1. Skipping warm-up totally

Skipping a warm-up may be tempting, but don’t do it. A warm-up will raise the body temperature via an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure and loosen tissues to perform work and release hormones associated with exercise. It is an important first step.

2. Starting off too intense

A solid warm-up should imitate your entire workout. It should be dynamic, but at a much lighter and gentler pace.

3. Static stretches first

Stretching is vital, but it has to be the right kind of stretching. Static stretching (holding a stretch for 30 seconds or more) improves flexibility, increases range of motion and can help increase blood flow and oxygen distribution throughout the body, but it isn’t good for warm-ups. It may even hinder your practice. Stick to dynamic stretches before a workout and leave the static stretches for your post-workout cooldown.

4. Not warming up for long

An effective warm-up should last between five and 10 minutes and consist of low-to-moderate intensity cardiorespiratory exercise, followed by less intense movements similar to the sport or activity about to be performed.

5. Same warm-up always

If you can vary your workout, you can vary your warm-up. Variety is good.

Information courtesy: www.livestrong.com