COOL-DOWN
Regardless of the type of workout, you should cool down properly each time you exercise. The cool-down serves to gradually slow the heart rate and helps prevent pooling of the blood in your legs and feet. During exercise, your muscles squeeze blood through your veins, and this helps blood return to your heart. After exercise, however, the muscles relax, and no longer do this. Blood can accumulate in your legs and feet and could cause you to faint. Cooling-down can also help you stretch your muscles and reduce the soreness you’re likely to feel after you work out.
Spend 5 to 7 minutes cooling down each time you exercise. Do this by walking for one to two minutes, doing a few joint rotation exercises, and stretching.