The purpose of warm-up exercises is to gradually stretch the muscles and to increase the body temperature so that as the activity becomes more intense or vigorous. The body is then prepared for the activity and consequently, injuries are less likely to occur.

There are many good ways to warm-up. This chapter describes many different exercises that have proven to be popular and effective. Warm-up activities can be alternated from day-to-day to keep them interesting or a routine of warm-ups can be used particularly if they are found to be enjoyable or if certain warm-ups are found to be particularly useful for certain conditions.

A warm-up session should last from 5 to 10 minutes. Certainly not all of these warm-ups need to be performed before each exercise session. A wide variety of warm-ups are presented as options. It is a good idea to chose 1 or 2 warm-ups from each of the four main sections.

Slow stretching warm-ups will help to release tension in the muscles. Noises in the joints are not uncommon and they need not be of concern. They occur in people of all ages.

Performing the warm-up exercises to music may help to keep the exercises interesting and they generally make the exercises more pleasurable.