Avoid ending a workout abruptly, especially if it is a vigorous activity with a workout machine. When we suddenly stop without a gradual cool down our blood pressure drops, which could cause dizziness or fainting. A proper cool-down prevents sudden pooling of blood after activity and re-circulates it back to the heart, muscles and brain.

Cool Down exercises for homebody workout:

Here are some cool down exercises to try at home. Ideally, a cool-down should consist of five to 10 minutes of jogging or walking and five to 10 minutes of stretching. However, that is just a guideline, and similar to warm-ups, cool downs are also individually based. Here are some examples for cool-down exercises:

- Tai Chi. If you know martial arts at all, slow controlled movements allows the body to moderately cool down all together. (I.e. Fitness instructor Billy Blanks is notorious for his Tai Chi component at the end of every body workout.)

- Aerobics. Yoga, pilates, etc. are another alternative for progressively relaxing your body.

- Easy jog/walk, either on the treadmill or outside for some fresh air.

- Stretching. Great for helping you gradually bring your heart rate down. Static stretches (holding each stretch for 10 – 20 seconds), and working your way from the head down are suitable as part of cooling down.

Tips for after body workout:

- Drink water. Helps hydrate your body and flushes out any bodily toxins created during the workout.

- Eat a healthy snack within half an hour of your completed workout session. Replenish the energy that you used up, because while many people think that they should avoid eating after working out to lose weight – it’s actually the opposite. Within that half-hour window, consumed food gets turned into energy rather than stored fat; however, one should be reasonable and avoid junk food.

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Cardio Workout: Cardio Canine

A “hands free” human harness and dog lesh, with a secure water bottle holder.  Your dog’s leash is attached to the Cardio Canine belt, which sits securely on around your waist. Now your hands are free for other things, like carrying doggy treats, or picking up droppings.

There’s nothing difficult about this cardio gadget, quite practical actually, especially if you have larger dogs. I myself am a smaller than average person, and my dog – an angel that he is, is still a bit difficult to control when he’s excited. It gives my arms a difficult, but good workout though.

Having the Cardio Canine around the waist seems better than trying to manage your dog in one hand, and doing something else with the other. If the dog is leashed at the waist, you as an owner have more power and control because power comes from your core. Your legs are the next powerhouse in helping you control your stability, and offers leverage of force when needed.

Health Benefits with dogs

Being a dog owner, and going out for routine walks are great for practicing a regular healthy lifestyle and workout. Aside from being a great companion, dogs (and other pets) offer great benefits to their owners, aside from an active lifestyle. Other health benefits with dogs include:

• Improvement of Mood – soft fur, cute animal, and fun loving nature is enough to lift anyone’s spirit. It’s also been proven that people with pets are less likely to suffer from depression
• Lower Blood Pressure – They help you relax and get your mind off of things, even if it is only for a minute. Having a pet has been proven to help a person relax and reduce tension.
• Reduce Stress Levels – They are the best listener, which also makes a dog a better supporter, compared to another human being. Mainly because pets will never judge us, but always will love us.

• Unconditional Love – Dogs really are a man’s best friend, and has been found to be one of the best antidotes to loneliness.

Cardio Workout Gadget: Cardio Canine

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