Restrictions have eased and gyms re-opened, which means that you might be about to dive into a new workout programme, take on a running challenge or try out the Strong Women Training Club. Don’t just think about your workouts though; it’s also vital that you take into consideration how to prepare your body for those sessions.

It’s so important to get your muscles and joints ready for your workout. In fact, it’s crucial to help avoid injury and perform at your best. According to Harvard Health, without stretching, our muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when we call on the muscles for activity during exercise, they are weak and unable to extend all the way, which puts us at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.

Because injuries don’t just happen when lifting heavy weights or performing complex moves. Last year, 7 million people in the UK were injured whilst working out at home or taking part in lockdown related activities like gardening and hiking. Our bet? That not enough of them warmed up properly before.

However, a warm-up should involve more than jogging on the spot or swinging your arms around – it’s all about focusing on mobilising your entire body.

Stretching: try these 9 beginner-friendly mobility exercises before your next workout