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Aerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool down
Done correctly, warming up and cooling down may offer help in reducing your risk of injury and improving your athletic performance.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
You're ready to hit the elliptical machine or the running trails. Before you do, though, consider doing a brief warm-up, followed by a quick cool-down session when you're done exercising. Sure, a warm-up and cool-down may add a few minutes to your exercise routine, but they also might help you stay healthier.
Why warm up and cool down
Warm-ups and cool-downs generally involve doing your activity at a slower pace and reduced intensity.
Warming up may help prepare your body for aerobic activity. A warm up gradually revs up your cardiovascular system, increases blood flow to your muscles and raises your body temperature. Warming up may also help reduce muscle soreness and lessen your risk of injury.
Cooling down after your workout allows for a gradual recovery of heart rate and blood pressure. Cooling down may be most important for competitive athletes, such as marathoners, because it helps regulate blood flow. Cooling down doesn't appear to help reduce muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise, but more research is needed.
Although there's controversy about whether warming up and cooling down can prevent injuries, proper warm-ups and cool-downs pose little risk. So if you have the time, consider including them in your workout routine.
How to warm up
Warm up right before you plan to start your workout. In general, warm up by focusing first on large muscle groups, such as your hamstrings. Then you can do exercises more specific to your sport or activity, if necessary. A warm-up may cause mild sweating, but it shouldn't leave you fatigued.
Here are some examples of warm-up activities:
To warm up for a brisk walk, walk slowly for five to 10 minutes.
To warm up for a run, walk briskly for five to 10 minutes.
To warm up for swimming, swim slowly at first and then pick up the tempo as you're able.
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Feb. 06, 2014
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BasicsIn-DepthExpert AnswersExpert BlogMultimediaResourcesNews From Mayo ClinicWhat's NewProducts and servicesThe Mayo Clinic Diet bookFree E-newsletterSubscribe to HousecallOur general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.Sign up nowAerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool downDone correctly, warming up and cooling down may offer help in reducing your risk of injury and improving your athletic performance.By Mayo Clinic StaffYou're ready to hit the elliptical machine or the running trails. Before you do, though, consider doing a brief warm-up, followed by a quick cool-down session when you're done exercising. Sure, a warm-up and cool-down may add a few minutes to your exercise routine, but they also might help you stay healthier.Why warm up and cool downWarm-ups and cool-downs generally involve doing your activity at a slower pace and reduced intensity.Warming up may help prepare your body for aerobic activity. A warm up gradually revs up your cardiovascular system, increases blood flow to your muscles and raises your body temperature. Warming up may also help reduce muscle soreness and lessen your risk of injury.Cooling down after your workout allows for a gradual recovery of heart rate and blood pressure. Cooling down may be most important for competitive athletes, such as marathoners, because it helps regulate blood flow. Cooling down doesn't appear to help reduce muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise, but more research is needed.Although there's controversy about whether warming up and cooling down can prevent injuries, proper warm-ups and cool-downs pose little risk. So if you have the time, consider including them in your workout routine.How to warm upWarm up right before you plan to start your workout. In general, warm up by focusing first on large muscle groups, such as your hamstrings. Then you can do exercises more specific to your sport or activity, if necessary. A warm-up may cause mild sweating, but it shouldn't leave you fatigued.Here are some examples of warm-up activities:To warm up for a brisk walk, walk slowly for five to 10 minutes.To warm up for a run, walk briskly for five to 10 minutes.To warm up for swimming, swim slowly at first and then pick up the tempo as you're able.NextShareTweetFeb. 06, 2014ReferencesSee more In-depthProducts and ServicesBook: The Mayo Clinic DietSubscription Online Service: The Mayo Clinic DietBook: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!Book: Mayo Clinic Fitness for EverybodySee also5K training scheduleAerobic exerciseAerobic exercise: What's the best frequency for workouts?Air pollution and exerciseAnkle weights for fitness walkersBarefoot running shoesBuying athletic shoes? Check your archShow moreAdvertisementAds by Google Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Proceeds from website advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse non-Mayo products and services.
Advertising & Sponsorship
PolicyOpportunities
Mayo Clinic Store
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter
The Mayo Clinic Handbook for Happiness
Mayo Clinic Essential Guide to Prostate Health
Guide to Your Baby's First Years
The Mayo Clinic Diet Online
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