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	Floor Stretch
Place feet shoulder-width	While sitting on the floor,
apart and lean forward.	open the legs as wide as
Keep this position for 30	possible. Stretch the upper
seconds using the body as a	body toward the knee on the
natural weight to stretch the	right leg by using your arms
backs of the legs.	to pull your chest to your
DO NOT BOUNCE!	thighs. Hold this stretch 10
When the pull on the back of	to 30 seconds.
the legs lessens, gradually	DO NOT BOUNCE!
try a lower position.	Do this stretch 10 times.
	Repeat the stretch with the
	left leg.

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.

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 to always 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.