Cool down after HIIT?

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think48
think48 Posts: 366 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I know this sounds like a crazy dumb question, but I get confused. The benefit of HIIT is to keep burning more calories for a longer time after workout, so if I do HIIT on the treadmill and that's my last workout should I cool down before I get off? I know you should generally cool down after workouts, but after HIIT?

Replies

  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    I have no idea if you need to, but I don't. Occasionally I'll do some abs or stretching afterwards just because it signals the end of my workout, but I don't continue walking on the treadmill to cool down, for instance.

    I never really saw the purpose of a cool down anyway. When I'm done I'm done!
  • Mayor_West
    Mayor_West Posts: 246 Member
    Yes, you can cool down after HIIT without affecting your post-workout calorie burn. Considering it can last for hours after a workout, bringing your heart rate down won't have any effect on it.

    Besides, one way or another, your heart rate will come down after a workout, even if it's not in a traditional cool-down..
  • moe0303
    moe0303 Posts: 934 Member
    I personally don't think it's necessary. It's a matter of preference. However, make sure you're getting your stretches in at some point during your workout.
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