Ready, set, WORKOUT! It can be tempting to start your workout right away. Really, who has time for warm-up? But, according to fitness experts, everyone – from beginners to the most fit pros – should make it a habit to warm up for at least 5 minutes before exercising.
I reached out to my good friend, and super-star fitness instructor, Elizabeth Tretter (@sweatalittleglitter) about this. Elizabeth has led workouts in many Sweat for Smiles events including “Sweat for Pink”, “Jump for Gray”, “Roll Into Summer”, and “Power Up for Women’s Day”. She says that warming up has many important benefits and shares a few key reasons why below.
1. Injury prevention. Warming up helps to shield the body from potential pain and injury.
2. Increases blood flow. By preparing the body for movement, you increase the flow of oxygen, loosen the muscles and remove some of the stiffness from the body.
3. Increases performance: Warming up gets all of your systems (cardiovasculatory system, respiratory system, nervous system and musculoskeletal system) into the right gear.
Elizabeth continues, “Most importantly, before beginning your workout, remember to bring the body, and the mind will follow. Mood➡️follows ➡️Action.”
A good warm-up is dynamic (not static) and involves the full body. Start slow and move your way faster and harder.
Ready to heat things up? Start with some head circles and shoulder rolls. Then, do 5 of the below exercises to get your body ready for any workout!
WARM-UP PLAN: CHOOSE 5 OF THESE WARM-UP MOVES
- Squat to Arm Circles (Start your arm circle on your way back up)
- Standing Outward and Inward Hip Rotations
- Walkouts (hold planks for a few)
- Shoulder squat stretch
- Jumping Jacks / Jump Rope
- Lateral Lunge with Balance (Hold knee up at the top)
- Side reaches (alternating sides)
- Skaters
Making it a habit to warm up pre-workout is essential. I’ll leave you with a quote:
“Your daily habits have the power to change your life.”
~Unknown
#IndulgeSweatGive
