Why cool down after a workout
Posted by Jon
I understand the point of a warm up, however, what is
the point for a cool down period?
Re: Why cool down after a workout
Posted by Vicki
The cooldown is just as important as your warm-up. The cooldown; 1) prevents the blood from pooling in your lower extremities and reduces too rapid a drop in your blood pressure which decreases the liklihood of fainting or getting light-headed, 2) Reduces the tendency for muscles to spasm or cramp, and 3) Reduces the concentration of exercise hormones (e.g. norepinephrine) that are at relatively high levels immediately after vigorous exercise. This reduction will lower the probablitiy of disturbances in your cardiac rhythm after exercise. Be sure to take 5-10 minutes to adequately cool your body down!
