5 Biggest Warm-Up Mistakes You Need To Stop Making
Getting up early and going for a run or heading to the gym makes you feel happy about your body. But whether you’re a beginner or have been working out every single day, you need to know the importance of a good warm-up session.
A warm-up not only provides you with a safe workout, but an effective one too. We know it’s an essential part of working out, but unfortunately, not many of us give it enough importance.
Here are 5 most common and biggest warm-up mistakes you might be making.
1. SKIPPING IT ALTOGETHER
Never ever make the mistake of skipping a warm-up. I get that sometimes you’re so eager to get to the weights that you skip warming up altogether. A warm-up activates and prepares your muscles, promotes better blood circulation to your entire body, and mentally prepares you for a workout. You may think that it’s better to burn some fat by getting on the treadmill, but believe it or not, you’re burning fat during a warm-up too – it may not be at the rate of a cardio exercise, though.
2. BALLISTIC STRETCHING
Ballistic stretching means, involving bouncing movements – you bounce in and out of a stretched position. It’s not really a great way to start your warm-up session as it may lead to an injury. Although it makes for a great second warm-up as your body is already prepared for an intense workout session.
3. RUSHING THROUGH IT
You may not feel it, but skipping a few minutes of a warm-up session can inflict damage on your muscles. Commit at least 15 minutes to a warm-up session – which includes light cardio and stretching. Your warm-up session will make your workout super easy and effective.
4. NOT FOCUSING ON YOUR ENTIRE BODY
If it’s leg day at gym, it doesn’t mean that you will only concentrate on warming up your legs. It doesn’t work like that. If you squat, you also need your upper body strength, as the bars are going to be on your shoulders. You need to prepare your entire body, regardless of the kind of workout you’re going to do.
5. STATIC STRETCHING
While doing a static stretch, you basically hold your stretching position. It’s a great idea for a cool down session, but won’t help in any way before you start working out. So, while stretching pre-workout, don’t hold a position for more than 10-12 seconds.
