Relationships between warm-ups and physical performance

Until quite recently, a belief in the value of warming up prior to participation in strenuous physical activity was accepted without serious question by almost all physical educators, exercise physiologists, athletes, and others concerned with the optimum performance and welfare of participants in athletic activities. Consequently the execution of preliminary exercises of some kind before participating in vigorous physical activity is a common practice, particularly in competitive sports. Warming up has traditionally been practiced in accordance with beliefs that it results in improved performance and aids in the prevention of injury during physical exertion. While several explanations and theories have been advanced in support of this procedure, there are others which question the worth of warming up