Why Warm Up Before Exercise?

Why Warm Up Before Exercise?  As anyone who knows anything about exercise is aware, in order to be effective and in order for you not to injure yourself, your fitness program should include three distinct stages: warm up, exercise and cool down. 

Why Warm Up

The function of the first stage is to get your body ready.  You don’t start by running from a standing start.  If you do, you’re more likely to pull a muscle or do yourself some damage.  Like a musical instrument, your body needs to be warmed up gradually.  It needs to be prepared for activity.  It’s neither sensible nor beneficial to go straight to the big weights and the sprint.  Do not let yourself be encouraged to do too much by those around you.  They are probably more experienced and more able than you.  It is not in your interest to impress them.  Work at your own pace and do not overdo things.

When your body is warmed up, your muscles prepared and your heart rate has increased, only then are you ready for the more rigorous workout.  And when you’ve finished be sure to give your body time to cool down gradually.  Most exercise regimes finish with simple stretches to prevent saw muscles and cramp. 

Each stage of your workout is as important as the next.  Sticking to such a routine will make injuries less likely and your workout more efficient.  In the early stages it is especially important that you have a gradual warm up period and a cooling down session.  Look after your body and it will develop properly and be less likely to sustain injuries.