E45 - Do you need to warm up and cool down?

In this episode, Rod discusses the importance of warm-ups and cool-downs for training. He emphasizes that many people underestimate the value of these activities and often neglect them. As a track athlete, Rod highlights the significance of a proper warmup to prepare the body for optimal performance. He also shares his observations of athletes who treat the warmup as part of the training session, resulting in subpar performance. Rod recommends spending adequate time on warmups, especially for sprinters, and tailoring them to specific exercises. Regarding cool-downs, he mentions conflicting research on their benefits and suggests that they may not be necessary for recovery or preventing muscle soreness. However, he incorporates cool-downs to bring his heart rate down after intense sessions. Overall, Rod emphasizes the importance of warming up properly and encourages listeners to find what works best for them.