Book 28, Question 148
Why do athletes walk and stretch gently after a hard workout?
After hard exercise, your heart is beating fast and your blood vessels are wide open.
Slowing down gradually with an easy walk gives the heart and breathing time to settle, and it can keep you from feeling dizzy. Gentle stretching helps muscles feel loose. Scientists are still studying whether a cool-down prevents soreness, but many coaches like it because it is a calm way to finish.