Tuesday 13 February 2007

The Importance of Warming Up

I think warming up is a big part of any bodybuilding program. It is important to do a proper warm up before you get started on your bodybuilding because it lessens your chances of getting injured. And, it makes you perform better. No matter how hard you work, a warm up is vital. Your muscles will react and respond to exercise if you prepare them for what is next. Warming up basically increases the flow of blood to your muscles, lubricating the joints – it literally helps your joints move freely and comfortably – think in terms of melting the stiffness. When you rest, your muscles get only 15-20% blood supply, but when you exercise, the requirement goes up substantially to 80% even. So, you need to get that bloody supply going, and can’t expect it to be efficient without the warming up. I mean, you just can’t be relaxing, then suddenly get up, and start vigorous exercise! Another thing about warming up is you help your muscles become more elastic – encouraging them to work harder. It also takes them longer to tire out, meaning that you build up stamina. For me, warming up really gets me going for the coming part – letting me nicely wind up for the strenuous part. Puts me in the swing of things.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Warming up is an essential part of my workout. I spend roughly 10 mins on cardio and 10 mins on stretching. It helps raise by heart rate and frees my muscles for an intense workout.

I also think cooling down is just as important as warming up, because when I have had to rush off half way through a gym session for whatever reason I am always stiff and really sore in the morning. I did a really hard workout on my legs one day and I had to rush off with something for work, and when I got up in the morning I just collapsed in a heap on the floor. I just couldn't move at all. I had to book that day off work because I couldn't get out of the door. I've rambled on a bit here but it shows the importance of cooling down as well.