What activity is included in stage 1 of a warm-up?

The activity included in stage 1 of a warm-up is typically continuous activity like jogging. This initial phase of a warm-up is designed to gradually increase the heart rate and prepare the body for the more demanding exercises that will follow. Continuous activities like jogging help in elevating core body temperature, enhancing blood flow to the muscles, and improving flexibility, all of which are essential for reducing the risk of injury and preparing the body for higher intensity workouts.

During this stage, the focus is on gently raising the body’s responsiveness, which is why dynamic movements that are moderate in intensity are preferred over static stretching, which is more effective in later stages. Skill-related practices might come later in the warm-up to refine technique, while high-intensity interval training is too strenuous to be part of the initial warm-up stage, as it could lead to fatigue and isn't suitable for preparing the body for exercise.