It’s important to warm up before any workout to prevent injury and get your muscles ready for the physical activity. Here are four essential warm-up exercises to include in your routine.

1. Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a great full-body exercise to get your heart rate up and prepare your muscles for movement.

Start with your feet together and arms at your sides.
Jump your feet out to shoulder width while simultaneously raising your arms above your head.
Jump your feet back together and lower your arms to your sides.
Repeat for 30-60 seconds.

2. Lunges

Lunges are a great warm-up exercise that target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.

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Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands on your hips.
Step forward with one foot and lower your body until your front knee is at a 90-degree angle.
Push off your front foot and return to the starting position.
Repeat with the other leg.
Do 10-12 lunges on each leg.

3. Arm Circles

Arm circles help to warm up your shoulders and prepare them for exercises that involve overhead movements.

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides.
Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.
Make small circular motions with your arms, gradually increasing the size of the circles.
Reverse the direction of the circles after 30-60 seconds.
Do 10-12 circles in each direction.

4. High Knees

High knees are a great warm-up exercise for increasing your heart rate and getting your legs ready for movement.

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides.
Alternate lifting your knees up as high as you can while swinging your arms in a running motion.
Keep your abs engaged and land on the balls of your feet.
Do 30-60 seconds of high knees.

Incorporating these essential warm-up exercises into your workout routine can help to prevent injury and ensure that you get the most out of your physical activity. Remember to stretch after your workout to help improve flexibility and recovery.