Is Cooling Down Necessary After Working Out?

Why Should I Cool Down?

Cooling down is just as important as the warm up. A lot of people think that the cool down is not important after a workout; they underestimate its need and effect. What they don't realize is that the cool down promotes recovery. It will help your muscles recover and repair for the next workout. It helps in reducing and regulating the temperature of your muscles. The cool down will also reduce stiffness and soreness. It also removes waste products from the muscles, otherwise known as: Lactic Acid.

A Proper Cool Down Can Be Done in 3 Steps:

1. Easy/gentle exercise: For example, if you just finished a 40 minute workout on the elliptical, add 5 to 10 minutes to that with the same machine but at a easy, slower pace. Gradually slowing down the intensity and speed of the exercise.
2. Stretching: Around 10 minutes of stretching will maintain and add flexibility which reduce the risk of injury.
3. Refueling your body: It is essential to replenish your body with food and fluids post-workout. Consume a mix of carbs and protein within an hour of working out. Some fruits, honey and water can also do the trick. A sport drink as well. A protein shake with dextrose and glutamine in it. The choice of your post-workout meal will mostly depend on the type of activity you've done and the duration.

Follow these steps and add these extra minutes to your gym routines and you will see how it is going to enhance your future workouts.