DO I REALLY NEED TO COOL DOWN AFTER RUNNING?

The short answer is Yes.

City Physiotherapy & Sports injury clinic explains why we need to cool down and what to do.

A short cool down routine after running is just as important to your recovery and performance as your warmup. Your warmup prepares you for your run, the cooldown allows your body to unwind and most importantly helps to prepare your body for your next running session.

By avoiding a warm up or cool down completely, you’re not doing your body any favours.

So, what is the best way to cool down for runners?

Walking after your run helps your muscles blood flow come back to a normal rate. Just stopping suddenly after your run can make you dizzy. Walking a few minutes post-run is only the first step to a proper cool down for runners.

• 3-5 minutes of fast then slow walking – if you’re running a race use this time to walk around,  grab some water from a drink station and keep moving.
• 5-10 minutes of stretches that prevent post-run injury. These are mobility and flexibility stretching exercises.

• Wait for about 2-6 hours after your run for foam rolling – so later that day or evening is fine.  This allows your muscles enough time to recover from your run.
• If you’re still sore 24-48 hours post a long run, book a treatment session at City Physiotherapy for some soft tissue release or dry needling or book an appointment with our awesome remedial massage therapist for a sports or remedial massage session.

Simply call 8212 4886 or book online 24/7 https://healthengine.com.au/book/46470

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