Warming Up
When a proper warm up is not done, the chance for an injury increases. Warm muscles are less susceptible to injury than cold muscles (Quinn). A proper warm up should start with at least ten minutes of low level cardiovascular activity (Steen). This may consist of jump rope, a quick game of catch, or even a light jog. As important as light activity is, the warm up does not end there. Light stretching is crucial to do before any intense physical activity. This should include every body part for about five to ten seconds each. Doing so increases blood flow to the muscles and also increases synovial fluid (a type of self-lubrication process) in the joints (Steen). The body’s range of motion also increases after doing this. Stretching is a nice transition from light activity into the actual exercise itself.
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