OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaBefore you start exercising hard, it is a good idea to warm up first! And after you finish, cooling down helps your body slow back to normal. Warming up and cooling down only take a few minutes, but they help your body feel much better.
Warming up means doing gentle movements, like walking or marching in place, to get your body ready. Think of it like starting a car — you let the engine warm up before you drive! To cool down, try walking slowly and doing some gentle stretches after you play.
Warming up helps wake up your muscles so they are prepared to work. This means you are less likely to get hurt while playing. Cooling down helps your breathing and heart rate return to their resting speed, so you feel good after exercising.
- Professional athletes always warm up before a big game — even the fastest runners in the world!
- Your muscles work best when they are warm, just like a rubber band stretches easier when it is not cold.
- Even astronauts warm up before they exercise in space!
