Just as important as the
warm-up before exercising it is equally important to
implement a cool-down segment in your exercise
routine. The cool-down should be low impact and involve gentle
stretching and body movements.
The reasons it is critical to warm down from your bodies
perspective are:
-
Your core body temperature decrease - This
will decrease the risk of a sudden fall in your body
temperature. During exercising especially with cardiovascular
exercise your body temerature increases. When completing this
it may be a good idea depending on the air temperature to put
on and extra layer of clothing to bring down your body
temperature gradually.
-
Realigns the muscles used in the exercise
routine - Muscles upon cooling down will contract or
shorten to the body resting length. If you cool down too
quickly you could greatly reduce your long term flexibility and
experince muscle tightness.
-
Redirverts blood flow back to the heart -
Whilst exercising the blood within your body is diverted to the
area where the exercise is occuring ie: running would hav an
increased bloodflow to the legs. If you don't warm down
correctly you may experinec vertigo or light headed as the
blood has been diverted from the brain and the heart.
-
Rids the body of waste products - The gentle
stretching and movement will encourage the blood to flow back
to the heart. The greater the flow of blood through the muscles
will wash the waste buildup to enable the body to exit the
waste.
-
Preperation for the rest of your day - As we
are all busy people after a workout there are many items or
things to be completed. This time can aid the realxation and
provide you with a few quiet moments to plan your next tasks.
As can be seen from the above information it is important to
include a warm down section in any exercise routine so that you
can maximise the benefits from physical activity and continue you
on your path to maximise your fitness levels.
