Help improve performance and reduce the risk of injury this summer by including a dynamic warm up into your routine before physical activity. A dynamic warmup is a series of movements designed to increase body temperature, activate the nervous system, increase range of motion, and correct limitations. This type of warm-up uses stretches that are “dynamic,” meaning you are moving as you stretch. The key is continuous movement, which helps increase the body’s temperature and prepares the body’s muscles for the specific activity. For example, a lunge with a twist is a dynamic stretching exercise that engages your hips, legs, and core muscles. So when you’re lunging for that soccer ball, the muscles involved have already been engaged during your warm-up. The warmups can vary depending on the activity you’re performing, a physiotherapist can help you customize a specific warm up for whatever activity you plan on performing this summer, whether you’re a weekend warrior, elite soccer player or gardener.

Kristy Maksymyk, www.prairietrailphysio.ca