Proper Way to Cool Down After Working Out
After any workout session, resistance training, HIIT or cardio your muscles begin to break down.
“The immediate time after exercise is essential to muscle and tissue repair, strength building and overall recovery. The post-workout phase is a critical part of any exercise routine,” says Fabio Comana, an exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise. “A sudden stop in physical activity can cause blood pooling in your legs, your blood pressure could drop and you could get very dizzy,” warns Jenn Burke, a personal training manager at Crunch gym in New York City. Cooling down is important and will help your body fight post exercise muscle soreness.
Top 3 Components of a Cool Down
According to Bodybuilding.com there are three parts, which should be included to ensure a successful cool down. They are:
- Gentle exercise
- Stretching
- Re-fuel
#1 Gentle Exercise
5 minutes of easy exercise that is similar to what you were doing during your workout. For example, if your workout included a lot of running, the cool down should be light jogging or walking. Don’t forget to take some very deep breathes to help oxygenate your system.
#2 Stretching
About 5 to 10 minutes of stretching. Static stretching are best at this time. If you are unfamiliar with static stretching check out our post titled “What are Static Stretches.”
#3 Re-fuel
Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated after a workout is very important. If you’re trying to gain muscle, try a protein shake or bar if not, easily digestible foods like fruits are your best option.
