There are four basic myths that circulate about warming up before activities. Time to blow those out of the water and get you on the right track.
Myth #1- Stretching is the best way to warm up before exercise
Fact #1- Stretching is not optimal to warm up muscles before activity, especially involving weight lifting or strength training. Stretching cold muscles reduces the strength of muscle contractions and increases the chance of pulling or tearing the muscle. Light aerobic activity is the best way to warm up.
Myth #2- I don’t need to warm up
Fact # 2- Not warming up is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. A proper warmup enhances the power of working muscles and improves the safety of the workout.
Myth #3- I don’t need to warm up my legs- I am on them all the time.
Fact #3- Your leg muscles are not challenged in the same way just by walking or every day movement. Proper warmup increases circulation to your legs. Gotta warm them up.
Myth #4- I don’t need to warm up if I’m exercising indoors
Fact #4- Light aerobic activity produces heat INSIDE your muscles. The warmth of the TKD school or gym does very little to increase your internal temperatures.
Be sure to warm up those muscles prior to activity. Stay safe my friends!
