Summary: Exercise is an important part of a healthy mind and body, and warming up beforehand will help you get the most out of every workout.
Do a workout before a workout? No way.
Yes, way.
Whether you’re doing a bodyweight workout, lifting weights, or just going for a run, doing a dynamic warm up before your actual workout can be incredibly beneficial because it not only helps to prevent injury, but it also helps you perform better during your workout and get more out of it.
We all like to get the most bang for our buck, right?
There are multiple ways to warm up your body for a workout, from foam rolling to having a dance party, but a dynamic warm up is particularly popular because you can get your joints moving all at once and start warming up all the muscles that you’ll specifically need during your workout.
So what is a dynamic warm up? It’s a warm up where you move in ways that use multiple muscle groups at once. For example, toe touches, hand walks, or walking lunges.
Additionally, performing shorter, lighter intervals of moves in your workouts can be helpful as well. Using those biceps? Do some arm circles to start, then add in a few very light reps of bicep curls to get those muscles warmed up. No matter what you do, the key is to get your joints loosened, your muscles warmed, your body starting to stretch out a bit, and your heart pumping.
To help get you started, here are three different warm ups, so give one a try before your next workout and see how much looser and more prepared it makes you feel!
Dynamic Warm Up for Runners from Treble In The Kitchen
Full Body Warm Up from Lushious Lifts
The Five Step Warm Up for Strength Training from Lifting Revolution