Hi guys, there are plenty of theories and variations of cooling down so I decided to share with you my top five.
So lets begin (from the bottom to the top).
5/ WALKING
I will kick things off with the most effective and easiest cool down exercise — the move you naturally revert to when you’re weighted down by exhaustion — walking. I am not suggesting a rapid, power walker’s stride; I am talking a nice, slow, steady speed on the treadmill. Walking allows for your body to settle back into its normal state as you stay in motion. Whatever you do, don’t stop and sit down, as this encourages muscle stiffness.
4/ STRETCHING
After strength training or cardio, your muscles are warmed up so they’re more elastic and pliable. “This is when you’re going to see the most benefits in flexibility,” says Burke. “Stretching also relaxes the tension from the workout.” Although stretching hasn’t been found to decrease injuries, it has been shown to decrease next-day soreness in hamstrings, quads and calves. Stretching also maintains circulation in key areas and expedites the healing process after muscles begin breaking down.
3/ YOGA
Yoga has many benefits to the human body, and many people should begin to practice it. In fact, it is one of the few perfect accompanying workouts to any sports.
It helps to increase flexibility, increase muscle strength and tone, improve respiration, boost energy and vitality, and improve cardiovascular health.
Meditate and focus on unifying your mind and body.
Most importantly, make sure you cool down after every workout. Rest and recovery are just as important as the workout itself. Take care of your mind and body each day and we will all get to live happier, healthier lives!
2/ CRYOTHERAPY
For decades, cold therapy has been commonly used as a procedure to relieve pain symptoms, particularly in inflammation, injuries and overuse symptoms. In sports medicine, Cryotherapy has gained wider acceptance as a recovery modality from muscle injuries by significantly alleviating inflammation after strenuous exercise by inducing an anti-inflammatory effect.
1/ MASSAGE
Not only can it speed up recovery time, but a recent study found that massage after heavy exercise can also improve muscle strength. "Working out the lactic acid that builds up in your muscles can be painful, but it's so worth the temporary pain to feel that sweet relief afterward,"
Massages are great to break up knots and or adhesions. Anything you can do to make sure your muscles are still aligned is a good thing
If you can't justify getting a pro to rub you down after every SoulCycle class, buy a foam roller, and try some moves at home. Rollers sell for around $15 online, and there's a ton of great, free information available about how to use them.
Thank you for your time.
