If you've tried Apple Fintess+, you've probably heard some coaches suggest you do a mindful cooldown right after you're done with your training.
The name might seem odd at first, but cooling down isn't new in the fitness world. Moreover, it's always recommended that you cool down right after you finish your training.
What Are Mindful Cooldowns?
Apple Fitness+ features a section called Mindful Cooldowns made of a series of stretches and guided meditations. Each mindful cooldown video lasts five to 10 minutes, and it's the perfect way to relax your muscles and mind after an intense workout.
As Apple puts it, Mindful Cooldowns are "designed to reduce stress and improve flexibility and focus; these cooldowns can be done after any workout or on their own. All levels with modifications."
Mindful Cooldowns are pretty much stretches and yoga exercises, which might not be everyone's cup of tea. Still, a Mindful Cooldown is a perfect way to help your body and mind relax after an intense workout or even an intense day.
How to Access Mindful Cooldowns on Apple Fitness+ for iPhone and iPad
What's great about Mindful Cooldowns is that you can practice these exercises even if you haven't done any workouts. They work great as a stand-alone class and are short enough to give you the energy you need. Plus, you might even find some great inspirational workouts for your body and mind.
Here's how you can access Mindful Cooldowns on Apple Fitness+:
- Open the Fitness app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Fitness+ tab at the bottom of your screen.
- At the top of your screen, right below Fitness+, swipe to the left to browse the available workouts.
- Tap Mindful Cooldown.
There are dozens of Mindful Cooldowns for you to try. You can tap the filter button to choose if you want to focus on the lower or upper part of your body or if you want to put your whole body to work.
Likewise, if you only want to practice Mindful Cooldowns after your workouts, Apple Fitness+ will also show you a Mindful Cooldown button right after you finish any workout. You'll be redirected to the Mindful Cooldown page, where you can choose any video you want. Apple doesn't recommend any specific cooldown based on your workout, so you can rest assured all of them will work for you.
Why It's Important to Cool Down
Cooldowns aren't new or exclusive to Apple Fitness+, but you must get into the habit of cooling down right after any workout.
Cooling down will help reduce the chances of getting an injury and some even believe it might help your body recover faster. More importantly, cooling down helps you reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. Not to mention that it'll also help you calm your breathing and feel better physically and even mentally.
If you're always looking for ways to fill your rings, Mindful Cooldowns count for your exercise ring, making it a relaxing way to reach your daily goals. Plus, it'll help your Apple Watch register the active or total calories your burn.
Even if you don't want to try the Apple Fitness+ Mindful Cooldowns, it's important that you cool down after any workout. You can try doing some stretches on your own, or, if you are walking or jogging, you can try walking slowly for a few minutes.
The general rule is not to completely stop all of a sudden. Instead, do relaxing exercises and stretches to help you calm down and reduce your heart rate.
Start Using Mindful Cooldowns
Cooling down after an intense workout might seem boring and even unnecessary, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Cooling down—just like warming up—is the perfect complement to your workout, and it'll help your body feel better.