Abdominal exercises are an important part of any fitness routine. They strengthen the body's core muscles and improve both balance and stamina. Ab exercises are also an effective way of toning the ab muscles, making them more visible. Still, as important as ab exercises might be, it's equally important to warm up before proceeding - but the type of warming up could make or break the success of your workout.
Why you Need to Warm up
Taking time to warm up before your exercise will prepare your body for the workout. During the warm up process, the blood flow to your tissues and organs is gently increased. This elevates your body temperature and makes your muscles more flexible. Warming up also reduces the likelihood of early muscle fatigue as well as the risk of muscle stiffness, soreness or injury.
Rule of Warming up
There are several ways of warming up for your ab exercise. A good warm up should involve light cardio activity mixed with stretches. Be sure to exercise your abdominal muscles since these will be the target of your exercise. Move your body in the direction and pattern of the exercise that you intend on doing. For instance, if you plan on doing crunches, try touching your toes and stretching your side muscles before beginning.
Warm up Length
The length of time required for a warm up will depend on the type of exercise that you plan on doing and the condition your body already is in. You'll be able to start your ab exercises after a few stretches of your major muscles. Static stretching, formerly recommended by exercise enthusiasts and sports instructors, is now largely being pushed aside in favor of dynamic stretching. According to the "New York Times," the University of Nevada performed a study which demonstrated that static stretching actually decreased muscle performance by 30 percent when compared to athletes who had not stretched at all. Jillian Michaels, fitness guru and coach on television's "The Biggest Loser" also recommends that people choose dynamic stretches over static stretches prior to exercising the abs. Dynamic stretches involve incorporating active movements which loosen muscles -- rather than merely stretching them - to increase the range of motion.
Warm Up Tips
A warm up should not be the same as an actual workout. The aim is to increase blood flow and loosen muscles in preparation for actiivity to avoid injury. Even though you are likely to sweat, your warm up should not leave you fatigued or gasping for air. Start your warm ups slowly and gently pick up the pace. You warm up should begin with five to 10 minutes of light cardio activity using controlled, even movements.
Member Comments