Cool Down

 

 

To decrease fatigue and muscle soreness, you should also cool down by walking at a slow relaxed pace for a minute or so, to allow your heart rate to return to normal.

 

 

Warm Up and Cool Down Exercises

 

Hold each stretch for a minimum of ten seconds and then relax.

Repeat each stretch two or three times. Do this before your Aerobic Exercise session and also after you have finished.

 

 

 

 

 

Rotate your head to the right for one count, feeling a slight pull on the left side of your neck. Next, rotate your head back for one count, stretching your chin. Then rotate your head to the left for one count, feeling a slight pull on the right side of your neck. Lastly, drop your head to your chest for one count. Repeat 2 to 3 times.

 

 

 

 

 

Toe Touch

 

Slowly bend forward from your waist, letting your back and shoulders relax as you lower your trunk. Gently stretch down as far as is comfortable and hold for 10 seconds.

 

 

 

 

Shoulder Lift

 

Rotate and lift your right shoulder up towards your ear for one count.

Relax then repeat for the left shoulder.

Repeat 3 - 4 times.

 

 

Calf / Achilles Stretch

 

Turn towards the wall and place both hands on it. Support yourself with one leg while the other is placed behind you with the sole flat on the floor. Bend the front leg and lean towards the wall, keeping the rear leg straight so that the calf and Achilles tendon are stretched hold for 5 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. Repeat 2 - 3 times.

 

 

 

Side Stretch

 

Open both arms to the side and gently lift them above your head.

Reach your right arm as high as you can for one count, gently stretching the muscles of the stomach and lower back. Repeat the action with your left arm. Repeat 3 - 4 times.

 

 

 

Inner Thigh Stretch

 

Sit on the floor and pull your legs toward your groin, the soles of your feet together. Hold your back straight and lean forward over your feet. Tighten the thigh muscles and hold for 5 seconds. Release and repeat 3 - 4 times.

 

 

 

Hamstring Stretch

 

Sit on the floor with your right leg extended and place your left foot flat against the right inner thigh. Stretch forward toward the right foot and hold for 10 seconds. Relax and then repeat with the left leg extended. Repeat 2 - 3 times.