FormWell Personal Fitness Training : Why do we Warm Up?


Links History of Formwell Why Should I Use a Personal Fitness Trainer? Philosophy Questions _______ +Articles +News +Newsletters +Recipes Morgan Falls Office Park 7840 Roswell Rd Building 400, Suite 475 Sandy Springs, GA 30350 Main Studio Line 24-Hour Voice Mail (770) 804-1898 Fax (770) 804-0330 Join our Email Newsletter	<Back to Articles Why do we Warm Up? I have been asked many times why we have to warm up for at least 10 minutes before weight training, and since I am very adamant about this subject, I thought it would be appropriate to make this the first topic to cover. There are a few very important reasons why we warm up before weight training activity. Keep in mind, you should follow this rule for ANY physical activity, including a simple jog, playing tennis, flag football, basketball, swimming, etc. 1. Most importantly, doing 10-20 minutes of light cardiovascular activity will increase your core body temperature, which will lead to more supple and relaxed muscles, which will help to prevent any injuries. This applies to stretching also, you should NEVER stretch a cold muscle, always get them warm first. For instance, if you are doing a 5 mile run, you should walk for 10 minutes, stop and stretch, and THEN start your run. I know it takes patience, but the benefits you will reap are well worth it. 2. Warming up slowly allows our bodies to become gradually accustomed to the activity. This will allow your body to more efficiently utilize fat for fuel (instead of blood sugar) and isn't this one of the main reasons we exercise? If you start out too fast, you will shock your body and it will immediately begin to use blood sugar for fuel and not stored body fat. This is why you feel light headed if you begin your training too fast. 3. Studies have shown that when people are warmed up before they perform maximum weight training activities, they are up to 10% stronger than when they are not warmed up. 4. If you suffer from Asthma or EIA (Exercised Induced Asthma), one of the best ways to lower the chance for an attack is with a very slow 20 minute warm up. This has been shown to be as effective as an inhaler in prevention of attacks! 5. Finally, (I know this one is obvious, but it is worth mentioning), you will burn more calories if you perform more activity, period. So why not get here early and warm up for 15-20 minutes before begin your weight training. Besides, we will not train you until you have completed at least 10 minutes anyway, so why cut into the time you could be building muscle, getting stronger, and loosing fat!!!!!!! Yours in Health, Rami.

Why do we Warm Up?

I have been asked many times why we have to warm up for at least 10 minutes before weight training, and since I am very adamant about this subject, I thought it would be appropriate to make this the first topic to cover. There are a few very important reasons why we warm up before weight training activity. Keep in mind, you should follow this rule for ANY physical activity, including a simple jog, playing tennis, flag football, basketball, swimming, etc.

1. Most importantly, doing 10-20 minutes of light cardiovascular activity will increase your core body temperature, which will lead to more supple and relaxed muscles, which will help to prevent any injuries. This applies to stretching also, you should NEVER stretch a cold muscle, always get them warm first. For instance, if you are doing a 5 mile run, you should walk for 10 minutes, stop and stretch, and THEN start your run. I know it takes patience, but the benefits you will reap are well worth it.

2. Warming up slowly allows our bodies to become gradually accustomed to the activity. This will allow your body to more efficiently utilize fat for fuel (instead of blood sugar) and isn't this one of the main reasons we exercise? If you start out too fast, you will shock your body and it will immediately begin to use blood sugar for fuel and not stored body fat. This is why you feel light headed if you begin your training too fast.

3. Studies have shown that when people are warmed up before they perform maximum weight training activities, they are up to 10% stronger than when they are not warmed up.

4. If you suffer from Asthma or EIA (Exercised Induced Asthma), one of the best ways to lower the chance for an attack is with a very slow 20 minute warm up. This has been shown to be as effective as an inhaler in prevention of attacks!

5. Finally, (I know this one is obvious, but it is worth mentioning), you will burn more calories if you perform more activity, period. So why not get here early and warm up for 15-20 minutes before begin your weight training. Besides, we will not train you until you have completed at least 10 minutes anyway, so why cut into the time you could be building muscle, getting stronger, and loosing fat!!!!!!!

Yours in Health,

Rami.