5 Tips to Cool Down Quickly After a Hot Workout

5 Steps to Cool Down Quickly After a Hot Workout

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1) Pre-cool before the workout

To pre-cool, begin hydrating at least two hours before your workout with cold drinks, sit in an air-conditioned room, or have some cooling packs on hand.

2) Stretch it out post-workout

Walk and stretch for at least ten minutes until your heart rate slows down.

3) Take a hot-and-cold shower

A Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport study found that athletes who alternated soaking in hot and cold water after exercising experienced a significant reduction in their heart rate and blood lactate levels.

4) Smooth on skin-cooling lotion

After a shower, hydrate your skin with a lotion that contains cooling properties like menthol.

5) Drink peppermint tea—hot or cold

Research shows that in dry, hot climates, having a hot drink actually helps us cool off, since the heat from the drink triggers a sweating response.

read the entire article: http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/wellbeing/fitness/5-steps-to-cool-down-quickly-after-a-hot-workout.php