5 Reasons You Need to Warm Up
I love being active. Whether it's church softball, pickup basketball with the guys, hiking, or the occasional surf session. What I don't like is hurting for days afterwards because I injured myself from not warming up properly (or maybe just because I'm getting old).
Here are just a few of the many benefits of a proper warm up:
- Increased Muscle Temperature - The temperature increases within muscles that are used during a warm-up routine. A warmed muscle both contracts more forcefully and relaxes more quickly. In this way both speed and strength can be enhanced. Having a warm muscle also reduces the risks of strains and pulls
- Blood Vessels Dilate - This reduces the resistance to blood flow and lower stress on the heart.
- Increased Blood Temperature - The temperature of blood increases as it travels through the muscles. As blood temperature rises, the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin weakens so oxygen is more readily available to working muscles, which may improve endurance.
- Improved Range of Motion - The range of motion around a joint is increased.
- Mental Preparation - The warm-up is also a good time to mentally prepare for an event by clearing the mind, increasing focus, reviewing skills and strategy. Positive imagery can also relax the athlete and build concentration.
Isn't improving performance and decreasing injury risk worth 5-10 minutes of your time?
Move Well, Move Often!
~ Jeff
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