It's easy to forget one of the most important parts of getting in shape: the warm-up. Maybe you think warm-ups are boring or you don't have time to begin exercising gradually. Maybe you don't think you need to warm up. Or is it that you don't know how to do it? back to top

Why is warming up before exercise important?
The five to 10 minutes you spend warming up your body are just as important to getting in shape as the time you spend running, swimming, or doing any other activity. Warming up your body is like booting up a computer. It takes a little time to go from off to ready-to-chat, but it's worth the wait. There are four good reasons to warm up:

1. It prepares your muscles for activity so you don't injure yourself.
2. It gradually increases your heart rate so you don't strain your system.
3. It helps prevent the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles so you can exercise longer without getting tired and sore.
4. It prepares you psychologically for your upcoming workout. back to top

How do I warm up before I exercise?
You can warm up by doing a less strenuous version of the activity you'll be doing. Do a little slow jogging before you go for a run. Begin with easy cycling before you hit the hills. Swim at a slow pace or tread water before you start your speed laps. If you lift weights or do other resistance training, go for a short walk or dance until your body feels warm before starting. While you're at it, think about your goals for today's workout and how great you're going to feel after you accomplish them! back to top