Should you warm up before exercising? The answer is YES! To prevent injury and muscle soreness, a good warm-up is important.
Why is a warm-up so important?
1) A warm-up is necessary because it improves your speed, agility, endurance and strength for the upcoming workout.
2) Blood flow to the muscles is stimulated, which will loosen up stiff muscles so you can perform the exercises better during the workout. It also makes you less likely to get an injury.
3) The body is already prepared for the activity to come. Often during the exercises of the warm-up the same movements are already made as during the exercise itself.
4) A warm-up is also important for your joints. As the temperature rises, the fluid in your joints (synovia) becomes more viscous, making your movements smoother and reducing the chance of joint damage. Also, thanks to a warm-up, your cartilage takes in more fluid, optimizing the cushioning function of your joints and increasing their load capacity.
5) Research has shown that doing a warm-up positively affects athletic performance. It increases both speed and explosiveness. It gets the muscles better supplied with blood, allowing them to function better.
So prevent injuries and yes, a good warm up is important!
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