Final answer:
The statement that cool downs are essential after exercise is true, as they help in lowering heart rate and body temperature, reducing muscle soreness, and preventing injuries. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a cool down is essential for gradually lowering heart rate and preventing muscle soreness after exercise is true. Cooling down after exercise helps in gradually reducing the heart rate and body temperature, and facilitates the return of blood from the muscles to the heart, reducing the chances of dizziness or fainting.
It also helps to distribute the accumulated blood lactate away from the muscles, potentially reducing the intensity of muscle soreness. Additionally, a proper cool down can include stretching which may help in preventing muscle strains and injuries.
Furthermore, engaging in aerobic and anaerobic exercise has distinct benefits for the body. While aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health, anaerobic exercise, like sprinting, helps in building muscle strength and size. However, it's important to manage exercise intensity and allow for sufficient rest to avoid adverse effects such as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).