Warm ups

September issue of Women's Health -- check out a fall fashion guide in this issue too!

Time to get those muscles moving. Ease into your workouts.
The importance of stretching and easing into a workout is key to preventing injuries. Also, to help you perform your best.

If you don't stretch before your workout, your muscles won't be warmed up and ready to go, and psychologically it can make you feel more out of shape and be frustrated. To avoid that feeing, spend 10 to 20 minutes stretching.

In the September issue of Women's Health, a short blurb explains that Australian researchers discover that warm-ups help increase the contraction speed of muscles, helping them prepare for action.

Warm-ups usually will mimic something you'll do in your planned workout. If you want to run, spend a few minutes walking at a brisk pace, then take the next minute or so jogging at a comfortable speed -- a speed where you aren't winded.

A warm-up lasting at least five minutes is great, but don't go too long.