Warming up in the winter

26/10/2009 by admin.

It is important to warm up properly before exercising when it is cold.  You are at more risk of injuring yourself if you do not warm up properly because your muscles will be even colder to start with.  Cold muscles will not perform at optimum level either so you won’t get the best out of yourself.  

A good warm up requires you to slowly increase your core temperature, breathing and heart rate.  For example start with a walk increasing your effort to a jog as you warm up.  At the same time, you could prepare your joints by some dynamic stretching, ie stretching on the move.  This avoids you getting cold whilst you stretch your muscles standing still. Ask a qualified fitness instructor to show you some dynamic stretches. 

When it is cold, it takes longer for muscles to warm up to a safe temperature, therefore it is wise to spend a few extra minutes warming up to ensure that you are properly prepared for your exercise routine.   

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