Wellness Wednesday tip from the Heskett Center Wellness Wednesday tip from the Heskett Center

This week's tip is provided by Bryce Winklepleck, graduate assistant for Fitness and Wellness at the Heskett Center. The intent of a warm-up is to prepare the muscles and cardiorespiratory system for the upcoming workout. It is a time of transition and should provide a gradual increase in heart rate, respiration and body temperature. Taking sufficient time to prepare the body for physical activity increases the safety and enjoyment of the target exercises.

Benefits of completing a warm-up include:
- May reduce the susceptibility of injury to muscles or joints
- Improves joint range of motion and function
- Improves muscle performance
- Potentially helps to prevent ischemia (lack of oxygen) of the heart muscle, which may occur with sudden strenuous exertion.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for a warm-up include:
- 5-10 minutes of low-intensity large muscle activity that allows an increase of body temperature.
- Intensity progression to the lower end of the target exercise range.