The importance of warming up - Expert Advice on Health and Fitness - Brief Article

Ebony, April, 2003

Q I try to work out at least three times a week in my effort to stay in shape. I'm serious about this now that I have turned 40. My problem is that I don't have a lot of time to spend at the gym, so I don't go through the warm-up process. Is this really a dangerous omission? L.B., Raleigh, N.C.

A If you don't warm-up by significantly increasing blood circulation before beginning your work out, you are more likely to suffer an injury during the workout. Exercising at a relaxed pace for about 10 minutes warms the muscles enough to make them more pliable and resistant to injury.

Fitness experts say a series of calisthenics may not be specific enough to warm up certain muscles to be used in a particular activity. The most effective way to warm-up is to slowly go through the actual motions of the exercise or sport, readying the muscles for more vigorous exercise.

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