The purpose of a warm-up

1. Structural readiness:

·         Mobilise critical joints: spinal column, ankles, hips, shoulder girdles

·         Lengthen critical muscles: hip flexors, hamstrings, Achilles

·         Raise blood flow and metabolic activity

2. Neuromuscular arousal and rhythm:

·         Movement cannot achieve high power before the brain has properly cued the basic functions and developed biomechanical rhythm.  Slow & easy before hard & fast

3. Sharpness/ explosiveness:

·         Raise critical movement patterns to competition intensity

As the name warm-‘up’ implies: postural or structural readiness is essential for complex movements to be efficient and strong, and time is needed for the brain to fully engage.  The amount of time needed at each stage is not fixed or certain; the brain and body are subject to massive variation day to day.  Have the sense and discipline to prepare each level a little longer if it’s needed.

To be ready for anything, you must prepare everything!