Five Good Reasons to Warm Up Before Exercise

It might seem like common sense, but many people forgo a warm up, and dive straight into their exercise routine. While the type and intensity of a warm up varies, depending on the exercise you intend to follow it with, one thing remains the same; warming up is essential to ensure you have the safest and most effective work out possible.

Five reasons to warm up

1. Decrease chance of injury

By warming up, you increase muscle elasticity, thus reducing risk of strain and muscle pulls.

2. Enhancing performance

Warming up increases the temperature of blood as it passes through the working muscles. This means more oxygen is available to your muscles, which can lead to a better performance.

3. Increased muscle temperature 

When you are warming up, the temperature increases in the muscles you are using. This in turn allows the muscles to contract more forcefully, and relax quickly, enhancing speed and strength. 

4. Improved range of motion

The range of motion around a joint is increased, after a warm up. 

5. Mental preparation

Your warm up is a great time to clear your mind, and to focus on what you want to achieve from your work out.

 For a great guide to warming up, and suggested exercises, visit www.thestretchinghandbook.com.