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Warming-Up What does it mean? Warming-up is a term used to describe the gradual work-up to readiness for muscular exertion. A patient asked yesterday if it really means that you get warmer, Indeed it does, there is literally a temperature rise as the body takes part in exercise. What else happens as you get warmer? To operate efficiently your body has to be warm. Much like any other machine, all the moving parts glide over each other better when they have been gently working for some time. The oil in our joints gets thinner and worked around the joint making it move smoothly and efficiently. Muscles stretch more readily. The fuel and energy systems needed for exercise come into operation so the muscles have a faster recovery time. The heart beats faster; breathing rate increases and oxygen is delivered as it is used. Waste products are removed more quickly. Your body warms up as it works. One of the by-products of muscle use is heat. Why warm up? It makes you faster and it prevents injury. Warm muscles, tendons and ligaments are prepared to take the strain of exertion, cold tissues may be damaged by sudden stress. To reach optimum performance from the beginning of your run you need to have mimicked the activity for some time. This is important if you are racing and your style is to take the lead from the beginning: to prevent injury you must have warmed up and stayed warm until the moment when you excel yourself. | ||
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CATHERINE HOLLAND Tel: 0701 7415310 Email: catherine@catherineholland.co.uk | |
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