Despite the numerous benefits of warming up, a lot of recreational athletes put in little or no time at all in preparing for a work out session. As the name implies, a warm-up drill increases body temperature. The rise in temperature trims down the risks for muscle injuries, as well as connective tissue damages. Apart from reducing the risks for injury, a warm up drill prior to a work out improves blood flow to the muscles. As a result, muscle performance is enhanced.
Various studies have also revealed that warm up drills boost the speed of nerve impulses to the muscles, making it possible for athletes to pull off quicker reaction times. This is one of the reasons why professional athletes put in more time for warm up exercises as compared to a lot of recreational sports enthusiasts-they are aware that warming up will help put off injuries and will enhance their overall performance.
Some people may think that there is a secret behind what they call an excellent warm up. In reality, however, there isn't. Like any other warm up drill, you should start off by exercising at a snail's pace for three to five minutes or until a light sweat begins to trickle down your body. After that, you can proceed with gradually stretching the specific muscles you intend to use later on. Every stretch should be sustained for fifteen to thirty seconds with no bouncing.
Light calisthenics and jogging are some of your options to prep your body up for more strenuous physical movements. These light and easy exercises help lessen muscle tightness, which restricts your body's muscle power and mechanical efficiency.
Aside from loosening up tight muscles, a warm up helps you perspire earlier on. One of the advantages of sweating is that it encourages evaporative heat loss. As a result, the amount of heat stored up by the body is decreased thereby preventing the body temperature from going up to dangerously elevated levels.