Warming Up Before Exercise

A warm-up is a few minutes of easy movement before you exercise hard. It gets your muscles warm and your heart pumping a little faster. Warming up helps prevent injuries.

Why Warm Up

Cold muscles can get hurt more easily. When you warm up, blood flows to your muscles and makes them more flexible. Your heart and lungs get ready for harder work.

A good warm-up also helps you perform better. You can run faster and jump higher when your body is prepared.

Easy Warm-Up Activities

Start with a light jog or brisk walk for a few minutes. Then do some gentle movements like arm circles, leg swings, or jumping jacks.

A warm-up should last about five to ten minutes. You should feel warm but not tired. Save your energy for the main activity.

Fun Facts

• Professional athletes always warm up before games and practices.
• Warming up raises your body temperature by one or two degrees.
• A good warm-up can improve your reaction time during sports.

Did You Know?

Your muscles can stretch up to one and a half times their resting length when they are properly warmed up!