Why Warm Up and Cool Down in a Workout Routine

You should always follow a routine of warming up before every work out and cooling off afterwards. As trainers and fitness enthusiasts know people who follow this practice will minimize the risks of injury. While we might have been told this we often don’t stop to think as to why it’s a good practice and exactly what it does to our bodies to help avoid injury. 

A good comparison to warming up before exercises is warming up a car before driving in cold weather.  People in cold weather are advised to allow the car to warm up a bit before pressing the gas pedal and driving full speed. Warming up the car allows the car’s fluids and lubricants to circulate and reduce friction in the engine which in turn helps the car run more smoothly and with lower chance of mechanical failure. 

The same principle applies to your body—warming it up facilitates an increase in blood circulation throughout your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, preparing your body for the strain that lies ahead. With the increased blood flow comes better oxygen and nutrient delivery which prevents you from prematurely tiring out. Warming up also prepares your heart gradually for the activity increase, helping you avoid a sudden increase in blood pressure. 

Cooling down is the exact opposite. After working out, your heart and all your bodily systems are still in overdrive, which can make stopping abruptly a risky decision health-wise. Cool-down stretching is a good way to reduce lactic acid buildup, which can cause muscle cramps and stiffness. By cooling down, you allow a gradual decrease in activity which helps your overdriven system approach rest periods safely.