Don’t Skip or Skimp on Your Cool-Down

The exercise cool-down is a poorly understood and even more poorly executed protocol.

I hope to make clear that cooling down after working out is just as important as the warm-up (which you are also doing, right?), and should be done on a regular basis.

After any workout (cardio or weights) your muscles are tired and very quickly begin breaking down in order to rebuild (this is a good thing). That time, right after you finish exercising, is a critical time for muscle tissue repair, strength building, and overall recovery. That is where your cool-down comes into play.

How to Cool-Down Effectively?

  • Bring your heart rate and breathing back to normal.
  • Prevent fainting or dizziness.
  • Remove lactic acid byproducts and metabolites which build up during vigorous activity.
  • Reduce the post-exercise tendency for muscle spasm or cramping.
  • Increase flexibility.
  • Return our body to a normal position.
  • Reflect on this workout and make plans for the next one.

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