Cool Downs?

[LancelotsLover]

I have been weightlifting for about 5 years, and two years ago I did several months with a personal trainer. I also read a lot about exercise and weightlifting, and one thing struck me when I read NROL4W that seems to contradict everything I have ever read or was taught: Lou has absolutely no word about the need or importance of a cool down period after lifting! Now, I have always wondered what value there is to cool down, and if his omission of the idea is because there really is no need for it. But, after years of having it pounded into me that cool down is vital for the muscles' well-being, it seems odd to just finish the workouts and walk out of the gym. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[LisaS]

cool downs really belong to the realm of steady-state cardio - you don't go from running hard to just sitting or standing in the shower.

Weight training is a different animal - no cool down needed.

[LancelotsLover]

thanks! that makes sense, and I thought it was true, just couldn't get over the feeling of reracking weights and walking out. Now I won't worry about it. Learn something new every . . . . yeah yeah, I didn't know as much as I thought I did. :-)

[LisaS]

many people do work on mobility or flexibility after working out but there's no cool down reason for doing it then - you rest between sets all the time - you're good to go when you are done training.

[WildStrawberry]

I get a mat and stretch through all the muscles I've worked with, like after any other workout. It never even occurred to me to skip this just because it isn't outlined in the book.