Make the Most of Your Warm-Up

There are many benefits to warming up before a strength training exercise routine. We all know a good warm-up helps prevent injury, and increases your workout performance. A proper five minute warm-up will prepare your heart, lungs, muscles, and joints and improve the effectiveness of your workout. What many fail to realize is that a warm-up should have an aerobic intensity. To oxygenate the blood and increase metabolism, keep your heart rate at or above 65% of your max heart rate. You can easily calculate your max heart rate by subtracting your age from the number 220, next determine 65% and you’re off. At the end of a good warm-up you should in fact feel considerably warmer, sweatier, and ready for anything. Get your metabolism revving before you even begin your strength training session and make the most of your workout. A better warm-up means better results.