The cool down is one of the most important components of a successful workout. When you exercise, your heart rate increases dramatically and your pulse quickens. In order to cool down, it's important to bring your heart rate back to its normal rhythm. Learn cool down properly after a workout.
Instructions
1. Slow your workout down gradually. Instead of just stopping and lying down after a jog, it's vital you ease into a normal pace post workout. This is necessary because you could "lock" your joints or ligaments if you fail to stretch and cool down after an aerobic workout. Or, you could put extra strain on your heart when it changes from rapid beats to a resting pace.
2. Put on relaxing music. When you cool down, choose slower music that is great to stretch and unwind with.
3. Do exercises that stretch out your muscles and regulate your blood flow. Touch your toes with your fingers without bending your knee. Or, do a hamstring stretch by extending your leg and forming a right angle with your body.
4. Walk around your neighborhood or a track a few times. Walking at a normal pace is a great cool down activity that not only slows your heart rate, but allows you to breathe easily.
5. Have a water bottle with room temperature water ready. Though you may feel like guzzling ice water, drinking lukewarm water will help your homeostasis during a cool down.
6. Practice yoga or pilates. There are many stretches in these sports that allow for maximum flexibility and steady blood flow.
Tags: cool down, your heart, heart rate, your heart rate, blood flow, normal pace