The Importance of Stretching & Warm-Ups

by | Aug 20, 2025

ƛasəm (Tosum) means Strong in our Tla’amin language, and a word that carries the heart of everything I do. Welcome to Article 12 by Tosum Ltd, where strength is medicine.

Charlene Muskego is a member of the Tla’amin Nation and lives in Treaty 6 territory with her husband and children from Cold Lake First Nation.  Her late mother is Elsie Wilson, and her late sister is Kristina Wilson. She owns Tosum Ltd, which empowers individuals through fitness, nutrition, and personal transformation. As a wellness-focused business, Tosum Ltd’s mission is to nurture health, body, and spirit, which aligns with good medicine. 

Tosum Ltd, founded by Charlene Muskego of the Tla’amin Nation, is more than just a fitness and nutrition business; it is a movement rooted in strength, resilience, and culture. Our mission is to empower individuals through fitness, nutrition, and wellness, helping people reclaim their health and confidence while honouring body, mind, and spirit.

My why is simple as a mother, my 2 daughters are my reason, my drive, and my heart. They remind me daily that strength is not just built in the gym, it’s built in the heart, in the love we give, and in the family we nurture. I know first-hand the power of breaking intergenerational traumas, finding strength through movement, and creating stability for the next generation. As a mother, coach, and natural bikini bodybuilder for the last 11 years and still, I still believe in teaching others that strength is medicine. Through Tosum Ltd, I help guide people to live healthier, more balanced lives while embracing the resilience within them.

The Importance of Stretching & Warm-Ups

Before any workout, it’s essential to prepare your body. Stretching and warming up properly not only reduces the risk of injury but also improves flexibility and range of motion. A good warm-up increases blood flow, activates muscles, and raises your heart rate, priming your body for exercise. Maintaining a high heart rate throughout training helps build endurance and burn more calories, while supporting cardiovascular health.

xɛčič (Fall) Fitness Tips

As the cooler months set in, it can be easy to slow down, but staying active is key to maintaining momentum. Here are some fall-focused tips:

·   Layer Up: Dress in light, breathable layers for outdoor workouts so you stay comfortable as temperatures shift.

·   Seasonal Movement: Take advantage of crisp fall air with hikes, bike rides, or ǰɛǰɛ walks among the changing leaves.

·   Stay Consistent Indoors: When the weather pushes you inside, commit to remaining active through attending a gym, or playing sports or dancing with your children on PlayStation. My children loved dancing when they were younger, so we could enjoy it together as a family. It’s a refreshing and fun workout for everyone. It’s important to find something that brings you joy to move your body. It will help to maintain a strong routine. If you need help, I offer online training. Feel free to reach out to help get started. My website is tosumstrong.com.

This fall, let’s move with intention, warm up with heart, and keep building strength, inside and out. Not only for ourselves but also for the generations to come, because our children are watching how we take care of ourselves.

Čɛčɛhatənapɛč (I thank and honour you all)


Charlene Muskego