AQA GCSE Dance Practice Exam 2025 - Free Dance Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer highlights that increasing heart rate is not a benefit of conducting cool down exercises. Cool down exercises are specifically designed to help the body transition from a heightened state of activity back to rest. This process typically involves gradually decreasing the intensity of physical activity, allowing the heart rate to decrease instead of increase.

During a proper cool down, benefits such as preventing pooling of blood occur because the body helps maintain circulation as it returns to a resting state. Reducing muscle pain and joint stiffness is achieved through gentle movements and stretching, which can help alleviate soreness and maintain flexibility. Additionally, stretching and practicing deep breathing during cool down exercises promote relaxation and help the body recover physically and mentally from the exertion of the workout.

In contrast, an increase in heart rate contradicts the purpose of cooling down. The objective is not to elevate heart rate, but rather to facilitate recovery and restore the body’s baseline state.