What are warm ups and cool downs?
Running and exercise stretches your muscles and to stretch a muscle that is unprepared can cause an injury. Walk or jog slowly for 10 minutes before your proper run to prepare your muscles for the work ahead. A warm up prepares your body for exercise by gradually increasing blood flow and raising core muscle temperature. Do the same at the end of your run to help your muscles flush out the lactic acid and help your recovery. Stopping abruptly can cause leg cramps, nausea, dizziness and muscle soreness.
