What is the main purpose of a warm-up before exercise?

The main purpose of a warm-up before exercise is to increase blood flow to the muscles. When you engage in a warm-up activity, your heart rate gradually rises, leading to enhanced circulation. This increase in blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which is crucial for optimal performance during exercise. It also helps to elevate the body temperature, which can improve muscle elasticity and reduce the risk of injury. By preparing the cardiovascular and muscular systems for more intense activity, a proper warm-up paves the way for a more effective and safer workout.

While other options refer to different aspects of exercise routines, they do not specifically describe the primary role of a warm-up. Preparing for a cool-down phase is important but it occurs after exercise, and completely resting the muscles contradicts the idea of activating them prior to physical activity. Gradually decreasing heart rate is part of the cool-down process, which occurs after exercising, not during the warm-up.