What is the purpose of warm-up exercises before training?

Warm-up exercises play a crucial role in preparing the body for physical activity. Their primary purpose is to gradually increase the heart rate, loosen the muscles, and elevate the body's core temperature, which all contribute to better performance during exercise. By engaging in warm-up activities, the body transitions from a state of rest to one of activity, making the muscles more pliable and less prone to injury. This preparation helps to improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of strains or sprains when engaging in more strenuous activities.

While options such as enhancing competitive spirit, improving mental alertness, or completing training sessions faster might be relevant in other contexts, they do not specifically address the physiological benefits that warm-ups provide, which are critical for both enhancing performance and minimizing the likelihood of injury during workouts or training sessions.