77:: Cooldowns, cortisol, & your parasympathetic nervous system!

The Bookends: Why Warm-Ups, Cool Downs, and Recovery Are EssentialWorkouts are only part of the story—what you do before and after matters just as much. In this episode, Dr. Kelsy Vick, board-certified Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor PT, breaks down the often-overlooked exercise handbag essentials: warm-ups, cool downs, and recovery.We’ll cover:Why warm-ups reduce injury and prime your body for the specific workout aheadHow cool downs (and breathwork!) shift your nervous system into recovery modeThe role of cortisol in exercise—and how to manage itWhy recovery is where progress really happensSimple strategies for adding effective bookends to your routineIf you’ve been skipping warm-ups or rushing out of the gym without cooling down, this episode shows why those “extras” are actually essentials in your exercise handbag.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for science-backed tips you can apply right away.loving the pod? click the follow button, & we'd love if you could leave a review! thank you x 1000 :) sign up for the free Wellness Girl Chats newsletter!Want a peak into what it is like building this business, the podcast interviews, and all things female founder BTS? sign up for the free Firstborn Daughter Diaryinsta:: @dr.kelsyvickdpt & @wellnessbigsispodyoutube:: @dr.kelsyvickdpttiktok:: @dr.kelsyvickdpt & @wellnessbigsispodsign up for our patreon for exclusive content & workouts!Grab your very own Stakt Mat & Accessories for 10% off your order while also supporting the pod! (Thank you so much!):: https://shopstakt.com/?rave=DAW65UTUF4VNG7OVThorne Website:: https://s.thorne.com/Zgk7YMy Thorne Dispensary & Recs:: https://www.thorne.com/u/drkelsyvickdptMessage me for 35% off your Thorne orders!00:00- 00:50 Intro00:51- 01:18 Introduction to the Final Essential01:19- 02:50 Recap of Previous Episodes02:51- 03:49 Importance of Warmup03:50- 05:37 Specific Warmup Techniques05:38- 06:23 Transition to Cool Down06:24- 07:09 Breath Work for Recovery07:10- 07:37 Thorne07:38- 09:48 Understanding Cortisol09:49- 10:48 Final Thoughts on Recovery10:49- 11:44 Conclusion and Series Wrap-Up