What is a Cool Down?
Generally, a cool down involves exercise at a reduced intensity and slower pace, and includes stretching and deep breathing. It allows your body to gradually return to a pre-exercise state.
Just as it is important to warm up before working your body, it is also crucial to cool down.
What Happens to Your Body During a Cool Down?
When you exercise, your heart beats at an accelerated rate, your respirations increase, and your muscles contract rapidly. All of this occurs to ensure that blood is oxygenated quickly and delivered to your hard-working muscles.
When you stop exercising suddenly, your heart rate and blood pressure drop suddenly and muscles stop contracting at the same rate. This can cause blood to pool in your extremities, slowing its return to the heart and brain. All of this can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
After intense exercise, lactic acid accumulates in the body. A good cool down is an effective way to help the body begin to clear this by-product and reduce post-exercise soreness.
The Importance of Stretching and Breathing in Your Cool Down
During exercise, your muscles become warm and pliable. Consistent stretching after exercise allows muscles to lengthen -- which, over time, allows for increased range of motion and a possible reduction in injury.
Adding deep, relaxed breathing to your cool down can help you take full advantage of the euphoric state that is often experienced when dopamine and serotonin are released after exercise.
Here is to a great cool-down and stretch! -- Sara Karman