Finishing a workout and instantly collapsing on the couch or jumping into a car is common, but not ideal. A proper cool-down gently guides your body from high effort back to a resting state.
During exercise, your heart rate, breathing, and blood flow increase. If you stop suddenly, blood can pool in the legs, and you may feel dizzy or light-headed. A few minutes of lower-intensity movement – like slow walking or cycling – helps bring your heart rate down gradually.
Stretching after a workout also makes a difference. Muscles are warm and more flexible, so gentle stretches can ease tightness and improve your range of motion over time. Focus on the areas you just trained: legs after running, chest and shoulders after upper body work, and so on.
Cooling down is a chance to mentally register what you’ve done. A minute of deep breathing or simply standing tall with slow exhales can help switch your nervous system from “go” mode to “rest” mode.
It doesn’t have to be complex. Five to ten minutes of winding down beats zero every single time. Your next workout will often feel better because you respected the end of this one.