PaceSetter Book

Warm-Up & Cool-Down Activities 3

3.1 Importance of Warm-Up

It is essential that young athletes learn the importance of Warm-Up before beginning any kind of more strenuous exercise. However, with young athletes aged 8–13 years, Warm-Up is more about an establishment of good habits by means of education and can be presented as a practical group activity involving discussion, demonstration and practice. The main purpose of Warm-Up is to prepare the body and mind for activity by increasing the body and muscle temperature. In addition to the raise in temperature, there is an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate, which will increase the blood flow that in turn increases the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. Many young athletes are under the impression that a Warm-Up will prevent all injuries. It should be explained to them that a Warm-Up can protect and assist in preventing injuries, but they could still pick up an injury after completing a Warm-Up. The Warm-Up should begin with very gentle exercise to allow a steady increase in the body and muscle temperature. This gentle exercise could take the form of a game or jogging, depending on the size of the area, and can then be followed by static stretching exercises. Static stretching improves the flexibility range of the muscles, whilst mobility exercises increase the range of movement of the limbs and can therefore assist in preventing injuries. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

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