So, you’re hot on the path to getting into a new sport or exercise regime, are you?

That’s terrific. Nothing does a body good like physical activity. And it’s great for building muscle and burning calories and keeping that fat off, too.

So … which sport or type of workout are you getting into? Warming Up with Stretches

Oh wait!! Before we get into that, let me ask you this:

You ARE warming up before you start your game or workout, are you not?

Glad to see you’re nodding rapidly. But hold on a sec. One more thing …

… are you warming up the right way for your chosen sport?

Keep in mind when you’re getting ready to exercise that you should try to warm-up in a way that is most beneficial to your exercise.

It’s a little thing we like to call “SPECIFICITY“!

For instance, if you’re going running, your best warm-up is probably brisk walking and slow jogging. This kind of warm-up is the closest in movement patterns that you can get to running without actually breaking into that full-blown run.

You should warm up at this pace for at least 5 minutes before going for it hard. This will ensure that you are warming up the right muscles for the movements in your chosen exercise, thereby minimizing risk of injury due to pulling or tearing a cold muscle or tendon.

Now, suppose you’re going to head to the gym and do some heavy weight lifting.

Why would you get on an incumbent stationary cycle to warm up for this type of exercise? Sure, it might get your heart beating and your blood pumping but it sure won’t warm up your muscles for the type of work you’re about to ask them to do.

A better warm up would be go for the elliptical or treadmill for 5 minutes to get the blood pumping and get your whole body moving, but then also do one set of each weight training move on a lighter weight first (approximately 50% of the weight in your main sets) to get your muscles used to the kind of harder work you’re about to ask them to do. Then they’ll be ready for what you throw at them when you get heavy with it.

Remember, a ride on a stationary bike is probably not going to do too much to warm up your arms for a hard bicep curl or chest press.

So, if you’re going to go golfing or play some tennis, do a few torso-twisting exercises first (like lateral chopping, also known as ‘wood-choppers’) and some arm swings.

Warming Up Before Soccer

If you’re going to play football, soccer or rugby, take a quick jog and do some jumping jacks, burpees and then once warmer, some sprints.

Boxing? Do a little light shadow boxing without an opponent, and some plyometrics moves like jumping from side to side and forward and back before you step into the ring against your adversary.

Hockey? Some fast walking then a slow jog … or just strap on the skates but take it easy for the first 5 minutes before the game starts.

We’ve all watched the pros skate around the rink while the announcer does his thing before an NHL game starts, right? Why do you think the players are doing that? They’re not just show-boating, they’re warming up!

So, don’t forget to choose your warm-ups carefully and with specificity.

You could be preventing yourself from sustaining a serious injury someday.


Have a fit, fun and fantastic day!
Girlwithnoname




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