Stretching is NOT cooling down. The best way to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness (which is usually caused by the production of lactic acid from your maximal or near-maximal muscle exertion) is to perform a cool-down routine. This routine is similar to the second half of your warm-up and consists of dynamnic and static stretching.
Ideally, you should start your warm-down with about 10-20 minutes of workout routine. It should then be followed by stretching until your heart rate slows down to its normal rate. Sport-specific activity, followed by stretching, can reduce cramping, tightening, and soreness in fatigued muscles and will make you feel better by reducing lactic acid build-up. Also, if you are still sore the next day, a light warm-up or warm-down is a good way to reduce lingering muscle tightness and soreness even when not performed immediately after a workout.

Sat, May 30, 2009
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