Warm-ups and cool-downs are vital to any work out program because they ease the body into and out of strenuous physical exertion. They should last about 5-10 minutes a piece and consist of gentle activity like walking, stretching, and other low-intensity exercises. Warm-ups are performed before and cool-downs after exercise, both help prevent muscle cramps and injury to the body.
You're right on. Before rigorous activity, it's highly recommended to do a warm up that consists of:
1. Increasing the body temperature and the heart rate
2. Flexibility or stretching exercises
3. Activity-specific exercises that work the muscle groups required for the activity you're going to do
Cooling down is a similar process. So, for example, if you've gone kayaking, do some light activity afterward to keep the oxygen levels high; this will prevent sudden spells of dizziness and, later, sore muscles.
The Importance of Warm-ups and Cool-Downs
Posted by Tracii H.
Warm-ups and cool-downs are vital to any work out program because they ease the body into and out of strenuous physical exertion. They should last about 5-10 minutes a piece and consist of gentle activity like walking, stretching, and other low-intensity exercises. Warm-ups are performed before and cool-downs after exercise, both help prevent muscle cramps and injury to the body.