ABSTRACT
A cool-down (also referred to as a warm-down) is the period at the end of an exercise session where the exercise intensity is gradually or constantly reduced in an attempt to accelerate the body’s return to homeostasis: optimal resting levels of physiological and psychological parameters. The cool-down aims to replenish energy stores, reduce metabolic by-products (e.g. lactate and hydrogen ions), reduce sympathetic nerve activity, reduce the susceptibility to delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), and reduce cardiorespiratory parameters (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, respiration) gradually to minimise the risk of any cardiovascular complications following exercise (e.g. syncope and postural hypotension). A cool-down also allows for a post-exercise period of reflection on the positive elements of the session, which may increase exercise adherence.
