WARM UP & COOL DOWN
WARM UP
Warming up the body by increasing the blood circulation and heart rate is an essential part of
yoga. Although some individuals use the Sun Salutation as a warm-up in yoga, if convenient,
we recommend a 10 - 12 minute warm-up consisting of a brisk walk, cycling, running, etc. The
warm-up should be intense enough to increase body temperature, to warm up the muscles and
cause a slight sweat but not cause any fatigue.
THE BENEFITS OF WARMING UP WARM UP & COOL DOWN
• Increase body and tissue temperature
• Increase blood flow through the active muscles
• Increase the heart rate, preparing the cardiovascular systemfor work
• Increase the exchange rate of oxygen and carbon dioxide from hemoglobin in the blood
• Increase the speed at which nerve impulses travel, facilitating body movements
• Increase reciprocal innervation efficiency, allowing muscles to contract and relax faster and
more efficiently
• Decrease muscular tension
• Enhance the ability of connective tissue to elongate
COOL DOWN
The cool-down period is just as important as the warm up. The cool-down period helps the body
return to its pre-yoga practice state, a small investment of time for the many benefits received. A
minimum cool down of 10 – 15 minutes is recommended after each yoga session. CORPSE is
commonly practiced during the cool-down period. A properly performed cool down will: WARM UP & COOL DOWN
• Help clear the muscles of accumulated lactic acid.
• Lessen excessive fatigue
• Reduce soreness and cramps
• Keep muscles from tightening up
• Lower blood pressure
• Return the body temperature back to resting levels
• Restore the heart rate to a resting level
WARM UP & COOL DOWN In short, a cool down speeds overall recovery in preparation for subsequent yoga sessions. A
cool down is also helpful to relax and unwind the mind, a transition from the intensity of the yoga
session to the day-to-day activities. Cooling down is a wonderful way to re-align or re-position
the body’s postural mechanics. Positioning the body in anatomical optimum posture in CORPSE,
minimizes the stress on the body joints and muscles. Maintaining this posture for at least 10 – 15
minutes re-educates the body (hardware) and mind (software) to adapt to this comfortable,
stress-free posture.
Vishal Yoga Life
Vishal Yoga Life
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