Why Warming Up Is Non-Negotiable Before Exercise

Let’s chat about something we’re all guilty of skipping from time to time: the warm-up. I know it might seem like an unnecessary step, but trust me, warming up is key to making sure you get the most out of your workout, while also avoiding injury. You wouldn’t take off on a cold car engine, would you? Same goes for your body!

Why Do We Skip It?

Most of us skip warming up because we’re short on time or eager to dive straight into the workout. But skipping it can actually lead to injuries, muscle strains, and less effective workouts. Imagine pulling a muscle just because you skipped five minutes of prep—that’s not worth it!

Why Warming Up Is Crucial

Here’s what a proper warm-up does:

1. Increases Blood Flow: It gets your blood pumping and delivers oxygen to your muscles, making them more efficient.

2. Improves Joint Mobility: A good warm-up helps loosen up those joints, reducing stiffness and improving your range of motion.

3. Reduces Lactic Acid Build-Up: It helps your body ease into the intensity, reducing that early-onset muscle burn and fatigue.

4. Enhances Performance: Warming up preps your body for more demanding physical activity, so you’re ready to push harder without straining anything.

The “WARMUP” Routine

To make things simple, I’ve put together my WARMUP routine. It’s a quick and effective warm-up that targets all your major muscle groups, takes only a few minutes, and gets you ready for action!

45 seconds each:

W - Windmills: Loosen up your core, hamstrings, shoulders, and back, helping with flexibility and balance.

A - Arm Circles: Get your shoulders mobile and ready to prevent upper body strains.

R - Reverse Lunges: Activates your legs and glutes while improving your stability and balance.

M - Mountain Climbers: A great cardio boost that gets your heart rate up and engages your core, shoulders, and legs.

U - Upper Body Rotations: Mobilises your spine and warms up your torso, prepping for any twisting movements.

P - Pulse Squats: Keep your legs and glutes engaged while adding endurance and stability to your lower body.

Don’t Skip It!

Warming up doesn’t take long, and it’s crucial to a safer and more effective workout. Plus, it helps you avoid injury, increases performance, and simply makes your workout feel better. Try my WARMUP routine before your next session—you’ll feel the difference!