We’ve intentionally combined these three elements—the cool-down, stretching, and body scan—because we know how tempting it can be to skip one or more of them.
We are now on the way down our hill, with our, with our well-earned refreshment stop in sight. But skipping or rushing these final three stages is a risk you should avoid.
Why are these workout stages important?
Cool-down The cool-down is just as important as any other part of the workout. After exercising, your body is like a hot engine; it’s grown accustomed to working at a certain level. Shifting down gears too quickly can cause your body to stall. This might manifest as light-headedness from a sudden drop in blood pressure or muscles seizing up because they aren’t allowed to relax properly.
Stretching This allows you to relax your muscles further, ensuring that after being contracted and released as part of the various exercise routines we’ve taken you through, they fully return to their pre-workout state. Stretching after exercise improves your muscles’ elasticity, making them more flexible and adaptable, which helps prevent injury. It also helps your body get rid of lactic acid, which is responsible for that post-workout soreness.
Body Scan Our bodies are at their best when they are in homeostasis, a state of balance. Our autonomic nervous system, which works constantly to achieve this balance, is made up of two components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Exercise activates our sympathetic nervous system, which is like the “gas pedal” that gets you ready for action. The parasympathetic system, on the other hand, is the “brake” that helps you slow down and recover. Doing a body scan helps your body switch out of sympathetic mode and into parasympathetic mode. It also helps you release any remaining tension, allowing you to reap the full benefits of your workout.
Dressing Up
If you took off any layers earlier in the workout, we advise you to put them back on as you go through these final three stages!
Treat Yourself
You’ve made it! Enjoy a well-deserved cuppa and refuel with a biscuit or two. Catch up with your exercise class buddies or make new friends!
We hope you enjoyed going up and over the hill with us. Know anyone who could benefit from our classes? Be sure to share this series with them!
Onsite group classes
There are many benefits to joining one of our online classes. For example, you can exercise in the comfort of your own home, it’s convenient and flexible. Yet there are equally as many benefits to exercising in a live group class, our ‘Social Cafe’ after each class is just one. We really are so much more than exercise. Come and find out for yourself.
See what seated chair exercise classes we have coming up.
Stay connected
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Other blogs in this series
The MOVEability Way – Part One – Warm Up
The MOVEability Way – Part Two – Mobilising Exercises
The MOVEability Way – Part Three – Aerobic and Cardio Exercises
The MOVEability Way – Part Four – Muscle Strengthening Exercises
