What is the primary purpose of warm-up activities at the beginning of a training session?

The primary purpose of warm-up activities at the beginning of a training session is to prepare both physiologically and psychologically for exercise. Warm-up activities are essential as they gradually increase the heart rate and blood flow to the muscles, which enhances muscle elasticity and reduces the risk of injury. Physiologically, these activities help to increase the body's temperature, which improves muscle function and flexibility. Psychologically, a warm-up prepares an athlete's mind for the workout ahead, helping to focus attention and increase motivation.

While some training sessions may ultimately lead to increased muscle strength, the warm-up itself is not designed with that primary goal in mind. Similarly, although heart rate does increase during warm-up, the objective is not to reach maximum heart rate, but rather to prepare the body for the demands of more strenuous activity. Finally, cooling down the body immediately is not a goal of warm-up activities; instead, cooling down is an important practice that takes place after exercise to help the body transition back to a resting state.