Cooling Down After Exercise

A cool-down is a few minutes of gentle activity after hard exercise. It helps your heart slow down and your muscles relax. Cooling down is just as important as warming up.

Why Cool Down

When you exercise hard, your heart beats fast and your muscles are hot. Stopping suddenly can make you feel dizzy or sick. A cool-down helps your body return to normal slowly.

Cooling down also helps prevent muscle soreness the next day. It gives your body time to recover.

How to Cool Down

After exercising, walk slowly for a few minutes. Then do some gentle stretches. Hold each stretch for about 15 to 30 seconds without bouncing.

Take deep breaths while you stretch. Drink some water to replace the fluids you lost through sweat. Your body will thank you for taking this time.

Fun Facts

• Stretching after exercise helps your muscles stay long and flexible.
• Your heart rate should return to normal within about 10 minutes of cooling down.
• Many athletes say cooling down helps them feel less sore the next day.

Did You Know?

If you stop exercising suddenly without cooling down, blood can pool in your legs and make you feel lightheaded!