Warming Up Tips

Did you know that warming up helps your body prepare itself for exercise both mentally and physically, and reduces the chance of injury. Warm ups concentrate on the muscles and allow them to stretch and actually 'warm up'. Use this warming up time to help prepare yourself for the exercises to follow.

The aim of warming up 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.
 

Why not also check out some pages on aerobic exercises like akipping or specific aerobic training. You can also get fit and stay fit with various strength training guides and strength tips on how to exercise the right way. Finally, don't forget fitness testing and the stretching muscles and stretches that will help ensure you don't injure yourself.