Is Warming Up Essential for a Good Workout?
Is Warming Up Essential for a Good Workout?
We’ve all showed up to the gym really wanting to skip our warm-up and just get right into it- I can’t blame you. Warm-ups are boring, methodical, and definitely does not feel like any “gains” are happening at that time.
Exercise is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also important to warm-up your body properly before starting any physical activity. When we don’t warm-up before exercise, our bodies face consequences that can lead to injury and decreased performance. Warming up prevents injuries by loosening your joints, and improving blood flow to your muscles — making your muscles less likely to rip, tear, or twist in a harmful way during your workout. It is established that warming up before physical activity is important for helping athletes reach their full potential. But what exactly happens if an athlete decides not to warm up? It is widely accepted that not warming up can have a significant impact on performance, particularly in terms of energy expenditure and muscle function. When we warm-up we increase blood flow to the muscles which allows them to reach their full potential before you perform the task at hand.
Exercising without a warm-up can lead to serious injury and muscle soreness. A proper warm-up before exercise is essential for anyone looking to get the most out of their workout and stay healthy. Warming up not only prepares your body physically, but it also has psychological benefits as well. A proper warm-up will gradually increase your heart rate, which will get the heart to push out more blood and prep itself for the workout. You will start to breathe heavier which allows your muscles to take in more oxygen and be better prepped for your workout. As a result, you muscles will receive more blood/oxygen which will help you perform at your best.
A good warm-up should not last longer than 10 minutes. Focus on whatever muscles you are planning on working that day. Work on range of motion, light cardio exercises and properly activate those muscle groups.
Regardless of the workout you are about to perform, the warm-up should not take more than 10 minutes. That being said you would not finish your warm-up and go right into doing your 1 rep max. You also need to work your way up to heavier weights during your fitness routine.
An example of a warm-up you could do before a squat day would be as follows:
45 seconds of work with 15 seconds rest x 2
Cat Cows
Walking lunges
Glute Bridges
Squat Stands
Jumping jacks
Always remember a good warm-up will lead you to a great workout which means you will be that much closer to accomplishing your fitness goals!
By Brett Kirkland
FAQ
We certainly do! You can either purchase programs or book personal training sessions and be given your workout at the end of the session.