More habit than science

Some drivers warm up their engines on a cold morning despite the advent of automatic chokes that reduce to zero the chances of a cold motor vehicle stalling in traffic.

Old habits die hard - and it's the same with the routines people have before they exercise. Most people believe it is important to stretch before exercise despite science providing no conclusive evidence to support it. But not everyone acts on that belief - most, quixotically, out of simple laziness.

A recent study, this one by researchers at Sydney University's George Institute for International Health, suggests that if there is any benefit from callisthenics before vigorous exercise it is not all that great.