By: Steve Avellino, Gym Director
(Always consult a physician prior to starting any exercise program.)
As spring begins to tap us on the shoulder, I would like to begin a new series of articles reflecting on the A, B, C’s of exercise and nutrition. Each month we will explore the most basic of terminology and give an example of practical application.
This month’s topic is the importance of the warm-up and coo -down phases of exercise.
The warm-up phase allows the mind and muscle to connect at a low level of activity to prepare the body for the peak intensity it is about to engage in. Moreover, under normal circumstances, the warm-up will send oxygenated rich blood to the working muscles, thus helping the body to “warm-up” and the muscles and joints to become more “user-friendly” and responsive to exercise.
Everyday I see people attempt to max out their workouts in just minutes. This is dangerous business. Over challenging the body’s skeletal and muscular systems without the proper warm-up is a sure way to become a prime candidate for serious injury.
Equally important is the cool down phase. Once you’ve engaged in your own personal level of peak exercise, you’ve probably stressed many of the systems of your body. To simply stop the activity and walk away is risky business. The body needs to slow the impact for a little while, and bring itself back to a more manageable level.
Since everybody has their own unique medical situation and fitness level, it would be in your best interest to seek the advice of your doctor or fitness professional for the warm-up and cool-down techniques most appropriate for you.
The bottom line is to think of each exercise session as a journey. It has a beginning (warm-up), a middle (peak exercise), and an end (cool-down). Depending on your situation, skipping any part of the journey could actually work against your intended goals.
So consult your doctor, and enjoy the journey.
Until next time…Ciao.
