Light physical activity performed immediately after intense exercise to gradually return heart rate and breathing to resting levels while helping remove metabolic waste products. Typically involves easy jogging or walking followed by stretching.
'Cool' comes from Old English 'cōl,' while 'down' indicates direction or decrease. The concept became formalized in exercise science in the mid-20th century as understanding of exercise physiology improved.
Cool-down is like giving your body a gentle landing after flight - it helps prevent blood pooling in your legs and reduces the risk of dizziness or fainting. Elite athletes often cool down longer than recreational athletes exercise, sometimes jogging for 20-30 minutes after hard workouts!
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