All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

But there are warm-up benefits youd miss if you do soand theyre really pretty awesome.

Woman rolling up a mat

Wera Rodsawang / Getty Images

Thats because it sets the toneboth physically and mentallyfor whats to come, he explains.

So why do a lot of us neglect this ultra-crucial step?

For many of us, it all comes down to time.

In most cases though, you only need 510 minutes max for a quality warm-up.

And slotting in that brief window does not take anythingawayfrom your workout, Scantlebury says.

In fact, it makes your workout even more targeted and even more effective, he says.

A good warm-up should also feel about 2550% as intense as your main workout, says Scantlebury.

In other words, its pretty gentle.

Plus, while you may equate stretching with warm-ups and pre-workout preparation, it’s not exactly that simple.

Here, five amazing warm-up benefits that will make you want to add one to your routine ASAP.

You may lower your risk of injury.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of warming up before a workout?

It can help reduce your chances of injury.

In other words, a warm-up can help stave off injuries that arise from improper exercise form.

Your workout may be more effective.

A good warm-up heats up the fluids that surround your joints, Hamilton explains.

Youll work more time-efficiently.

Warming up before you sweat will not only make your workout more effectiveitll also save you time.

Hows that, you ask?

Doesnt a warm-upaddtime to your workout?

Well, on the surface, adding a five-minute warm-up will make your workout five minutes longer.

It makes your workout that much more efficient, says Scantlebury.

Youll find the right headspace.

And unless were mindful, we can easily bring that frenetic energy into our workout.

Warming up allows your mind and body to have a deeper connection, Scantlebury explains.

Youll enjoy your workout more.