From Tao of Jeet Kun Do — Bruce Lee
WARMING UP
Warming up is a process which elicits the acute physiological changes that prepare the organism for strenuous physical performance.
WARMING UP
IMPORTANT: To gain the greatest benefit from the warming-up procedure, the exercises should imitate as closely as possible the movements which are to be used in the event.
WARMING UP
Warming up reduces the viscosity of a muscle, its resistance to its own movement. It improves performance and prevents injury in vigorous activities by two essential means: 1. A rehearsal of the skill before competition commences fixes in the athlete’s neuromuscular coordinating system the exact nature of the impending task. It also heightens his kinesthetic senses. 2. The rise in body temperature facilitates the biochemical reactions supplying energy for muscular contractions. Elevated body temperature also shortens the periods of muscular relaxation and aids in reducing stiffness. As a result of these two processes, there is an improvement in accuracy, strength and speed of movement, and an increase in tissue elasticity which lessens the liability to injury.
WARMING UP
The duration of the warm-up period varies with the event. In ballet, the dancers spend two hours before the performance, commencing with very light movements and gradually increasing the intensity and range of motions until the moment before their appearance. This, they feel, reduces the risk of a pulled muscle which would destroy the perfection of their movements.