For most, the warm-up is boring and mundane. Others might find it unnecessary and a complete waste of time. While it may not be your favorite part of the game of baseball, it IS an important part of performing at the highest level possible. Here are a few reasons why a baseball – or softball – warm-up is so important to competing at the highest level:
#1: The Warm-Up Gets Your Brain in Gear.
Throughout the game, your brain is constantly sending messages to your muscles – letting them know when to start, stop, jump, swing, etc. Warm-ups get that central nervous system warmed up so that it’s ready to kick into gear when you need it to. Without a warm-up, your reflexes just might not be as sharp as you need them to be.
#2: The Warm-Up Lubricates Your Joints.
Think about an old door. It can creak and open slowly when not properly lubricated. The same is true of your joints. When you warm up your body, it starts to loosen and lubricate those joints so that everything moves without injury and with greater responsiveness.
#3: The Warm-up Raises Your Core Temperature
Obviously, when you begin to exercise, your body temperature begins to rise. This increase in body temperature gets the blood flowing and the muscles warm, all turning your body into a stretchy rubber band, ready to stretch and bend in whatever ways necessary to make the play.
How Do I Know My Body is Warmed Up?
Warm up for 10-15 minutes, or until your body just begins to break a sweat, and you’ll know your body is ready to perform at its highest level on the baseball field.
More questions on how to improve your baseball or softball game? Call D-BAT Sports today or visit one of our state-of-the-art baseball training facilities located across the United States.