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Cooling down after a workout
Cool-down periods hold as great a significance as warm-ups, in fact both of
them are an essential part of an exercise routine. Warming up aids the body in
making a smooth transition from rest to activity, where as during a cool-down,
the body cools. Muscle temperature decreases, perspiration rate goes down
causing the skin to feel cool, heart rate goes down, and respiration rate goes
down.
Add 10 to 15 minutes onto your workout so you can do some easy jogging or
walking and then stretch.
It has been observed that too many women wrap up their workouts and head
straight to the showers.
Stretching and relaxation
should be carried out after every workout in order to achieve all-round fitness.
Stopping too suddenly can sharply reduce blood pressure, is a danger for older
women, besides the cool-down:
-
 Allows
heart and respiration rates to decrease gradually, placing less stress on
body systems than if the activity is abruptly stopped. Nausea, dizziness,
and fainting are common in individuals who stop activity too quickly. Brisk
walking and slow
jogging keep the blood
flowing through the muscles. If activity is stopped quickly, blood tends to
"pool" (remain) in the muscles, particularly in the legs. This causes muscle
cramping, stiffness, and soreness.
-
 Provides
an opportunity to stretch the muscles again. When cooling, warm muscles tend
to shorten to a length less than what they were before the activity! If a
woman fails to stretch after being active, the eventual result will be a
long time if not permanent shortening of muscle fibres. She might then
becomes much more prone to stiffness, soreness, and injury due to decreased
flexibility. A jogger or biker might emphasize stretching the hamstrings,
calves, groin, and quadriceps, while swimmers would focus on the groin,
shoulders, and back.
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allows the participant time to enjoy the sense of physical and mental
calm that follow a workout. "Mellow" and "verrry relaxed" are common
descriptions used when women attempt to explain how they feel after engaging
in physical activity.
Warm-ups and cool-downs are two elements of every workout which, when
properly done, will help ensure the mental and physical well-being of the active
individual.
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