Cool-Down: When and Why It’s Important

Bring your heart rate down this summer with these cool-down exercises that require virtually no equipment.

Published June 12, 2020 01:33PM

Let’s be honest. Most of us only have an hour to spend at the gym, if that. To ask for a warm-up and a cool-down is a bit of a stretch (no pun intended). Where do we find the time?

Listen up: It’s not always appropriate to cool down after a workout, but during the summer months, I personally think a cool-down becomes more of a necessity because of the conditions in which we’re working out. Moving from a cool gym to the hot outdoors, running outside or even working out in a space without air conditioning like a garage, park or CrossFit gym is cause for extreme changes in temperature, which can lead to venous pooling in the lower extremities and increased risk of fainting.

Cooling down after high-intensity workouts makes most sense. Going from redline to rest is never a good idea but should especially be avoided during hot summer months. Lowering your heart rate and incorporating mobility is a much better idea than getting in your car or heading to work or home. Take advantage of the pliability of your muscles when they’re nice and warm. Plus, cooling down allows your body to return to homeostasis and improves your recovery outside the gym.

Here are some suggestions for a full-body cool-down with minimal equipment.