Growing up I played tons of sports. We were always taught to warm-up so we didn’t pull a muscle. However, as an adult in the fitness industry warming up isn’t just about not hurting yourself; it about burning more calories.
Since a lot of my clients wear a device called the “Body Bugg” we are able to track how many calories they are burning at that moment in time with the body bugg watch. If clients don’t warm-up (which isn’t recommended) it takes a much longer time to get their calorie burning levels up. However, if they warm-up, and then do their weight training their calorie burning levels have already been spiked. They are able to burn at a much higher level through out the entire weight lifting session.
Granted this data is not based on scientific fact but rather the data I have accumulated through various clients and hours and hours of training sessions over the years.
Here are some other reasons to warm-up as well….
1. To reduce the chance of the injury
2. To increase blood flowto the working muscles and boost activity of neuromuscular pathways allowing them to be fully prepared for exercise.
3. To enable your joints to move more freely and prepare them for any stressful impacts.
A good warm up can help limit any discomfort or anxiety associated with long exercise sessions. It also enables the energy system to be “revved up” and “activated” to keep up with the pace of energy requirements (source).
So the next time you are in a hurry and think that warming up isn’t necessary… think of all the extra calories you COULD be burning if you did.
Adria Ali
(CES, PES, CPT, BS)
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