Why Skipping a Cooldown Can Be Detrimental

After a workout, cooling down should be a top priority. Many people don’t participate in cooling down because it may seem pointless and boring. But, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Cooling down after your workout allows for a gradual recovery of pre-exercise heart rate and blood pressure,”

Why exactly is this an important step? What are the benefits of returning to that pre-exercise heart rate and blood pressure? Cooling down allows your body to regulate blood flow better, assisting in the healing process of muscles, reducing lactic acid buildup, and reducing stress on the heart. Failing to cool down is failing your body in the healing process.

So now what? What does cooling down look like? Cooldowns can be performed in various ways, depending on the previously performed exercise.

After running or walking

After a walk or run, try slowing your pace to a light jog or leisurely walk for roughly 5-10 minutes. Make sure you stretch your quads and calves out to prevent stiffness. Grab one foot from behind to stretch your quads. For your calves, use a wall or curb. Flex your foot against the wall and lean forward to feel a slight stretch.

After swimming

After swimming, take a couple of slow laps. Take your time, and allow your heart rate to ease back down. After getting out of the pool, arm circles are an effective, dynamic stretch. 

After lifting

After lifting, you can perform a variety of stretches that will assist in preventing too much lactic acid buildup. Sit with your legs parallel to the floor and bend forward, concentrating on breathing deeply. Child’s Pose is a great example of a full-body relaxer. Perform arm circles, shoulder circles, and stretch out any part of your body you were just working on building. 

After cycling

After cycling, make sure you come to a flatter surface and slow your pace. Adjust to a lower gear, and enjoy a slow ride. 

Here at Hershey Orthopedic Spine & Rehabilitation, we see how beneficial cooldowns can be for the body. Without a proper cool down, you may develop an injury that could hinder your athletic performance.

If you need assistance finding the perfect cooldown routine, talk to a professional. Together, you can create a perfect, personalized cooldown to help you become the best you can be.

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