We’ve previously discussed the importance of warming-up before starting a training session. Equally as important is taking the time to cool down after a workout.
You can look at a cool down as the polar opposite of a warm-up. While a warm-up’s purpose is to increase blood flow, elevate your heart rate, and raise your body temperature, the cool down reverses those effects. Your blood flow returns to normal, as does your heart rate and body temperature.
Here are four elements of an effective cool down that will bring your body back to a resting state after training:
1. Continuous Movement
Once you’ve completed your training session or workout, don’t stop moving right away. Your body needs lower intensity movements to get back to normal. If you stop altogether while your heart rate is still high, it can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Walking is a good way to keep moving while your body comes back to its resting state.
2. Stretch
Another component of a quality cool down is stretching. After a workout, your muscles are warm, making it a convenient time to work on your flexibility. Take five to ten minutes (once your heart rate has come back down) to stretch.
3. Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is essential before, during, and after a workout. After an intense workout where you’ve lost a lot of sweat, it’s important to replenish any fluid that you’ve lost. Bring a water bottle with you so that after your workout is done, you’ll be more likely to drink plenty of water and rehydrate.
4. Mindset
Taking time to cool down also gives you a chance to switch your mindset from a training focus back to your daily life. As you’re cooling down, it’s a great time to review your workout in your head. What skills did you practice? What do you want to remember for next time? Once you’ve gone over your training, you can start thinking about the tasks that remain on your daily to-do list.
To learn more about the classes we’re currently offering at Classic Fight Team in Fountain Valley, contact us today.
