After your workout, resist the urge to just stop and rush off to your next activity. Spending 5-10 minutes cooling down with some light walking and gentle stretching is like giving your body a chance to gradually transition back to normal instead of slamming on the brakes.
Focus on stretching the major muscle groups you just worked. Hold each stretch for about 15-30 seconds – no bouncing or forcing it! This gentle stretching can help reduce muscle stiffness and may help you feel better the next day. It’s also a nice way to mentally transition from workout mode back to the rest of your day.
Cool-down time is also perfect for reflecting on your workout. What felt good? What was challenging? This kind of self-awareness helps you plan better workouts in the future.