Warm Up Right, Exercise Better

Ever feel like your body is not ready when you start exercising? It might be because you're skipping an important step. Warmed-up muscles work better. This is not just an old wives' tale. Science backs it up.

Research Findings

Research shows that warming up can make your muscles stronger and faster. The study found that for every small rise in muscle temperature, you get a noticeable boost in performance. This is true for both passive and active warm-ups.

Passive Warm-Ups

Use a heating pad
Take a hot shower

Active Warm-Ups

Ride a stationary bike
Do gentle versions of your main workout
Key: Do these until you start to sweat lightly

Exercise Intolerance

But what if you can't even do the warm-ups? It might be a sign of exercise intolerance. This is common in people with:

Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Inflammatory conditions

If you think this might be you, it's time to see a doctor.

Doctor's Tests

Doctors can do tests to check your fitness level. These tests look at:

Blood pressure
Heart rate
Oxygen levels
Breathing depth and rate during exercise

Solutions for Exercise Intolerance

If you're exercise intolerant, the solution is simple:

Eat more protein
Get enough vitamin D
Lose weight
Treat any conditions that make exercise harder

Listen to Your Body

But remember, everyone is different. What works for one person might not work for another. Always listen to your body. If something feels off, it probably is.