While implementing a personal training routine will benefit your health, you can get the best results from your efforts with warm-ups. When you understand the effect it has on your body, it will become as important to you as the exercise itself. Here's a breakdown of why you should warm up and how to do so.

Why Are Warm-Ups Important?

Working out strains your muscles. Although this is a natural and necessary part of building strength and endurance, it can cause injuries if you don’t gradually work your body up to handle that level of physical stress.

To avoid overstretching and injuring your muscles, warm up to provide faster blood flow and more oxygen before starting a rigorous personal training routine. Raising your body’s internal temperature will also loosen your joints, which will be able to handle a wider range of movement.

How Can You Warm Up Effectively?

First, consider the type of workout. If the focus is on resistance training for the upper body, a warm-up should involve the arms, shoulders, and upper spine. Activate your glutes and thighs if you plan to lift. For runs, it makes more sense to stretch your glutes, ankles, and hips.

Learn the difference between dynamic warm-ups and static stretches. Dynamic warm-ups call for movements that mimic what you’ll be doing in a personal training routine. For example, if you’re going for a run, lunges, squats, or light jump-roping would be appropriate warm-ups. They’re essentially less intense versions of the exercise you plan to do so your body has a chance to prepare for the additional strain.

Static stretches are better for finishing a workout because they lengthen muscles while boosting the healing process and allowing the body to cool off. They typically involve stretching your arms, hips, and hamstrings while sitting or standing still. With static stretching, you’ll feel more relaxed after a workout, and your muscles will keep the strength and flexibility gained from the exercise.

For professional guidance in establishing effective warm-up and personal training routines, head to Freedom Fitness in Wentzville, MO. Their certified personal trainers offer full-body workout programs for individuals and small groups in their multiple locations across the Greater St. Louis Area. They also include diet plans and rehab as part of their comprehensive efforts to help you live healthily. To find out how to get started, call (636) 926-3364 or check out their website.