Warm Up Stretching Exercises for Exercisers

, but stretching muscles that are cold may lead to tearing or strains.To prepare your muscles, do a quick warm-up activity before stretching -- then you can move on to your exercise routine.Consult your doctor before incorporating new exercises into your
Ankle Stretch
The Women's Heart Foundation website suggests the ankle stretch to loosen your ankles and increase their range of motion.Stand up straight and hold onto the back of a chair or the wall for balance.Lift up your right foot and rotate your ankle 10 times in one direction, then 10 times in the opposite direction.Repeat with the other ankle.If you are unable to keep your balance, modify the exercise by sitting instead of standing.

Middle Back Stretch
The Women's Heart Foundation website recommends the middle back stretch to loosen the muscles in the back.Stand up straight with your hands on your hips.Twist your torso to the right until you feel a stretch, and hold the position for 15 seconds.Do not bounce or tense up your muscles.Repeat on the opposite side and hold for 15 seconds.


Back Curl
"Shape" magazine recommends the back curl to stretch out the back muscles.Lie down on your back on a yoga mat or towel.Place another towel around the back of both thighs and bend your knees toward your chest.Hold one end of the towel in your right hand and one in your left hand.Pull the towel to bring your knees to your chest, lifting your lower back slightly up off the ground.Loosen your grip on the towel to release.
Lift and Arch
Stretch your abdominal muscles, chest and shoulders with the lift and arch stretch, "Shape" recommends.Sit down cross-legged on a yoga mat or towel.Hold one end of a towel in your right hand and one in your left as you hold your hands a little bit more than shoulder-width apart.Straighten your elbows and extend your arms up over your head.Arch your back and lift up your chest as you pull out on either end of the towel.