Warm ups. Cool downs. Who has the time?! Well, with this 5 Min Cool Down Stretch the answer is…EVERYBODY! Plus, I can do this routine and I’m 8 months pregnant so…save your whining for tomorrow’s muscle soreness. 😉
But…why?
Okay, you need a why because…“doesn’t your body do that naturally?”
YES. However, if you’ve been going beast mode (lifting heavy or running hard) and revved your body (heart, lungs, temp) up real good…and then just [STOP! Suddenly!] … Your blood pressure could plummet, you could get dizzy and your blood could pool in your lower extremities. Hello swelling, nausea, possible vomitting and headache. Gross.
PLUS – since your muscles are already warm and pliable from exercise, taking time to stretch during your cool down really helps you improve your flexibility and alleviate future muscle soreness.
So think of the cool down as a way to ease your body back to normal operating mode and squeeze some added benefits from your workout. Take 5 minutes to jog slow or at least walk it out and then do some stretches!
5 Min Cool Down Stretch
- Watch the video of pregnant me going through the movements.
- Save/Pin the download so you don’t forget.
- Know that you have no excuse not to do some kind of cool down.
5 Min Cool Down Stretch Download
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Jenn @ Run With Sole says
February 19, 2016 at 9:06 amGreat cool down!! I love to stretch after all my workouts and I always finish client sessions with a good stretch! I’m adding that side bend – we don’t do that one!
Coach Henness says
February 19, 2016 at 9:24 amThanks, Jenn! The side bend is just something I often realize I do when I’m first trying to catch my breath and get my chest open. It’s simple but feels really good.
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
February 19, 2016 at 9:33 amI am admittedly not great at stretching after workouts. I honestly think it’s one of the reasons that my plantar faciitis has stuck around longer than desired – I really need to work on stretching my calves out more afterwards. I definitely need to start being more regular with this!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…Baby Strong Workout Review!
Sandra Laflamme says
February 19, 2016 at 11:25 amThank you for your thoughtful comments on my blog. I love your 5 minute stretch sequence. This is definitely something that I need to do more of!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Finding Positivity in Every Day. Friday Five.
Tricia says
February 19, 2016 at 12:41 pmWhat a great workout who doesn’t have 5 minutes this is awesome thank you for sharing!!!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
February 19, 2016 at 3:03 pmI’ve been bad at stretching lately but we all have 5 min right?!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Part 2- Ageless Fitness: Women’s views on fitness as they age
Marcia says
February 19, 2016 at 3:51 pmI used to be so good about cooldown stretching. Now not so much. Thank you for this!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
February 19, 2016 at 5:05 pmNothing better than a cool down stretch after a good run! BTW, You are looking adorable!!
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Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
February 20, 2016 at 8:26 amWarming up and cooling down is so important for helping to prevent injury. What a great cool down you’ve put together!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Five Hats That I Wear
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
February 20, 2016 at 5:48 pmI’m good about cooling down after a run, but I’m not so good about cooling down after CrossFit.
Colleen @ LiveFreeAndRun says
February 21, 2016 at 8:48 amI need to be better about cooling down after running. I always do a cool down and stretch after spinning since I am leading the class and have it built in, but with running- I get lazy! 🙂