Even us fitness pros leave out our warm up from time to time. Its not because we don't need to...We certainly do. We aren't lazy people. Obviously we are here to exercise. I believe we either can't be bothered or we forget why it's so important in the first place.
For this reason, and to get the newbies off on the right track I want to discuss the benefits of a warm up.
Why Warm Up?
*Gradually increases muscle temperature- Reduces chance of injury
*Prepares you mentally for the rest of the work out.
*Screens for injuries. If warming up is aggravating an injury you can be sure intensifying the activity will make it much worse. Skip the work out and rest. Or see a Doctor instead
*Prevents early onset of fatigue- You bod needs time to gear up by delivering oxygen slowly to the muscles. This reduces lactic acid build up. That's the stiffness you feel in your muscles. This will negatively affect the rest of your routine.
*Warms up nerve impulses- A speedy nervous system means better contractile strength, speed and coordination.
Warm up tip:
Always warm up in a way that mimics the movements what you will be doing in your routine. If you are running then a 5 min brisk walk will do. If you are weight lifting you could warm up with shoulder circles, practice sets (light weights, quicker reps) body weight squats and light stretching.
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