Every Good Exercise Needs A Cool Down

Have you ever had a great workout session or run that leaves you wanting to just kick your feet up and relax afterward? I’m sure you have, but I’m here to tell you to fight that urge. At least until you’ve completed a proper cool down.

The reason you need to do a cool down after working out is that exercising raises your heart rate. In order to avoid a steep drop in blood pressure and an increased chance of fainting or dizziness, you should do a less intense exercise, like a light jog or walk, until your heart rate and breathing return to a normal rate.

The cool down will also help prevent injuries and soreness. And who doesn’t want to prevent those two things?

A typical cool down routine should be 10 to 15 minutes long. By doing this, you are lowering your body temperature after a workout. The cool down will allow your body to get back to normal and reduce muscle spasms, stiffness and cramping.

After the light jog or walk to cool down, you should also complete a stretching routine. This will continue the cool down and help you maintain flexibility and range of motion.

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