What happens to heart rate during a warm-up?

• A. Decreases
• B. Increases
• C. Stays the same
• D. Fluctuates

Answer: (B)

During a warm-up, heart rate increases as the body prepares for exercise. As you start moving, the nervous system ramps up, raising heart rate and stroke volume to boost cardiac output. This brings more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles, helps remove waste products, and increases muscle temperature and joint mobility, all of which reduce injury risk and improve performance. The goal of a warm-up is a gradual rise from resting heart rate toward the level needed for activity, not a decrease or no change, and not erratic fluctuations. So increasing heart rate during a warm-up is the expected and best response.