One of the most neglected parts of exercise for most “gym rats” is the lack of a proper warm-up. I do not mean a quick set of ten at a light weight on the bench or a few bodyweight squats before you step into the squat rack. I am referring to a good, solid, sweat dripping warm-up to spike a rise in body temperature. Without some sweat and flexibility work how do you expect to avoid injury or be prepared for a solid workout?
Sorry to let some of you know; you’re getting old. Older people need to give much more attention to flexibility work then the younger athletes they once were. When you buy a brand new car, it starts right up and you hit the road. When you climb into your 20 year old chevy, not so easy is it? You sit there for a little while and let the engine run to “warm-up” before you take off so it doesn’t stall or fall apart. Your body needs to be treated the same way as you start to get older. Breaking a sweat and getting the blood flowing is very important to being prepared for exercise and preventing injury.
Before a wrestling match I have my wrestlers go through a warm-up with their drill partner that will allow them to break a sweat while practicing technique before their match. It is important that when they step on that mat their body is warmed up and ready for battle. We do this to avoid injury but also wake their body up for the intense brutality it is about to be put through (much like most of the workouts you encounter with me). We call it “getting the first match out of the way”.
This video will cover some simple exercises you may use to get warmed up when you are working out alone, with a partner, or a group. When you arrive at the gym it is important to get in a bit of regeneration work such as a foam roller or lax ball exercise, breaking a sweat with a great warm-up, and some dynamic flexibility work before your workout. Your body will thank you later as you have to wait just a few more years to use that walker to get around the house.
Sorry to let some of you know; you’re getting old. Older people need to give much more attention to flexibility work then the younger athletes they once were. When you buy a brand new car, it starts right up and you hit the road. When you climb into your 20 year old chevy, not so easy is it? You sit there for a little while and let the engine run to “warm-up” before you take off so it doesn’t stall or fall apart. Your body needs to be treated the same way as you start to get older. Breaking a sweat and getting the blood flowing is very important to being prepared for exercise and preventing injury.
Before a wrestling match I have my wrestlers go through a warm-up with their drill partner that will allow them to break a sweat while practicing technique before their match. It is important that when they step on that mat their body is warmed up and ready for battle. We do this to avoid injury but also wake their body up for the intense brutality it is about to be put through (much like most of the workouts you encounter with me). We call it “getting the first match out of the way”.
This video will cover some simple exercises you may use to get warmed up when you are working out alone, with a partner, or a group. When you arrive at the gym it is important to get in a bit of regeneration work such as a foam roller or lax ball exercise, breaking a sweat with a great warm-up, and some dynamic flexibility work before your workout. Your body will thank you later as you have to wait just a few more years to use that walker to get around the house.
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