Which statement about a cool-down after exercise is true?

• A. Increases heart rate.
• B. Keeps heart rate elevated after exercise.
• C. Has no effect on heart rate.
• D. Decreases heart rate.

Answer: (D)

After exercise, your heart rate is higher to supply muscles with oxygen and remove wastes. A cooldown keeps you moving at a light pace for several minutes, allowing the cardiovascular system to ease back toward resting levels. This gradual decline in activity helps heart rate fall rather than staying high or increasing further, and it also stabilizes blood pressure and aids recovery.

So the true statement is that a cool-down helps heart rate decrease after exercise. It does not increase heart rate, keep it elevated, or have no effect on heart rate.