Don't Skip Your Warm Up!
I know it's so tempting to skip the warm up and go straight to your workout. It feels like we don't have enough time to get our entire workout done, but warming up is just as important as the workout itself!
Here are the benefits of warming up:
Gets your heart rate up and blood flowing
"Warms up" your muscles for the movements you're about to do
Increases flexibility and mobility in your joints
Mentally and physically prepares you for exercise
Ultimately prevents injury
As much as we're eager to get the workout started and done, our bodies need time to prepare for the work we're about to put it through. Our bodies are not cars that can go 0 to 60 mph in seconds. Our bodies need time to gradually warm up and be ready for exercise!
There are different ways to warm up your body before your workout!
Warm up ideas:
Light to moderate cardio on a machine like a bike, elliptical, or treadmill
Walking or jogging outside or on the treadmill
Dynamic stretches - You move into the stretches versus static stretches where you hold them for a certain period of time.
Bodyweight movements - If you're doing weighted squats then a good way to warm up is with bodyweight squats.
Band movements - I love band walks to warm up my glutes, and band "up and overs" to warm up my shoulders and back!
Warming up allows our body and mind to prepare for the workout so we can exercise effectively and safely. Even spending 5-10 minutes on a cardio machine or doing dynamic stretches can go a long way! How do you warm up before your workout? I'd love to hear from you!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s post! For more fitness tips or if you have any fitness questions, contact me here!
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