Why do athletes warm up before training or competition?

Answer: It prepares muscles by raising their temperature and sending more blood to them

It cools the body by starting to sweat before the workout begins — Wrong. Sweating can begin during exercise, but switching on the sweat glands is not the purpose of a warm-up. Warm-up prepares the heart, blood vessels, muscles, joints and nervous system for the work ahead; cooling happens later as the body responds to heat.

It prepares muscles by raising their temperature and sending more blood to them ✓ — Correct! Light activity raises heart rate and sends more blood and oxygen to the muscles that will work. It also raises muscle temperature, which helps enzymes work faster and muscles contract more efficiently, while joints move more smoothly and coordination improves. Dynamic movement is generally better than holding a static stretch before sport.

It prevents muscle tears by holding a long stretch before the workout begins — Wrong. Static stretching may feel like preparation, but it does not prevent every injury and can temporarily reduce power. Holding a long stretch does not raise heart rate or muscle temperature enough, so it cannot replace an active warm-up.