By Alison Cardoza
Photograhy by Matt Johnson
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Your body is sound asleep peacefully and at rest. We then encounter the noise our alarm clock makes that immediately takes us out of that state of relaxation.Your heart starts racing and self motivation kicks in. As much as you want to hit the snooze button and roll back over onto your comfy pillow, you know you need to start your day. You prep your body for the day by slowly rolling out of bed, eating breakfast, and getting dressed. The routine you do at home, sets the precedent for the day that lies ahead. For some, your day begins with a drive to the gym. Just as you ate breakfast, got dressed, and prepped for the day, it is also imperativeto slowly warm up your body before beginning yourexercise program at the gym. The benefits of warming up help to increase body temperature and open up blood vessels that increase blood supply to muscles. The contraction of muscles warms up your body, which enables the joints to loosen up and prevent muscle strain. The purpose of warming up before physical activity is to enable your body to prepare mentally and physically for your chosen activity. Heart rate increases naturally, and enables more oxygen to reach your muscles.
Warming up on an upright or recumbent bike is a great way to get your body moving. Brian Miles, a Baptist Milestone member, works out daily. His program consists of getting his heart rate ready for his weight training program. According to Brian, “I get to the gym and ride the upright bike for 25 minutes just to get my heart rate going. I work my chest, shoulders, back, and arms (Incline dumbbell press, dumbbell flyes, cable crossovers, Arnold press, lateral pulldowns, and barbell shoulder press). I really enjoy Milestone personally for many reasons. Most importantly is TIME. I work less than ¼ mile away, so getting in and out makes it nice. Being able to workout at lunch is KEY. The facility is top notch, clean, and the staff are always super friendly. I also use the CAFÉ often for lunch.”
Milestone becomes an escape from day to day pressures that we encounter. Our exercise classes, cardio equipment, and weight training equipment help provide a variety and unique selection for all levels of the fitness enthusiasts. Schedule a visit today and find your own personal warm up routine.
Alison Cardoza- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
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