Q: Matt, the other day I was reading that people who take cold showers in the morning have an increased risk of strokes. Any truth to that?

A: Your question makes me think of the hit song, Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room – which would be a much better thing than strokin’ in the shower. Now, to answer your question, there may be something to it – but then again, there are plenty of people whose only way of bathing in the morning is with cold water. In fact, many martial artists start the day by going outside and dumping a five-gallon bucket of cold water over their body. Doing so is designed to increase the flow of vital force, or qi.

Even so, it may be too much cold too soon for many people. Personally, I begin with warm water, then crank it cold at the finish.

If you’re concerned about the risks of cold water in the morning, then start with exercise to get your body warmed up, then hop in the sauna.

Matt Furey

Also, a man wrote me the other day, telling me how banged up his body is at 69-years. He wondered if he can still get fit without hurting himself. I recommended Power Postures – where you make yourself strong, resilient and fit while appearing to do almost nothing externally. It’s almost all internal. Well, I train this way daily as part of my practice, and it’s led to me being able to move my body in ways I never thought possible.