You will always be advised to make sure before you start any form of fitness training activity to carry out warm up exercises to lower the risk of injury later on. However, there are a number of preventative practices that you should carry out as a matter of necessity if you are going to pursue any type of physical activity.

warm up exercises

It is a proven fact that injuries that happen during exercise can be prevented if the person not only stretches before a workout but as a cooling down routine as well. Ok so none of what I have said so far is a secret but you would be amazed how many people do not do it but were you aware that you should also continue this stretching at the end of a workout as the muscles are warm and more flexible.

Although a twenty second stretch is sufficient before a routine, if this increased to a minute per movement there is a considerable increase in the flexibility of the muscles and limbs. Many people make the mistake of stretching and returning to their original position to quickly when the movement should be slow and measured. At the point of greatest stretch, hold the position before you slowly release, this avoids any potential strain or the possibility of injury from jerking your joints. Work slowly in increments instead of immediately proceeding to doing the hardest exercise or position so make sure that you have stretched or warmed up all muscle groups.

A commonly forgotten area of the body to warm up, and one that is easy to injure, is the neck so make sure that the neck is warmed up by applying pressure to the head at the front, back and sides using pressure from the palm of your hand. Stretch regularly before fitness training to continually increase your range of movements and your level of flexibility and strength. It is a common sight seeing relative newcomers try to compete with people who are far more advanced but this is never a good idea; just stick to what your body is comfortable with and you will gradually increase you abilities. There is no set standard you have to achieve each time you attend the gym, just work to your abilities each time, you will know when it does not feel right to continue so listen to your body as no-one is at their peak every time they workout.

If you are someone who goes to the gym for fitness training every day then remember to alternate the muscle groups as they need to rest and grow for a day before being used again. Aerobic exercises are the best for you because they will improve you cardiovascular system, improve your stamina, lung capacity and overall fitness; exercises like skipping running, rowing, swimming, stepping machines etc. Music may help you when you want to train for longer periods or to increase your intensity and the latest lightweight portable mp3 players are ideal for this. Make sure you get a decent pair of headphones though because you will probably want your music loud but not everyone else will want to listen to it. Stretching your body is a form of exercise in itself and a pleasant way to relax at the end of a hard day so it is worth doing regularly even if you do not want to workout.

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