The gentle, slow activity done at the end of a workout to gradually lower the heart rate is called a cool-down.
A cool-down is the transition from intense exercise to a more typical activity level. It often means moving from running to jogging and then walking, allowing breathing and circulation to settle gradually. The term “cooling down” is also used, while “warming down” and “limbering down” are recognized alternatives.
A common mix-up is confusing a cool-down with stretching. Stretching may be included after exercise, but it is not the defining feature. The essential idea is a gradual reduction in activity, usually through light movement. A typical cool-down lasts about 3–10 minutes, though the appropriate duration depends on the workout and the individual.
Research does not strongly support claims that cool-downs prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness or injuries. They may still help people feel more comfortable after strenuous exercise, and a gradual transition can be useful after hard efforts rather than stopping abruptly.