What is the recommended duration for a warm-up in an Exercise Program/Exercise Prescription?

The recommended duration for a warm-up in an Exercise Program typically falls within the range of 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of activity and individual needs. A warm-up aims to gradually prepare the body for more intense physical activity by increasing heart rate, blood flow to muscles, and enhancing flexibility.

A duration of 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient for most individuals as it provides enough time for the body to transition from a resting state to an engaged state. This timeframe allows for a variety of warm-up activities such as dynamic stretching, light aerobic exercises, or sport-specific movements, which effectively promote increased range of motion and reduce the risk of injury during the main workout.

While longer warm-up durations might be appropriate for specific populations or more intense training sessions, for general exercise prescriptions, 5 to 10 minutes is usually adequate and aligns with common exercise guidelines. Thus, the correct response to the question reflects an understanding of the typical recommendations for warm-up duration in exercise programming.