How to Cool Down After a Workout

By Eric leader-Owner/Personal Trainer

 

Getting in a regular workout is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, states Eric Leader, a personal trainer in Faifax. The benefits of moving your body, increasing your heart rate, and breaking a sweat are not to be underestimated. However, what happens after the workout

—also known as the cool down—is just as important as what happens during. If you’ve been wondering how to effectively cool down after your workout, here’s what you need to know.

Shake It Off

Once you’re finished with your sweat, a

protein shake is an excellent way to cool down. Exercise essentially breaks down the muscles. To support your body in rebuilding, a protein shake is the perfect choice. This drink is not only convenient, but it’s the most efficient way to deliver nutrients to the muscles most rapidly. Other forms of food may take more time to reach the muscles, thereby delaying or missing the benefits of supportive muscle repair.

Stretch It Out

Another key element of the cool down should be a stretch.

Stretching gives your heart time to slow down, while also promoting muscle mobility. There are a variety of routines that you can do to ensure your stretch is as effective as possible. However, you want to make sure your stretch targets the entire body, so you’re balanced from head to toe.

Give It a Rest

Occasionally, you might feel confident and ready to take on the world after a workout. However, one of the best ways to cool down is to give yourself time to rest. You can cool down by finding a cool place in your

house to catch your breath. This could be a backyard patio, living room, kitchen, or anywhere else that is conducive to feeling calm and cool. This rest time will also give the body plenty of time to release heat, so that your heart can return to a more normal rate.

Drink Water

There are countless post-workout drinks out there for you to try, but one of the most basic and effective is plain and simple: water.

Drinking water restores the body, decreases sore muscles, and promotes overall flexibility. Proper hydration is key all year, but especially in the summer, when temperatures are at their highest and you may be most susceptible to sun stroke. If you need some assistance getting into the spirit of water drinking, a reusable water bottle could help.

Take a Shower

If you’ve been sweating, it may come as an obvious suggestion to

take a shower. Although it may seem like information everyone knows, it’s certainly a suggestion worth repeating. Taking a hot or cold shower can support the body in returning to a non-exercise state, so you can get back out into the rest of your day.

The cool down is an essential part of any workout. While it may seem harmless to skip over this aspect of your health, it’s truly a step not to be missed. If you’ve been struggling with your cool down, the above tips will get you back on track and help you to move forward into a healthier, happier you.