Dynamic warmup prepares your body for activity

If you show up to an athletic event early, you may see the athletes performing a warmup to get their muscles prepared for action. This isn’t only for professional or collegiate athletes – warmups are important for anyone about to go on a long run or play sports.

Melanie McNeal, manager of orthopedic and sports therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, recommends a dynamic warmup to prepare the body for competition. The dynamic warmup consists of multiple full body activities that challenge flexibility, balance and strength while protecting against injury.

“Perform 20 or more steps of each exercise – enough to break a sweat by the time you’ve finished.  The key is for your body to feel like it’s ready for action,” McNeal said.

Watch the video below for a demonstration of the dynamic warmup.

Read more about stretching and warmups, and learn more about Orthopedic Sports Therapy.