into building a next-level physique. From training sessions, technique breakdowns, to dialed-in nutrition, he’s long helped his fanbase achieve the physiques they’ve always wanted.
In retirement, Schwarzenegger hasn’t slowed down and continues to give back to the bodybuilding community. We all get hot during workouts, but whether cooling off leads to better sessions is up for debate, which led ‘The Austrian Oak’ to tackle this topic in detail.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Breaks Down If Cooling Off During Exercise Leads to Performance Benefits
In the newsletter, Schwarzenegger addressed whether cooling off during exercise can lead to performance benefits. According to a new meta-analysis, cooling off feels nice but doesn’t guarantee a performance boost.
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“Does Cooling Off Improve Your Workouts?
You’ve probably seen it on the sidelines, during marathons, and other sporting events — athletes with ice towels, cooling collars, or fans blasting their faces. But does cooling your head, face, or neck help you perform better?
A new meta-analysis reveals that while cooling feels good, it doesn’t guarantee a performance boost.”
Researchers discovered that cooling-off methods didn’t lead to drops in core body temperature or heart rate in the subjects studied.
“Researchers reviewed 63 studies to determine whether cold towels, menthol, water sprays, or cold collars enhance physical or cognitive performance.
People felt cooler and more comfortable using head, face, or neck cooling, even if their core body temperature and heart rate didn’t change much. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the impact on actual physical performance was either inconclusive or non-existent. People reported better perception of recovery, but that didn’t result in going faster or lasting longer.”
However, there was a caveat. Scientists found that the perceptual benefits of feeling more comfortable and cooler could affect performance in some individuals, but the data is limited.
“The researchers believe the perceptual benefits — feeling more comfortable, cooler, and in control — could psychologically influence performance for some people, even if the physiological data doesn’t show a major effect. That “cooler head” might reduce perceived exertion, especially in the heat.”
“If you’re competing in hot environments and feel better using a cooling towel or neck wrap, go for it. It won’t hurt, and it might give you a mental edge. But don’t expect it to be a magic bullet for better performance or brainpower.”
Schwarzenegger isn’t afraid to try unconventional methods for enhancing his training. He recently discussed the potential benefits of using profanity during workouts for better results.
“The studies found that swearing before or during exercise can improve grip strength by 10 percent, help you do 15 percent more pushups, increase muscular endurance by up to 22 percent, and even increase cycling output by nearly 5 percent.”
At 77 years old, Schwarzenegger is still committed to spreading fitness wisdom. He doesn’t believe cooling off during workouts will lead to better performance, but says if it gives you a mental edge, then it’s worth the time.
RELATED: Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals If Using Heavier Weight During Warmups Enhances Workout Performance
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