Pre-Workout: The Warm-up

Before beginning your workout...

      Warm-up! Allowing your body to warm-up might just be the most essential part of your work out. It should be the first thing you do, even before stretching. Warming up enhances your body's performance and, more importantly, prevents injury. Effective warm-up activities involve light cardio such as jumping jacks and high knees. They should increase your blood flow which, in turn, increases your muscle temperature. Thus... wait for it... warming you up! The more blood going to your muscles and the more oxygen being released means the more your muscles can work. Increasing your body's temperature allows your muscles to contract and relax easier. This will allow you to achiever deeper stretches and make the most of your workout.

     Here's an easy warm-up routine I like to do before every workout:

• 50 jumping jacks

• 40 high knees 

• 30 jump squats

• 2 minutes of running

• 10 burpees 

     Now, this may all sound like a lot at first, but take it in stride. After time you will adjust to the routine & it will become easier. Keep the goal in mind: Warm-up your body. 

     Once you have warmed up, you can stretch and prepare for your workout.