Fitness: The importance of warming up and cooling down. And exercises we can do to warm up different parts of the body.

This episode of The Best of 702 Weekend Breakfast focuses on the critical importance of warming up and cooling down before and after physical activity, especially as temperatures drop in winter. Host Gurgs opens the discussion by admitting his own inconsistent approach to warm-ups and cooling down, prompting a conversation with physiotherapist Leslie Mayer, who explains how prolonged sitting and poor posture lead to muscle imbalances, increasing injury risk during exercise. She emphasizes that warming up should be dynamic—short, sharp movements like heel-to-bum walks or forward leans—to activate muscles without over-stretching them. Cooling down, she notes, helps flush out lactic acid, reduce stiffness, and transition the body from 'fight-or-flight' mode to relaxation, supporting recovery and heart health. Mayer also stresses that full-body movement is essential even during targeted workouts, as the body functions as a unit, and recommends daily stretching and simple exercises like squats, wall push-ups, and modified sit-ups for older adults to maintain mobility and prevent falls. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to access Mayer’s services via LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or email.