What is the purpose of warm-up activities?

The purpose of warm-up activities is to prepare the body for more intense exercise. This preparation involves increasing the heart rate, enhancing blood flow to the muscles, and elevating body temperature, which collectively help to reduce the risk of injury during more strenuous activities. Furthermore, warm-ups improve the range of motion in joints and enhance the effectiveness of the subsequent workout by gradually preparing both the body and mind for higher intensity efforts.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the fundamental goal of a warm-up. Cooling down after exercise is associated with recovery rather than preparation. Muscle isolation typically refers to exercises focused on specific muscle groups, which is not the aim of a warm-up. Ending a workout session would involve cooling down or performing stretches, rather than initiating a workout. Thus, the emphasis on preparation for more intense exercise underscores the critical role warm-up activities play in a comprehensive fitness regimen.