On: Is the Exercise Cool-Down Really Necessary?

I also feel uncomfortable going from 60 to 0 without a gradual cool-down. My cool-down is pretty short, generally 5 minutes and involves me just moving around a little, drinking some water, and doing stretches. Even if its completely unnecessary, I still prefer to, and stretching is always a good thing.

>and stretching is always a good thing.

Dynamic is. Classic static "stretch and hold for 20 seconds" stretching isn't. It's actually hurting you.