Why Warm-Ups are Just as Important as the Workout

A solid warm-up is the foundation of a great workout!

It preps your body by increasing blood flow, loosening up muscles, and reducing the risk of injury. Plus, it helps you mentally shift into workout mode, so you can perform at your best.

Why warm-ups matter:

• Boosts circulation: Warms up your muscles and joints, making movements smoother.
• Prevents injury: Reduces strain by preparing your body for intensity.
• Enhances performance: Improves flexibility, mobility, and reaction time.
• Sharpens focus: Helps you mentally transition into workout mode.

Quick & Effective Warm-Up Routine:

1. Dynamic Stretching: Leg swings, arm circles, or hip openers.
2. Mobility Work: Controlled movements like deep lunges or cat-cow stretches.
3. Activation Drills: Glute bridges, core engagement, or banded exercises.
4. Light Cardio: A few minutes of skipping, jogging, or high knees.

Here are the other benefits of warm-up exercises!

• Prepares the body for exercise. During pregnancy and postnatal recovery, your body undergoes changes in balance, flexibility, and core strength. Warming up helps you adapt gradually, allowing for daily variations in movement.
• 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 blood flow demands. Warming up boosts circulation, ensuring oxygen and nutrients for safe exercise while easing stiffness and 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.

You can read my two articles for @Mumsafemovement here:

• https://mumsafemovement.com/warm-ups-for-workouts/
• https://mumsafemovement.com/warm-up-moves-for-mums/

Check out our video on some warm ups to include in your next workout here. Don’t skip your warm-up—your body will thank you! 🙌🏼