Cool Down

[redsquirrel]

When doing cardio, how important do you all think it is to cool down for 5-10 minutes?

Are there any benefits to doing it, or any detriments if you dont?

[Alin]

Originally Posted by redsquirrel

When doing cardio, how important do you all think it is to cool down for 5-10 minutes?

Are there any benefits to doing it, or any detriments if you dont?

Very good question. would like to hear opinions about this.

[coffee-guy]

Originally Posted by redsquirrel

When doing cardio, how important do you all think it is to cool down for 5-10 minutes?

Are there any benefits to doing it, or any detriments if you dont?

I'm of the opinion that as long as your heartrate has dropped back down to a decent level there's no need for more than just a minute or two - some people can't do this though so it doesn't hold true to everyone...

[Shibby]

I don't know the details, but it can be dangerous to have your heart rate and blood pressure that high and having it going no where. Also depending on the situation, to fast of a cool down can lead to shock.

Simple effects that I have felt are being real dizzy and the feeling my heart is going to explode. The dizzy part obviously could lead to injuries from the surroundings. So I just prefer to cool down for a lot of comfort reasons.

[SonofBone]

This isn't directly about what you asked, but I believe one of the most important things is how fast your pulse comes down when you cool down or stop. I once read something that said you should come down at least 10 points in the first minute, and if you didn't, there is a much higher chance of heart disease, heart attacks, death, etc.

I always watched mine and it would drop 10 points in 15 seconds or less, so this one shouldn't be hard to achieve. However, if the pulse didn't respond quickly, then one should consult their physician who would probably stress test them and maybe see a cardiologist.

[Stonecold54]

I was always taught that a cool down is more for intense cariod sessions with lactic acid build up. after the session is done and you stop you need to flush your body of the built up toxins. you accomplish this with a light exercise of the same type you just did. i would think something like the gym, unless you are going balls to the wall you don't need to worry about it. sprinters, long distance runners, competitve swimmers, and people like that that push their bodies to the limit, but for the average gym person just in it for fat burning I would not lose sleep over it.

I don't believe you can have an adverse affect from NOT doing a cool down on a cardio machine...they most likely were incoporated in exercise machines because the companies want you to think that their machines are intense and that you will need it.

and as far as heart problems and the like the WARM UP is the important part for that. if you jump into a heavy intense workout to fast than your heart/bodies nervous system could short out (for lack of a better term).