How a proper warm-up in winter can prevent muscle pulls and cramps

Warm-up in winter: If you’re someone who likes early walks, workouts or weekend sports, there’s one nagging problem that shows up more often in the cold: muscle pulls.

Bending to tie your shoelace, starting a jog or kicking a ball, and suddenly that sharp pinch in your calf or thigh can be annoying and sometimes painful enough to stop your whole routine in winter. Low temperatures make your muscles and joints stiffer, so if you move suddenly or push too hard without preparation, they’re more likely to get strained. However, a good warm-up can be a simple fix.

Also Read | Can you lose weight by dancing?

Why are warm-ups important in winter?

In cold weather, your muscles behave a bit like a rubber band that’s been kept in the fridge: tight, less stretchy and more prone to snapping if you pull it too fast. Starting exercise in that state can lead to:

• Muscle strains
• Cramps
• Small tears in the muscle fibres

A gentle warm-up, done for even 8–10 minutes, slowly raises your body temperature and increases blood flow. Your joints loosen up, your muscles receive better oxygen supply, and your body moves more smoothly.

Benefits of a warm-up session in winter:

A few extra minutes before you start can:

• Help your muscles move more freely and feel stronger by increasing their flexibility
• Lower the chances of sudden pulls, tweaks or joint strain
• Gently prepare your heart and lungs so exercise doesn’t feel like a shock
• Sharpen your balance and coordination, so you move with more control
• Helps you focus

A proper warm-up acts like a safety buffer between your sleepy winter body and the workout you’re about to do.

Simple step-by-step winter warm-up routine:

You can do this routine at home, in the gym, or even in a park before your walk or run.

Gentle cardio (3–5 minutes)

First, get your body warm from the inside. Choose any light activity that raises your heart rate slightly:

• Brisk walking (inside the house or outside)
• Jogging on the spot
• Slow, easy skipping with a rope
• Marching in place or doing light, bouncy dance moves

You should feel warmer, but not out of breath.

Shoulder rolls & arm swings (about 1 minute):

This loosens the neck, shoulders and upper back, improving your posture.

• Roll both shoulders in a circle, forward 10 times
• Then roll them backwards 10 times
• Next, open and close your arms like you’re giving yourself a big hug
• Swing across your chest and open wide, 15–20 times

Leg swings (1–2 minutes):

This targets your hips, hamstrings and thighs; the muscles that often complain first in winter.

• Stand next to a wall, table or chair and hold it for balance
• Swing one leg gently forward and backward 10–15 times, in a controlled motion
• Switch legs and repeat
• Then swing each leg side-to-side across your body to relax the hip joints
• Keep the movement smooth, not jerky.

Light stretching (about 2 minutes):

Keep it easy and comfortable; you should feel a mild stretch, not pain. Hold each one for around 10–15 seconds:

• Gently reach towards your toes, only as far as your body allows
• Lift both arms and stretch them overhead
• Bring one arm across your chest and hold it with the other hand
• Do a soft side bend while standing, first to one side, then the other
• Move slowly and breathe normally through each stretch.

Ankle and foot circles (about 1 minute):

Feet and calves tend to tighten up in the cold, especially if you sit a lot.

• Stand on one leg (use a wall or chair for support if needed)
• Rotate your free ankle in a circle 10 times clockwise, then 10 times anticlockwise
• Switch legs and repeat

Also Read | What are the 7 potential health benefits of running?

Winter doesn’t have to pause your fitness; it just means your body needs a gentler start. Muscles perform better when they’re warm, relaxed and prepared. So before you hit the rack, pick up a weight or step out for a brisk walk, give yourself a few extra minutes to warm up properly.