Final answer:
Warm-up exercises prepare muscles and joints for physical activity, increasing pliability and reducing injury risk. They improve flexibility and should be coupled with proper rest and attention to pain to avoid overstrain or tendon irritation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Warm-up exercises are crucial to reduce the risk of injury, as they gradually increase muscle and joint temperature, making them more pliable. By slowly elevating the intensity of physical activity, blood flow to the muscles improves, and the heart rate increases, which results in muscles and tendons that are less likely to sustain injuries. For instance, before engaging in running or soccer, one might jog slowly to adequately prepare the muscles and elevate their heart rate. Even elite athletes understand the importance of a proper warm-up routine.
Apart from preventing strains, such as "pulled muscles," and tendinitis, which is the irritation of tendons, warming up also allows for greater flexibility exercise. Stretching, yoga, and tai chi are examples of activities that enhance muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. Additionally, it's important to respect pain and cease exercising when experiencing discomfort, ensuring adequate rest and recovery to prevent exacerbating injuries.