Why Do I Ask You to Warm Up Before A Workout?

August 11, 2013

Most people feel that they are already warm when they decide to start the workout., others believe that blood is warm so the body must be warm too.  Both are true, but neither is the answer to what I am asking for.

There are a number of key reasons I ask you to warm up. For one, a body at rest, stays at rest, while a body in motion, stays in motion.  Most often when a person gets ready to exercise they have been resting right before, perhaps sitting in a car for 10 to 15 minutes, working at a desk, watching television, and other sedentary stuff like that … sometimes, maybe even right out of bed. Warming up for even 5 minutes prepares the body for what is about to happen.

Another key reason I ask you to warm up, is that during a warm up your heart rate increases and flows blood into the muscles.  Thus allowing the muscles to perform better.  This is important because it will save you from a lot of pain.  Warming up will reduce aches after the workout because the warm muscles will us a full range of motion and lactic acid will be less likely to build up.  And, we all know that warming up can also reduce the risk of an inury!  Lastly, physiologically your warm up sets the pace and tells your body that some challenges are approaching.  Warming up. truly does create a better mental focus.

Stay hydrated and warm up before your workout. You’ll be glad you did.

In good health,

Bob

Formula for Texas summer hydration:

Body weight / 2.2 = how many ounces of water (not soda, juice or beer/wine) your body requires.

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“Just Do It! “- Nike