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The body's joints and muscles need to be loosened before the strenuous part of a workout begins. The joints and muscles become flexible and respond better to increased physical activity. Warming up also increases body temperature and blood circulation. The heart rate should increase as well, but not to the point that it will rise during a full scale workout.

There is some debate among health fitness experts as to the role of stretching before a workout. The debate isn't about whether stretching is required. Stretching is just as important as warming up. The debate centers on whether to warm up or stretch first. I stretch first, making sure my joints and muscles are prepared for the low level of exertion they receive when I warm up.

Warming up consists of performing easy to accomplish maneuvers without using any equipment. The maneuvers can be done in your home or in an open area of your local gym or health club.

ARM and SHOULDER

If you're a weightlifter, loosening the arm muscles and joints is essential to prevent injury. Stand straight and position your arms parallel to the floor. Move each arm in a circular motion in the same direction. A ten count done for at least three repetitions in each direction will limber up the arm muscles. Another arm warm up is to take the extended arms and bend at the elbow in a motion that moves the hands under the arm pit. Do this warm up drill ten times for one repetition. Push ups are considered by some to be a warm up exercise, but I feel it is a more strenuous exercise that is part of the regular workout.

LEG

Leg muscles and joints allow you to run, jump and push off during strength conditioning. Two favorite leg warm drills of mine are the inner thigh lift and bent knee hip extension.
For the inner thigh lift, lay on your side with both legs extended. Raise the leg on stop in a slow motion until it can't go any further. Slowly lower the leg to the ground. Do this as a repetitive drill ten times.

The bent knee hip extension works the important joints around the knee and hip. Start with both legs and arms on the ground in a crawling position. Make sure the abdominal area remains taut while you bring the leg up at a forty-five degree angle. Bring the leg slowly down to the ground and repeat the motion with the other leg. Ten reps for each leg will do the job.

ABDOMEN

The stomach area receives a pounding, regardless if you engage in an aerobic or anaerobic workout. It is also a neglected area during warm ups that can lead to painful

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