It is very important to incorporate warming up for an exercise session. A good warm-up should include 5 to 10 minutes of gentle exercise with low intensity movements that simulate the actual activity you are going to perform. These activities can be as easy as walking, slow jogging, knee lifts, arm circles or trunk rotations. Warming up prepares your body for the physical stresses you encounter when exercising and helps reduce your risk for injuries such as muscle strains.

Luke Geer, PT, DPT

The Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy Department