Easy Warm-Up Exercises

It is very important that you warm-up before you start any workout whether you will be running, biking, or doing aerobics. Warm-up exercises have many advantages. They help burn more calories, prevent injuries, protect your immune system, and get you in the right frame of mind to start your workout. Warm-up exercises basically get your whole body prepared and warmed up for the grueling workout that it has ahead. You never want to just jump into an all out workout as it is too strenuous on your body.

An average warm-up should be approximately 10 minutes but can be longer if you are new to exercising. You should perform warm-up exercises at 50% of your maximum heart rate so that you gradually increase your heart rate for your workout.

Here are some easy warm-up exercises that you can add to your workout routine.

Step Touches
Stand with your feet about shoulder length apart. Step to the right with your right foot and then bring your left foot to meet it. Quickly step to your left with your left foot and bring your right foot to meet the left. Repeat the sequence of steps, picking up the pace as you go. Continue this warm-up exercise for 1-2 minutes.

Shoulder Rolls
Stand with your feet about shoulder length apart. Keep your arms at your sides as you roll your shoulders forward in a circle. Do this for 10-20 seconds. Then, roll your shoulders backward in a circle for another 10-20 seconds.

Marching In Place
Stand with your feet together and begin to lift your knees high, alternating them. Pump your arms with your legs as you continue to march in place. The higher you can lift your knees the better the warm-up. Continue marching in place for 3-5 minutes for this warm-up exercise.

Jumping Rope Simulated
All you need to do with this warm-up exercise is pretend that you have a jump rope. With your arms at your side, rotate your wrists as you were throwing a jump rope over your head. Jump over the imaginary jump rope with both feet at the same time. Use small jumps for this warm-up, no more than an inch off the ground. Continue this exercise for a minute.