Getting The Most out of Your Run
(1) Warming up, stretching properly, and cooling down keeps the muscles loose and keeps them from becoming injured during the run and from being sore after the run. A consistent routine of warming up, stretching, and cooling down is the key to being able to keep up the habit of running, and it makes it much more enjoyable, too.
(2) When people start running without stretching first, their muscles are tight and not prepared for the activity. Muscles are weakest when they are tight, so stretching helps prevent injury. However, you should actually warm up the muscles before stretching. This can be done by simply walking for five minutes before stretching. The stretching should last ten to fifteen minutes.
(3) After the run is over, you need to cool down. Stopping immediately can make the muscles tighten up again. Walking again for a few minutes after the run can help get the muscles to slowly relax. After you have properly cooled down, it is time to stretch again. This keeps your muscles loose and helps to reduce soreness after the workout.
(4) If you are not in pain, you will enjoy your run more, and you'll be able to run more often. Taking these precautions can make it easier to work out, and you will be healthier because of it.
26
Which of the following would best introduce paragraph 1?
A.
Warming up, stretching, and cooling down are the most important parts of any workout because they can keep you from getting injured.
B.
Did you know that thousands of joggers go running every year and many of them are not equipped with the proper footwear?
C.
Most people realize that running is a great way to stay in shape, but did you know that running can be dangerous if you do not prepare properly?
D.
First of all, running is a good idea only if you are in good enough shape to do it because it can be very hard.