Cool down is a session of light exercises that follows rigorous physical activities. The session will usually include gentle exercises, and stretching activities. Stretching is a major factor in the procedure of cooling down. Stretching allows the body muscles to build elasticity and repair from aerobic and anaerobic exercises.
Effects of a cool down :
- Faster removal of lactic acid from fast twitch muscle fibre.
- Faster removal of carbon dioxide from muscle tissue.
- Reduction in the risk of muscle soreness.
Cooling down is an easy exercise, done after a more intense activity, to allow the body to gradually transition to a resting or near resting state.
The main aim of the cool down session is to promote recovery and return the body to a pre-exercise, or pre-workout level. During a strenuous workout, the body goes through a number of stressful processes. For example, muscle fibres, tendons and ligaments get damaged, and waste products build up within the body.
Effects of Cooling down
1. Helps heart rate and breathing to return towards resting levels gradually.
2. Helps avoid fainting or dizziness, which can result from blood pooling in the large muscles of the legs when a vigorous activity is stopped suddenly.
3. Helps to remove metabolites (intermediate substances formed during metabolism) from muscles, such as lactic acid.
4. Helps to prepare the muscles for the next exercise session, whether it’s the next day or in a few days’ time.
