No matter how much of a rush you’re in when you’re working out, you shouldn’t skip your warm-up. Whether you’re heading into a group workout class or working out solo, you’ll need to warm up properly before you get started. We’re sharing the benefits of warming up and tips on how to properly warm-up for your workout.
Benefits of Warming Up Before a Workout
Our bodies aren’t ready to jump right into a workout from a resting or relaxed state, warming up is important for getting your body ready for the exercise you’re about to do. Think of it as a gradual revving up of your cardiovascular system, warming up will help increase your blood flow to your muscles. It can also help you from getting sore or injured during your workout. [1]
Our muscles don’t get a lot of blood flow when we’re not using them, so it’s important to slowly get the blood flowing to them through a good warm-up. To get a little scientific, warming up encourages your heart to gradually begin pumping more blood into the muscles you’re working which helps them work at their optimal performance. [2]
How to Warm Up for a Workout
So now that you know how important it is to get a warm-up in before you jump into a workout at your local gym, what is the best way to warm up? The type of warming up exercises you choose will depend on the workouts you’re doing and parts of your body you’ll be exercising.
Dynamic stretching is a popular warm-up to get ready for your workout. Dynamic stretching helps prepare your muscles and ligaments for your workout which can help prevent injury. [3] Common dynamic stretching exercises include torso twists and walking lunges.
Before your next workout, try out one of these easy warm-up exercises:
- Light walk on the treadmill
- Jumping jacks
- Hip rotations
- Squats
- Lunges
- Knee lifts
- Shoulder rolls
- Torso swings
Need help picking your best warm-up for your workout? Whether you’re restarting a fitness routine, a regular gym-goer, or visiting for the first time, we’re here to help! Our YouCoach Personal Trainers can help you through your entire workout, from warm-up to cool down and everywhere in between. Contact your local Youfit today to learn more!
Sources:
1- Mayo Clinic – Aerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool down
2- Self – Why You Should Never Skip Your Warm-Up
3 – HSS – Static vs. Dynamic Stretches: Tips and Techniques
