Cool down
Warming down should consist of the following:
- 5 to 10 minutes jogging/walking - decrease body temperature and remove waste products from the working muscles
- 5 to 10 minutes - decrease body temperature, remove waste products from the working muscles and to increase range of movement.
are more appropriate to the cool down as they help muscles to relax and increase their range of movement.
What are the benefits of a cool down?
An appropriate cool down will:
- aid in the dissipation of waste products - including
- reduce the potential for
- reduce the chances of dizziness or fainting caused by the pooling of venous blood at the extremities
- reduce the level of adrenaline in the blood
- allows the heart rate to return to it's resting rate
Once I have completed my main activity it is important that I cool down, this will slowly reduce the build up of lactic acid in my muscles by reducing my heart rate and breathing at a steady pace instead of just terminating the exercise after the main activity. I cool down to allow a gradual fall in my heart rate; I achieve this by performing light aerobic exercise such as walking for 5-10 minuets before strtching, as it shortens the recovery time of my muscles as it removes carbon dioxide and lactic acid, Which will make my heart rate decrease. I will also need to ensure I stay hydrated and have warm clothing on to ensure my body returns to its normal state and avoid dizziness and over or under heating of my body.