Warm Down vs. Cool Down? Your opinion and results?

[Dear Ambellina]

I understand the point and theory of cool downs. It makes sense. However the one and only time I tried to do a cool down for 1-2min of "cool" water, I had significant turtling for 4-6 hours afterword and quite a bit of flaccid firmness. It was disconcerting, for sure. Mind you, I'm fully well aware this could just be a coincidence, but my routine was, well, routine. No extra pressure, same amount of time, everything felt good, the only change was to the cooldown.

So now, I stick entirely to warm downs and I really can't complain. I prefer the extra injury "insurance" a warm down provides by keeping the tissue loose, even if it does slightly hamper gains in the long run.

I also take L-Arginine and highly recommend it to anyone that isn't taking it because the improved vascularity will help with both gains and recovery. It's a wonderful supplement for men even away from the erectile health aspect of it.

[mcpecker]

I do PE in the shower. I warm up with hot shower, turn off water to do jelqs, then stretch under hot water and wash off. Then I slap on my TLC Tugger, and that keeps me gently stretched throughout the day.

[eaglepride03]

For a long time I was an advocate of warm downs, running on the idea of heat in the course of PE is always useful. But I've found that only during the course of PE is heat particularly useful. The end of a session is another phase and should be treated as such. I gave cool downs a shot a few months ago and have been doing them ever since.

Once I'm at the end of a session, I want things to heal in my enlongated or pumped state. Applying a cool compress helps to tighten tissues in that state. I only apply for a minute - 2 min max - then, if it's a morning session, I'll take a hot shower. My flaccid stays longer and fuller throughout the day, which I see contributing to cementing gains.

Cool downs have worked wonders and a permanent part of my routine now.

I like the logic behind this. I might start applying heat after my cool downs. I do exactly what you do minus the hot shower afterwards. Maybe I'll try a warm wash cloth after the cool down next time.

[eaglepride03]

I also take L-Arginine and highly recommend it to anyone that isn't taking it because the improved vascularity will help with both gains and recovery. It's a wonderful supplement for men even away from the erectile health aspect of it.

Do you feel the L-Arginine helping substantially? Or is it more subtle?

[watersnake]

Ive gotten away from warming up and warming down. I just focus now on the feel of my penis, rather than applying an external warmth.

[eaglepride03]

Ive gotten away from warming up and warming down. I just focus now on the feel of my penis, rather than applying an external warmth.

what are your gains looking like by doing that?

[watersnake]

They look good, as in my dick looks a little freakin bigger! But im not going to measure just yet so i don't have any numbers to give you.

[Big Al]

You should always "warm down". "Cool downs" are good after a particularly strenuous workout and/or if you're somewhat sore. They can be done after the workout or (better yet) alternated (1 minute heat, 1 minute cool- rotated several times).

[BDMS]

A few thoughts on this:

1) since doing PE my dick doesn't shrivel up as much in ice cold baths.
2) ICE vs HEAT: Some people promote heat to increase blood flow and nutrients to the penile tissues (this is valid). I think ice helps decrease inflammation and promotes HEALING (also valid).
3) Prolonged ice >20 minutes can trigger vasodilation and actually increases blood flow to the tissues.
4) Lets say you have a raging hard-on but your significant other won't give you the goods, go ice down it feels great!

To all the heat advocates, you should start incorporating at least SOME cold into your routines. Millions of athletes ice injuries to promote healing, depending on your PI's this might be a good idea.