What is the primary benefit of warming up before exercise?

Enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles is a primary benefit of warming up before exercise. When you engage in a proper warm-up routine, it increases your heart rate and stimulates blood flow, which helps improve circulation. This increased blood flow benefits the muscles by delivering more oxygen, which is essential for energy production during physical activity.

Additionally, warming up prepares the cardiovascular system, allowing it to transition more smoothly from a resting state to one of increased activity. This process not only helps improve performance but also reduces the risk of injury by ensuring that the muscles are adequately supplied with the necessary oxygen and nutrients before they are subjected to the stresses of exercise.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the benefits of warming up. For instance, a decrease in body temperature or muscle elasticity would negatively impact performance and increase the likelihood of injury. Similarly, a reduced heart rate is not a goal during warm-up, as the intention is to elevate the heart rate gradually in preparation for exercise.