Why is it important to warm up before exercise and cool down after you are done? It is of paramount importance to warm up and cool down to reduce the risk and prevent possible injuries. By easing gently into the physical activity you are also going to be able to get a maximum out of your workout and improve your set targets.

By doing some warm up exercises you are improving the circulation in the muscles you will be using during your exercise routine. The action of warming up is dual in its benefits. Firstly it works on the muscles. Muscles as such are made out of fibers. By warming up with gentle intensity, the circulation to the muscles is increased and more blood is flowing to the muscle fibers. In turn more blood flowing increases the oxygen, which makes the muscles more flexible and less prone to injuries.

When you start with the warm up you are using less then 1% of muscle fibers, while with every repetitive action you are increasing the number of muscle fibers being used. In case you have a previous sports injury it is important to stretch that particular muscle after you are done with the warm up exercise. Also with warm up you are raining your core body temperature and you do not necessarily have to be sweating buckets to be warmed up properly.

Warm up exercise is also beneficial for the heart. People with previous heart problems should incorporate warm up in their exercise routine. They will be able to exercise longer and will not experience pain. However if you do feel any pain during the workout consult a doctor.

Now to the cool down part of the program. Why is the cool down essential? Because it will reduce the possibility of injuries even after the workout and help with soreness and stiffness you might be experiencing. Do not stop immediately, but continue with walking or low intensity activity for about 10 minutes. And do not forget to stretch after the cool down; your muscles are still warm and pliable enough to accommodate stretching.

It will help with the overall flexibility. Stretch all the muscles you have used during the workout and hold the stretch for about 30 seconds. If the stretch feels uncomfortable bring it back to the point where it feels comfortable. And most importantly do not forget to breathe.