What happens to heart rate during a cool-down after exercise?

• A. Decreases
• B. Increases
• C. Stays the same
• D. Fluctuates

Answer: (A)

During a cool-down, the body is returning from high activity toward a resting state, so heart rate trends downward. Keeping movement at a low level or doing light activity helps the cardiovascular system wind down gradually, with the autonomic nervous system shifting from sympathetic to parasympathetic control. This gradual decline reduces the risk of dizziness and helps clear metabolic byproducts, bringing heart rate back toward resting levels rather than staying high or increasing.