Exercise Cool Down
Just as you gradually increased your rate of exercise, so too must you slow down gradually, by following a
process commonly known as cooling down. This enables your heart rate and other physical functions to get back to
normal at a gradual pace.
It is important to include a cool down at the end of your exercise routine and there are several ways that you
can perform your exercise cool down, one of these being to simply slow down the rate of activity in your
main exercise routine. This won't always be possible if you are playing a fast sport, but if you are working out in
the gym, jogging, cycling, skating or taking part in any other individual sport, it is an easy way of getting back
to normal.
Example of an Exercise Cool DownIf slowing down what you are already doing isn't an option, here is an
alternative. You can do some less strenuous form of exercise for about 8-10 minutes. This could be jogging slowly
or walking briskly, depending on how intensely you were exercising during the main workout.
Other Important Reasons for Cooling DownCooling down after physical activity is important for a
number of other reasons, for example it helps to get rid of waste products which built up in your muscles during
vigorous exercise.
Sitting down immediately after exercising can cause you to become dizzy, as your blood pressure drops and the
gradual cooling down process helps to avoid this.
When you exercise hard your heart has to send extra blood to the muscles for them to work efficiently at an
increased rate. If you stop suddenly, the blood isn't sent back to the heart as quickly which can result in it
pooling in the muscles and causing pain.
The articles on this site are for information only and are not intended to replace medical advice.
|