I find stretching relaxing, it’s the thing we do before and after the main body of our exercise. Why do we do it? Well, if you live in a hot country the warm up/stretch is not so important because your muscles and tendons are already warm but if you live in a cold country it’s vital so you don’t pull any muscles or tear any tendons. However, a warm down/stretch is essential no matter where you live as you need to slow your heart rate and lung functions down slowly , it’s more important to not allow the heart rate to plummet after exercise, the reason, especially as we get older is that the heart is like all other muscles and could spasm if jolted in its rhythmic speed, so from vigorous exercise to suddenly stopping is not good, you should always continue some exercise to allow your heart rate to drop back to its resting rate gently, hence the warm down. It’s also worthy to note that if you have exercised for 45 minutes you will be perspiring rapidly, perspiration doesn’t cease until the heart rate returns to its resting heart rate.