Warming Up
Physical Education: AQA GCSE, topic 4.2.3
Warm-Ups
A warm-up should be done before exercise. The purposes of warm-ups include:
Increase body temperature
- Increase the body temperature to warm the muscles up before the stretching process.
Prepare muscles
- Prepare a performer's muscles by increasing their elasticity (stretchiness) and range of movement (flexibility). This helps to prevent injury through pulled or torn muscles.
Supply muscles with oxygenated blood
- Warm-ups supply the muscles with oxygenated blood to make energy.
Mental focus
- Warm-ups mentally prepare and focus the performer. This can help to improve performance and concentration levels.
Appropriate Warm Up
An appropriate warm-up will include:
Pulse-raising activity
- A pulse-raising activity that involves some light aerobic work.
- This increases the amount of oxygenated blood flowing through the muscles.
Stretching
- Stretching of the relevant muscles to increase the elasticity and range of movement.
Skill focus
- Activity with a skill focus. This involves the performer practising techniques they will use during competition.
Mental rehearsal
- This uses techniques such as deep breathing to prepare the performer for activity.
Test yourself on Warming Up
How does warming up prevent injury?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of warming up?
Which of these is NOT an important feature of a warm up?