Warm-ups before a training session or race is vital to how
well you may perform. Cold, tight, muscles can suffer strain or sprains. Your
body can be put into shock when you, suddenly, impose intensity of movements.
Warming up, as it is more scientifically known, is the
process of gradually increasing your body temperature through activity. An easy
jog, followed with limbering exercises, is intended to increase the body’s temperature,
increase blood circulation to the active muscles, and accustom the heart to
increased pumping. Contrary to misconception, stretching is not exactly warming
up. It may be part of the warming up process, yet it is not, in itself, a
warm-up. Deep stretching can be counter-productive and cause your muscles to
lose tone, and not be able to exert its optimal strength. Warming up is a thoughtful and deliberate process, that is tantamount to preparing for your best performance.
Experienced performers and presenters also use warming up.
Vocal exercises activate the muscles involved in delivering the best sound your
larynx can produce. Singers and speakers go through a routine of stretching the
tongue, lips, cheeks and throat. Part of warming up also enhances alertness of
your brain before a presentation or meeting. This aspect is, unfortunately, overlooked
and taken for granted. Rehearsals are an integral part of the warm-up, and
helps total recall during delivery of keynotes and speeches. Mental warm-ups
also work as we make connections with the content, as we read a mind map or
flip the pages of a workbook or PowerPoint slides.
Do your warm-up, and enjoy revitalized results!
