Cooling down after any activity is a smart and safe way to protect your body from injury. However, before you get started, make sure you do it right with this post-game stretch routine.

Just like pre-game stretching, post-game stretching isn’t about pushing yourself to the point of pain. You’re just cooling down. Take it easy, work each muscle for about 30 seconds (unless directed otherwise), move slowly and you should be all set.

For those Football (Soccer) players : Standing Quad Stretch

One of the most widely used stretches, the standing quad stretch is a great cool down for just about any sport. If needed, find something to hold onto for balance support, then take a hold of your foot with the other hand, and bend your knee to pull your leg back until your foot touches your buttock. Keep a slight bend in the standing leg. Repeat with the opposite foot.

For the Basketball Players: Back Stretch

Lying down on your back, lay your legs out flat. Take a hold of your leg below the knee and bring it toward your chest. Hold it there and count to 30. Repeat with the opposite leg. Do this stretch twice per leg.

For the Baseball/Softball Players: Groin Stretch

Standing up straight, take your feet shoulder-distance apart. Come into a squat position, widening the space between your knees, if possible, grab hold of your ankles and push your knees even farther apart. 

For the Tacklers: Football—Knee Hugs

From a standing position, bend at one knee and hug that knee into your chest, coming up onto the toe of the standing leg will also allow you to stretch your calves at the same time. 

Even though we have identified a specific sport for each stretch, together they provide a pretty good routine to go through after any big game or exercise activity!