We are told consistently that warming up and cooling down pre and post-workout is crucial for better performance and to reduce the risk of injury. But does the same warm-up need to be done if we are taking part in strength training instead of cardio exercise?
Benefits of warming up:
- Boosts your cardiovascular system by increasing your body temperature
- Increases blood flow and oxygen to your muscles
- Makes your muscles more flexible during the workout
If you are exclusively using strength training during your workout, a traditional cardio warm-up is not necessary. If you are using slow, controlled movement, the act of actually performing the exercises brings the same benefits of a warm-up.
If you have previous injuries, or simply prefer to start off with a lighter weight, performing with half the weight of the set is sufficient. If you like traditional warm-ups such as a few minutes on a bike or cross trainer, that is still a great way to start your workout.
Here at Mint Fitness we tailor every workout to the individual using our years of knowledge and experience. To book in your next session or free taster trial get in touch with our team.
