When entering the physical education and sports environment, it is very common to see teachers and coaches starting their class or training with static stretching. Teachers and coaches most often begin their class/workout with static stretching in hopes of helping their students prevent injuries while participating in their physical activity. Although stretching is an important part of physical activity, there remains a key element that must be performed before stretching: that key element being engaging in a warm-up activity. In addition to starting with a warm-up activity, it is important for teachers and coaches to have their students end their lesson/practice with a cool-down activity as well. In this article, many subtopics will be covered, such as definitions of warm-up/cool-down activities, the different types and benefits of these activities, as well as stretching, with its disadvantages and benefits for physical activity. Being informed on this topic is very important not only for preventing injuries among young students and athletes, but also for adults and seniors by helping them maintain a healthy and physically active lifestyle. A warm-up activity is defined as a low-level activity. which is completed before stretching and more intense exercises (Avest, 2010). The main goal of a warm-up activity is to increase heart rate and blood circulation throughout the body. When blood circulation increases throughout the body, the temperature of the body and deep muscles increases, which in turn warms the muscles, ligaments and tendons in preparation for vigorous activity. In addition to increasing blood circulation and body temperature, warm-up activities also help mentally and emotionally... middle of paper ...... nervous and activity-specific warm-up protocols. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 11, 279-285. Murphy, JR, Di Santo, MC, Alkanani, T., Behm, DG (2010) Aerobic activity before and after short-duration static stretching improves range of motion and performance compared to traditional hot activity. -up. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, 35(5), 679-690 Avest, E. 2010, November. Field hockey warm-up layout: a comparison between literature and practice. Unpublished master's thesis). University of Birmingham, UK. Faigenbaum, A. and JE McFarlane, Jr. 2007. Guidelines implementing a dynamic warm-up for physical education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 78 (3), 25-28. Shimon, JM 2011. Introduction to teaching physical education: principles and strategies. Champaign, IL: Sheridan Books.