A shorter pre-workout regimen could promote a more efficient workout, researchers say

Warming up for a workout or athletic competition is a common practice among competitive professionals and recreational jocks alike. Scientists at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada wanted to explore how shorter warm-ups compare to the more conventional longer types.

In comparing the differing lengths of warm-up regimens, the researchers found that longer preparation of 50 minutes produced a gradual increase in heart rate to 95 percent of the muscle's full capacity. The shorter sequence was limited to 15 minutes, and individuals who completed this routine reached a maximum heart rate of 70 percent.

The results showed that subjects who completed a more succinct pre-workout routine showed better performance and a peak power output that was 6.2 percent higher than those who spent more time warming up.

These findings suggest that spending less time warming up may give athletes an advantage in overall output potential. This departs from the more traditional view that an intense and lengthy warm-up is best. This discovery may provide relief for faithful gym-goers who are dedicated to longer conditioning schemes.