After exercise, especially if it’s been strenuous, you owe yourself a little reward. I’m not talking about an ice-cream cone. I’m talking about some gentle moves that will help you slow down your breathing and bring your heart rate back to normal if you’ve been doing a cardio workout, or help elongate muscles that may feel knotty and overworked after an activity that primarily calls for strength. Mostly, a post-workout cool-down session simply feels really good, and that can add to the payoff you get from exercise.

Exercises

• Figure-four supported stretch
• Hip flexor stretch (half-kneeling)
• Standing hamstring stretch on a bench
• Side bend stretch (standing)