Coaching For Kids

Warming up isnt just for wintertime, it's for every time you get active.

Warming up means getting your muscles ready for physical activity, by getting your blood flowing around you a bit faster. It means your muscles and joints will be looser and more flexible. It's like starting your engine. If you don't warm up before exercise, you increase the chance of hurting yourself.

How to warm up:

• Being warm is a good start, especially in winter – make sure you are wearing extra clothes like tracksuit tops or bottoms or a hat. You can take these off when you start playing for real.
  
  
• Start with some gentle movement like easy marching on the spot or lifting your knees alternately. You can be as inventive as you like – how about a bit of slow Bollywood or walking backwards (try not to bash into anything).
  
  
• Then you can up the pace a bit. You could try gentle jogging (forwards or backwards), dancing, some jumping jacks or spotty dogs. The aim is to get your arms and legs moving and warm.
  
  
• Once you've warmed up a bit, stretch out your muscles. This prepares them even more, and feels nice too.
  
  

To find out more about warming up (and cooling down!) check out this site: www.kidsexercise.co.uk