Go Large. Go to a large gym and try out various pieces of exercise equipment, including cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights. Just a piece of advice, don't do this all of this testing activity in just one day. Trust me. Keep weights very light - you just want to get a 'feel' for each piece of exercise equipment so you can figure out which ones you like best. Make a list of your top 5 pieces.

What's in Store. If there's a local fitness equipment store in your neighborhood, by all means, do visit that store. Ever clicked on your remote control and crossed upon a channel selling things from Abflex to miraculous necklaces? This might be one of best time to finally get something from your drooling over those ladies doing workouts. See what exercise equipment they are offering to obtain those washboard abs and tight tushies, if that's what you're planning to morph your into. Oops, don't forget to compare prices.

Financial Fitness. After all that trust-earning fuss, note-taking, drooling and renovations you actually succumbed to, it's time to check on your dough. Can you afford those exercise equipment? If not, Yoga or Pilates tapes could come in handy.

I told you this could get really tricky. Exercise equipments stuck on your basement is a lot better than having nothing to turn to if you finally felt like exercising with an equipment, right?

1.Gentle exercise;

2.Stretching; and

3.Re-fuel.

All three parts are equally important and any one part should not be neglected or thought of as not necessary. All three elements work together to repair and replenish body after exercise.

To follow are two examples of effective cool downs. The first is an example of a cool down used by a professional athlete. The second is typical of someone who simply exercises for general health, fitness and fun.

Example Cool Down Routines

Example 1: - For Professional •10 to 15 minutes of easy exercise. Be sure that easy exercise resembles type of exercise that was done during your workout. For example, if your workout involved a lot of running, cool down with easy jogging or walking. •Include some deep breathing as part of your easy exercise to help oxygenate your system. •Follow with about 20 to 30 minutes of stretching. Static stretching and PNF stretching is best at this time. •Re-fuel. Both fluid and food are important. Drink plenty of water, plus a good quality sports drink. The best type of food to eat straight after a workout is that which is easily digestible. Fruit is a good example.

Example 2: - For Amateur •3 to 5 minutes of easy exercise. Be sure that easy exercise resembles type of exercise that was done during your workout. For example, if your workout involved a lot of running, cool down with easy jogging or walking. •Include some deep breathing as part of your easy exercise to help oxygenate your system. •Follow with about 5 to 10 minutes of stretching. Static stretching and PNF stretching is best at this time. •Re-fuel. Both fluid and food are important. Drink plenty of water, plus a good quality sports drink. The best type of food to eat straight after a workout is that which is easily digestible. Fruit is a good example.

Getting serious about your cool down and following above examples will make sure you recover quicker from your workouts and stay injury free.

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