The Cool-Down
This is the tapering off period. It is important to maintain the muscles’ ability to return blood from the extremities to the heart. Following an exercise session a large supply of blood remains in the working muscles. If this is not returned promptly to the central circulation, pooling of blood may occur in the muscles. If the brain doesn’t receive sufficient blood fainting can occur.
Cooling down is best accomplished by a continuation of the activity at a lower intensity. Generally this involves keeping moving by walking or light jogging for some five minutes after exercise. Gentle movement should continue until the heart rate returns to a steady state.
Stretching should be included at the end of the cool-down. In fact, recent research suggests that greatest flexibility gains are achieved as a result of flexibility training following the exercise session.
