Loudoun County, Va. — Many people go out for a run or start a pickup game of baseball without taking the time to properly warm up before or cool down afterwards. But making this part of your routine before and after playing a game, running, exercising or engaging in any high-intensity activity is crucial to preventing serious injuries.

Some of these injuries include:

• Strains and sprains
• Shin splints
• Knee injuries
• Tendinitis
• Dislocations
• Fractures

Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and athletic trainers see these types of injuries on a regular basis. One main goal — besides trying to return an athlete to their prior level of function — involves emphasizing the importance of incorporating easy exercise routines into their regular day-to-day activities. Understanding the benefits of these workouts can help people understand why it is so important.

During a warm-up, there is no need to overexert your body. Keep the warm-up light and easy, but you should work hard enough to work up a light sweat.

What are the benefits of warming up before a workout?:

• Increase body temperature
  • Allows your blood to release oxygen at a higher temperature
• Increase muscle temperature
  • Allows more blood and oxygen to reach your muscles, leading to better overall performance
• Dilation of your blood vessels
  • Allows capillaries to open, allowing about 70-percent of blood flow to the skeletal muscles
• Improves flexibility
  • Allows your muscles to work to their full potential
• Decreases joint stiffness
  • Joints become lubricated with fluid to allow for better mobility

Warm-ups can vary depending on the activity. For example, before doing any running or a cardiovascular routine, it is important to warm up with a slowly-paced aerobic activity. If your main focus is strength training, warm up with a light cardio activity, like a light jog on the treadmill or a ten-minute ride on a stationary bike.

After the warm-up is completed, try to loosen up the muscles by properly stretching. You want to focus in on the muscles that you will be using the most during your specific sport or activity.

Remember to hold each stretch for at least 20-30 seconds to increase muscle extensibility, repeating each stretch two to three times.

Once you are finished with your workout or sport, it’s time to cool down. Cooling down can prevent your blood pressure and heart rate from dropping too rapidly. Performing a light jog around a track can help decrease soreness and prevent injuries from developing.

It is particularly important to keep in mind that after performing a high-intensity workout, the body releases lactic acid. Over time, lactic acid buildup in your muscles can lead to soreness. Cooling down helps the body get rid of lactic acid buildup, decreasing post-workout muscle soreness.

Keep in mind to add stretches after your cool down to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. A cool-down can last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, such as light jogging and slowing to a walking pace following weightlifting or a long run.

Below is a breakdown of how to add warm-ups and cool-downs to your routine:

Warm-up >> Workout >> Cool Down

OR

Warm-up >> Stretch >> Workout >> Cool Down >> Stretch

Note from our sponsor: Don’t let an injury sideline you from the activities you love doing. If you or anyone you know has suffered a strain, sprain or any overuse injury, pick up the phone and call Loudoun Sports Therapy Center at 703-450-4300 TODAY to schedule an appointment. No doctor’s note is necessary to begin your road to recovery in physical therapy!

Don’t let pain limit you. We care. We listen. We get RESULTS!