WARMUP: HOW TO DO IT AND WHAT IT DOES

Before you participate in any type of exercise program, make sure you warm-up. The primary reason you should is because your joints will release what is called synovial fluid. This is simply a lubricant for your joints. As your heart rate increases, this fluid is released and kept in the joint and will allow a smoother motion and will help to keep the cartilage healthy.

When you warmup before exercise, you will also increase the temperature and the elasticity of your muscles. This will help prevent against injury.

By taking 5-10 minutes to jog on a treadmill, ride a bike, or hop on an elliptical, you will increase your heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood flow to the muscles.

About this Author

After graduating from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) in Richmond Heights Ohio, Mat sat for and passed the test to earn his CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist). After spending over one and a half years of training in a gym setting, and becoming and instructor at NPTI, Matt started MK Fitness as a one-on-one or small group personal training company.