Chapter 3

  1. Get Fit, Stay Fit

84. Follow Up with a Cool-Down


Cooling down is the reverse of warming up, and it helps your body recover from exercise in three ways. A 5-minute cool-down:

  1. •Allows the heart rate to slow down gradually.

  2. •Prevents blood from pooling in the legs.

  3. •Reduces the likelihood that your muscles will feel stiff after exercise because it reduces the buildup of lactic acid.


As with the warm-up, cool down slowly. Perform the activity at a slower pace, and/or stretch (as described in Tip 83).