Cooling Down
After getting buckets playing a pick-up game of basketball, or making slick passes at football practice, it is time to focus on the post-game/post-workout. This should consist of intense stretching and a cool down. Stretches should once again include each body part, but more specifically focusing on target muscles that were most intensely used during the activity. This time around each stretch should last about four to five seconds at a time, really focusing on actually stretching the muscles. Each stretch should be done up to six times, increasing the range of the stretch each repetition (Steen). This should be done so that fresh blood can be pumped into areas with lactic acid (an organic acid produced in the muscle tissues during strenuous exercise.) which starts the recovery process. Warm ups and cool downs are just as important as the physical activity itself, especially when trying to avoid injuries. It is important to know that injuries cannot be completely prevented. They can be significantly reduced by warming up correctly, strapping up with the correct equipment, and taking advantage of a cool down period.
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