I often stress to my client’s the importance of arriving early to class and the importance of joining in the cool-down exercises. Warm-up and cool-down exercises are essential to any fitness program. The warm-up, which is performed at the beginning of the workout, prepares the body and mind for exercise. It also helps to prevent injury. The time duration for a warm-up routine depends on the entire duration of the program. For a one hour aerobic session, 15 minutes warm-up is usually advised.
Purpose of the warm-up includes:
- It helps increase the body temperature, making the muscles more flexible and receptive to strenuous activity
- It gets blood flowing to the muscles
- Lubricates the joints
- Prepares the muscles and joints for more intense activity
- A warm-up should increase the heart rate slightly, but not to the level experienced during the workout.
The cool-down period is at the end of the workout. Every exercise session should be followed by a cool-down that gradually decreases the heart rate and stretches all the muscles worked in the exercise session.
Purpose of the cool-down includes:
- It gradually decreases the heart rate
- Gradually decreased the body temperature
- Prevents a sudden stop and prevents blood pooling. If your body stops suddenly after an intense workout, this may cause your blood to pool, causing dizziness, nausea or cramping.
- It stretches the muscles for flexibility as well as to prevent cramping or future injury.
Now you know the importance of the warm-up and cool-down sessions. Have fun exercising at your next class!
No comments:
Post a Comment