Look, I get it: The last thing you probably want to do after a tough strength workout or long run is, well, more work.
However, taking just a few extra minutes after your exercise routine to focus on cooling down can make a world of difference, for your physical (and mental) well-being.
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Moving through some cool-down exercises and stretches will bring your heart rate back to its baseline,calm your mind post-endorphin high, and ease your body back into its natural resting state (among other benefits).
Plus, going through these post-workout moves can help improve mobility and allow your body to recover more efficiently, thereforepreventing unwanted injuries.
If those reasons aren’t convincing enough, it honestly just feels ridiculously good to give your muscles a few blissful moments of self-care.
For a truly efficient cool-down, opt forexercises that target the muscle groupsyou just worked (for example, go for some calf and hamstring stretches after a run).
To get you started, I’ve put together some of my favorite exercises that will take you from revved up to cooled down:
