Warming Up Before Exercise
/ chuck / 09 April 2009 / Leave a comment
Warming up should be done before any exercise program because it prepares the body for more intensive activities. Most athletes perform certain types of regular warm-up and cool-down exercises during their training. The answer to this is simple. Warming up and cooling down lessens the risk of injury, decreases muscle stiffness, and improves performance. It also prepares the body physiologically and psychologically for exercise. Athletes of all types go through a series of stretches before practice and games. Soccer players especially stretch their lower body's which many soccer betting guru's keep an eye out for because they study many aspects of the players and team's workout habits.
Warm-ups provide various benefits because it increases muscle temperature, causes blood vessel dilation, increases the blood temperature, improves range of motion, cause hormonal changes, and prepares the person mentally. The increased body temperature enhances both strength and speed.
Stretching should also be part of any exercise routine. It increases flexibility and reduces the probability of getting injured. A lot of people mistake stretching as a warm-up exercise. But the truth is you can injure your muscles if you stretch them while they are cold. Consider doing 3 to 5 minutes of aerobics before you stretch.
Major muscle groups need to be stretched slowly. Holding each stretch with mild tension is recommended. There are many different types of stretching exercises. NetFit provides good stretching exercises for the upper and lower body. Remember that each stretch should feel good; if you feel pain, go slower.
Tips for Warming Up and Cooling Down
Body Building for You: Warming Up Properly
NHS Choices: How Should I Warm Up Before Exercise?
Get Fit with Val: Cooling down after Exercise
The Stretching Institute: Cool Down
Stretching Exercises
Stretches and Flexibility Exercises
Stretching Videos
Yoga Video of Hamstring Stretching
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