The Animal Warm-Up

A warm-up is a set of slow, gentle movements you do before playing or exercising. Think of it like waking up your body!Warming up is important because it:Makes your muscles stretchy and ready to move.Gets your heart beating a little faster to send energy all over your body.Helps keep you from getting hurt while you play.

Let's stretch our whole body, just like a tall giraffe reaching for leaves on a tree!Stand with your feet about as wide as your shoulders.Interlace your fingers and reach your arms straight up to the sky.Gently stretch upwards, trying to be as tall as you can.Hold for 5 slow counts. You should feel a nice stretch in your arms and sides.

Now let's get our leg muscles ready for jumping and running, like a happy frog!Crouch down low to the ground, like a frog on a lily pad.Place your hands on the floor in front of you, between your knees.Do 5 small, gentle hops forward. You can even say "Ribbit!"This helps wake up the big muscles in your legs.