What is the primary purpose of a cool-down following exercise?

The primary purpose of a cool-down following exercise is to decrease heart rate gradually. After physical exertion, the body undergoes physiological changes, including an elevated heart rate and increased blood flow to the muscles. A cool-down helps to gradually return the heart rate to its resting level, which can help maintain cardiovascular stability and prevent the pooling of blood in the lower extremities, potentially reducing the risk of fainting or dizziness.

Additionally, a proper cool-down can facilitate the removal of metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, from the muscles, which can contribute to faster recovery post-exercise. While preventing muscle soreness is a common goal of cool-down, it is not the primary function, as soreness can still occur regardless of a cool-down. Promoting muscle hypertrophy and increasing metabolic rate are not direct purposes of the cool-down process; hypertrophy is generally stimulated through resistance training and metabolic rate increase is primarily a function of the workout itself.