Do you ever wonder why your coach tells you to take 2-3 minutes after the WOD to go for a short run or to row and then stretch in the back for 5? It is because cool down should be an integral part of your training. Cool down aka getting your body to the state it was in pre-WOD. Cooling down is just as important as warming up, strength, working on your technique, or the WOD itself, you should never skip it. Sometimes we manage to get it into our 60minute class, other times your coach just gives you instructions and you are on your own. Here are three reasons why cooling down is so important: 1. It helps remove accumulated “waste” and reduces the chance of blood clots An intense WOD causes our bodies to create metabolic waste: lactic acid and hydroxyproline (amino acid). It is ideal to get rid of those before you rest to prevent muscle pain and to fasten regeneration. Additionally, during an intense work out, our blood vessels expand so that our muscles can properly wok. If we suddenly stop working out, our blood can clot in our legs and cause dizziness or weakness. 2. It … Read More