MEANING:
Raising the body temperature to prepare for muscular exercise.
TYPES:
1. Quick warmup – cardiovascular
2. Extended warmup – takes more time and focuses more on the body areas that will subsequently be exercised.
3. Thorough warmup – everything in (2 above) plus stretching and some use of light weights to slowly engage targeted muscle groups (in a specific order).
TIPS:
Always warm up with some cardio vascular activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, steps, etc.
Immediately following a warmup session, always try to incorporate a stretching session as this will increase range and flexibility of subsequent exercises and will significantly reduce risk of injuries such as muscle tears and pulls.
DETAIL:
The human musculoskeletal system is like a rubber band. When cold it is stiff, inflexible and prone to injury. As it becomes warmer it becomes more supple, flexible and efficient. If you work out with cold muscles they are likely to snap or tear. Muscles are like cars – if you race them from a cold start they use more fuel and run less efficiently. They wear out and break long before the next service is due.