Warm-ups for Workouts

Why warms ups are just as important as the workout

Are you one of those people who dash into class, after the warm-up and think to yourself that it is ok because you’ve been running around all day? I see you. The thing is, warm ups are the catalyst to warming up the muscle groups that will be used in your workout. And, remember, a muscle is like a car, like what Florence Griffith Joyner said, "If you want it to run well in the early morning, you need to warm it up well."

What is a warm-up?

A warm-up is a crucial pre-exercise activity. They are designed to gradually increase your heart rate, circulation, and prepare your muscles for more intensive physical activity. They help to loosen joints, improve blood flow to the muscles, and activate the nervous system. All of this sets you up for a more effective workout. In essence, a warm-up primes your body for movement and helps reduce the risk of injury. Yes prevent injury, and as busy Mums and career women, we can’t afford the down time!

Perhaps it is time to ‘rethink’ your approach to warm-ups. It allows the space your brain needs to consciously connect with the body –  to notice tight spots, what’s hurting, what needs to move? Reconnecting with your physical body is something we don’t check-in and do enough. Bodies are not machines.

For prenatal and postnatal women, the benefits of a proper warm-up extend beyond just physical preparation. It supports your body to move well in the workout and beyond. Let us start treating your warm-up to be as an essential part of your workout and not something to skip.

5 benefits of a good warm-up

• Prepares the body for exercise

During pregnancy and your postnatal recovery journey, your body undergoes many changes, including shifts in balance, joint flexibility, and core strength. Warming up allows your body to gradually adapt to these changes before diving into more intense movements. Each week, day could change for you and the warm up graces you with time for this.

• Injury prevention

Ligaments and joints are more vulnerable to injury during and after pregnancy due to the change in hormonal changes. A proper warm-up helps to stabilise joints and reduce the risk of strain or injury.

• Boosts circulation

Pregnancy increases the demand for blood flow to the muscles and growing baby. A warm-up helps improve circulation, making sure your body gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs for safe exercise. A chance to awaken the body out of deskbound positions, carrying a baby, those awkward sleep positions and a chance to shake off that stress.

• Mental preparation

Warming up gives you a chance to shift your focus from daily tasks to your workout, helping to calm your mind and bring mental clarity to the session ahead. Focusing on your body at this time, gives you a little sense of calm, focus and switching into “you” mode.

• Supports postpartum recovery

After giving birth, your body is still healing and adjusting. A warm-up can enhance mobility, support healing, and help regain core and pelvic floor recovery, crucial for postpartum recovery.

Next time, you attend a fitness class or you’re working out at home or just about to go for that run, please warm-up for the longevity of your body.