kdsmith27 14 Report post Posted July 30, 2007 The Warm-up:For combat athletes and those of you who take your trainingseriously, warming up is just as much a vital part of yourprogram as the workout itself. Research has taught us that a muscle contracts faster andwith more intensity the higher its temperature. This is whywarming up prior to exercising is important. Here are a few other benefits associated with warming up*Increased body and tissue temperature (as discussed)*Increased blood flow through active muscles by reducingvascular bed resistance*Increased heart rate, which will prepare thecardiovascular system for work*Increased metabolic rate*Increases in Bohr effect, which facilitates the exchangeof oxygen from hemoglobin*Increased speed at which impulses travel, and therebyfacilitation of body movements*Increased physical work capacity*Decreased viscosity of connective tissue and muscles*Decreased muscle tension (improved muscle reaction)*Enhanced psychological performance.Hot ShowersDid you know that taking a hot shower prior to exercisewill increase isometric endurance as well as the speed ofmuscular contraction and endurance. This is one of the mainreasons I like to take a hot shower prior to all myworkouts. Not only do I feel more "refreshed" but I foundthat my workouts were more intense and less taxing on mysystem. On the other hand, muscles cooled to 18C (64F),have a work-capacity period that is 2-3times shorter. NEVERTRAIN COLD...The cooling of muscles renders a decrease instrength and lengthens contraction time making you feelweaker and out of shape.Pre-Match (workout) MassageSoviet research was done on the effects of pre-matchwarm-up massages on combat athletes and its effect on thebody. What they found was that if a 15 minute massage wasdone after the warm-up (stretching, shadow drilling) theathlete had an increase in work capacity during his matchand a speedier restoration of the muscular systemfunctional capabilities following the match.These are just 2 examples of different ways you can helpyour body prepare for training.===========================================================Offseason GPP TrainingHere is a great workout for those of you who are looking tobreak out of the offseason training rut.GPP Training 2*Run 660 yards or 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites