Do you cool down after exercise?

/ Red Hot Personal Training/

Many people believe that a proper cool down after a workout is just as important as the workout itself.  Is it true that those few minutes spent at the end of a tough session can be so crucial? 

The general consensus is that a cool down provides the body with a smooth transition from exercise back to a steady state of rest.  At Red Hot Personal Training we totally agree!  Cooling down the body with a series of stretches offers a great number of benefits, a few of which we have listed below:

  • Reduces heart and breathing rates
  • Gradually cools body temperature
  • Helps prevent dizziness or fainting
  • Improves flexibility over time

Static stretches (stretches held in place) can be used after a workout holding for 20 -40 seconds each stretch. Only perform static stretches after a workout as these type of stretches can be counterproductive if used first and may in fact lead to injury or poorer performance.  (Dynamic stretches are ideal BEFORE a workout, for example those that are performed whilst moving such as arm circles).

Happy stretching:) x