Whether you’re a competitive athlete or exercise to maintain your wellness, post-workout cooldowns are essential for keeping your body healthy and comfortable. Winding down after exercising may feel like just an extra step, but it’s worthwhile for getting the most out of a workout. Discover some reasons why slowing down from your workout gradually is a good idea below.

Why Is Cooling Down so Important?

When you work out, your heart rate increases, so more blood flows throughout the body. Your body temperature rises, and the blood vessels are dilated during physical activity. If you stop too abruptly, however, your heart rate and blood pressure can decline quickly. As a result, blood will pool in your lower extremities, causing it to slowly return to your vital organs like the heart and brain. This could potentially lead to lightheadedness, and in extreme cases, fainting.

Cooling down can also help athletes stay comfortable after a workout. Stretching when the body is still warm can combat lactic acid buildup by moving the blood vessels and muscle tissue around, preventing stiffness and cramps. Partaking in slower, less-intense exercise such as steady cycling after strength training aids in preventing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) caused by tiny muscle fiber tears.

What’s the Best Way to Cool Down?

Whether after cardio or strength training, athletes can benefit from slower-paced aerobic cooldowns and stretching. Aim for a five- to ten-minute aerobic cooldown; for instance, if you’ve just done a long run, you might walk at a moderate pace for ten minutes. Follow this up with stretching when the muscles are still warm to boost the range of motion in the joints.

No matter what type of athlete you are, IMUA Orthopedics, Sports and Health in Honolulu, HI has everything you need to continue your exercise routine comfortably and safely. Their sports medicine experts offer nutrition counseling and orthopedic services to help you recover from injuries, and guidance on maximizing your training and performance. Find out more about their services online or call (808) 521-8170 to schedule an appointment.