Health Tip: Warm Up Before You Work Out

(HealthDay News) -- Warming up before a workout helps prepare your body for exercise, making you less vulnerable to injury.

The American Council on Exercise offers these warm-up suggestions:

• Include aerobic activity that will help warm up the muscles you'll need during your workout.
• Practice some flexibility exercises after your warm-up, being sure to gently stretch the muscles you'll use during your workout.
• Try a slower, easier version of what you'll be doing during your workout, such as a slow jog or biking in a low gear.
• Warm up at an intensity that may make you break a light sweat but doesn't make you feel tired.