It is generally accepted that we have to warm-up our muscles before we engage them in exercise or other activities (e.
g.
sports).
The old way of warming up our muscles is by touching our toes or doing hurdler stretches.
Those are antiquated and boring way of warming up.
More than that, they may even cause injuries and hamper our performance in sports.
It is important to move- not stretch.
What does that mean? Besides static stretches such as toe touches, we need to do ballistic or dynamic type of movements.
We need to move accordingly to warm up our muscles and our joints.
Movement is the way to get our bodies ready for exercise or sports activities.
Why is movement important for our bodies prior to exercise? Movement limbers up the joints and muscles.
In addition, movement raises your core temperature and activates your nervous system.
This is a key component I learned from the Tacfit Commando Fitness program.
There are a variety of dynamic and ballistic movements that are great to get your body ready for exercise or sports activities.
Here are a couple of them: * Sit-throughs These are great for the shoulders and hips.
Also, they raise the core temperature of your body and activates your nervous system.
They are performed with your feet and hands on the floor.
Then, you perform a "break dance" movement by sitting (without touching the floor) your right buttocks and kicking your right leg to your left.
You lift your left hand as you shift your weight to the right shoulder joint.
Do the same on the left side.
You can try this for a minute.
* Shoulder rotations (Front and Rear) This is a common movement with swimmers before they go in the pool.
Firmly plant your feet on the ground as you gradually and then rapidly move your shoulders in a circular motion.
Exhale to relieve tension.
You can try this for a minute.
Then, you can also do this in the opposite direction by rotating your arms towards your back.
You can also do this for a minute.
* Hip Flexor stretch (or Lunge stretch) This is a great static movement that opens up the hips.
Kneel on the ground with one leg bend in a right angle and the opposite leg stretched out.
Move your legs accordingly to get a good stretch and keep your head and upper body straight.
You can do this for a minute.
* Jumping Jacks * Side Twists * Burpees These are a few great ways to get your body (joints, muscles, and tendons) ready for exercise.
Most are dynamic movements which is what you want to get your body going.