Today's Fitness Tip

Cool Down.  After a vigorous workout of walking, running, kickboxing or anything else that elevates the heart rate, take an extra 5 - 10 minutes to cool down and to bring down your heart rate down gradually.  This can help prevent injury and the muscle soreness that we all hate a day or two after ou wokouts, because cooling down not ony brings the heart rate back to normal (and prevents dizziness), but, it also allows metabolic wastes t be worked out of your muscles. My favorite way to cool down is to walk around in a slower pace until my heart rate comes back to normal.  Then, put on some great music that has a slower pace (Buckcherry - I'm Sorry, Seether - Broken, Aliana Morsette - Uninvited) and begin my stretches.  This is my time to re-collect my thoughts and to relax.  My breathing becomes slower as I do each stretch. Even if all I do is toning that day, my heart rate will come up a little and will need a cool down and stretch, so do not think that because you did not do an "intense" workout that you do not need to cool down.  Take that time for yourself. ___________________________________________________________________________
As always, before beginning any fitness activity, see your doctor for clearance.  This for your own safety.  The above information is my personal opinions and is based on my own personal research in this area.  © 2008, Jill Krekel, Certified Personal Trainer. All rights reserved

Ya know, there's a lot of truth to that.  Now that I'm practicing my dancing, I'm going back into dancer's mode, which always included warm ups & cool downs.  And it's especially important for someone like me, with a weak heart.  Thanks, Jill.