WARM-UP and COOL-DOWN

Warm-upThe purpose of warming up is to prepare your body for exercise and to minimize injuries. Warm up for two to five minutes before strength-training or aerobic exercising. Perform activities that raise your heart rate and warm the working muscles. Activities may include brisk walking, jogging, jumping jacks, jump rope, and running in place

Stretching Stretching while your muscles are warm after a proper warm-up and again after your strength or aerobic training session is very important. Muscles stretch more easily at these times because of their elevated temperature, which greatly reduces the risk of injury. Stretches should be held for 15 to 30 seconds. Do not bounce.

Suggested Stretching Exercises

Lower Body Stretch Place feet shoulder-width apart and lean forward. Keep this position for 30 seconds using the body as a natural weight to stretch the backs of the legs. DO NOT BOUNCE!

When the pull on the back of the legs lessen, try a lower position gradually.

Bent Torso Pulls

While sitting on the floor, have legs apart one leg straight and one knee bent. Pull the chest down to touch the thigh on the leg that is bent and twist at the waist. Hold this position at least 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times on each side.

Floor Stretch

While sitting on the floor, open the legs as wide as possible. Stretch the upper body toward the knee on the right leg by using your arms to pull your chest to your thighs. Hold this stretch 10 to 30 seconds. DO NOT BOUNCE! Do this stretch 10 times. Repeat the stretch with the left leg.

Bent Over Leg Stretch Stand with feet shoulder- width apart and lean forward as illustrated. Using the arms, gently pull the upper body towards the right leg. Let the head hang down. DO NOT BOUNCE! Hold the position a minimum of 10 seconds. Repeat pulling the upper body to the left leg. Do this stretch several times slowly.

Remember always to check with your physician before starting any exercise program.

Cool-DownThe purpose of cooling down is to return the body to its normal, or near normal, resting state at the end of each exercise session. A proper cool-down slowly lowers your heart rate and allows blood to return to the heart. Your cool-down should include the stretches listed above and should be completed after each strength-training session.