What Should You Do Post-Workout & Why You Should Never Skip Your Cooldown

What Should You Do Post-Workout & Why You Should Never Skip Your Cooldown

Ready to boost your results post-workout?

This tip is surprisingly effective...

And, it can help you reduce stress, experience happier moods, and better workout results (plus less soreness).

Don’t skip your post-workout cooldown or stretches!

Your cooldown has powerful implications for your health … right down to your central nervous system.

I know you’re busy and want to jet off when your workout is over, but it’s absolutely worth taking a few extra minutes to wind down after your workout.

I take a deeper dive into your cooldown in my latest eBook, The Ultimate Post-Workout & Recovery Guide. Get your copy here!

What you do during your cooldown will depend on your workout, but here are some basic guidelines:

COOLDOWN PHASE #1:

If you just did a cardio or high-intensity workout, spend at least 5 minutes gradually returning your heart rate to normal by slowly reducing the intensity of your movements (walking, cycling, etc.).

This can help stop blood from pooling in your extremities, which can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint.

→ If it was a strength-training workout, hop on an exercise bike, treadmill, or elliptical for a short, moderate-intensity session to help avoid post-workout soreness. Be sure to bring your heart rate down gradually.

COOLDOWN PHASE #2:  Where the real magic happens!

After exercising, your muscles are warm and pliable, which makes it a GREAT time to work on your flexibility.

Stretching helps:

  • Prevent soreness
  • Improve mobility
  • Improve your posture
  • Improve flexibility & your range of motion
  • Cut your risk of injury
  • Increase blood flow
  • Relieve tension and stress
  • Promote relaxation

Not to mention the fact that it just plain feels good to stretch after a workout!

If you normally skip your cooldown, try it for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference.

Committed to your success,

Caitlin Followell Fitness

REFERENCE:

www.researchgate.net/publication/274517864_Acute_Changes_in_Autonomic_Nerve_Activity_during_Passive_Static_Stretching

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