Cool down after HIIT?

think48

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?

kdiamond

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

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

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.