WARM UP
The aim is to increase circulation
around the body, in a gradual manner, as not to put any pressure onto
the body. During the warm-up any injury or illness you have can often
be recognized, and further injury prevented.
Extra clothing can
be worn, to help increase the body temperature, which in turn will make
your muscles more pliable, and ready to be stretched.
The warm-up can be
a combination of rhythmic exercise, such as those shown in aerobic videos,
or a slower version of the aerobic activity to come.
For example, you
might want to walk before you jog, do the hoovering and mopping of the floor,
prior to doing a light home circuit.
What is important
is that you warm up and do some static stretching. The body will take time
to warm up properly; i.e. shut done areas such as the digestive system,
in order to supply the muscles with more blood.
Aim for a minimum
of 5 minutes for a warm-up and the same for stretching. When working out,
take into consideration that it may take a good 30 minutes for your body
to be working at its best.
During cold weather,
and certainly if you're going to do an activity which requires sudden bursts,
make sure you spend more time warming up.
A warm-up helps your
body prepare itself for exercise both mentally and physically, and reduces
the chance of injury. Use this time to help prepare your mind for the exercise
that will follow.
