The Warm-up Workout

Aside from stretching, doing a proper warm-up before you exercise is just as important as the workout itself. Warming up loosens the joints and activates your muscles, improving flexibility and makes you less prone to injury. It gets your circulation going, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the muscles while raising your heart rate. Slowly raising the heart rate puts less stress on the heart. And warming up may also reduce muscle soreness post-workout.

• Get moving for at least five minutes before moving into your workout routine.
• Focus on large muscle groups.
• Try doing an easier version of your workout moves to get the muscles and joints prepared.

The Warm-Up Workout