Prepare your body for action and prevent injury with effective warm-ups
Warm-up exercises
Warm-up exercises are essential for preparing your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system for the demands of your workout. They increase blood flow to key muscle groups, improve range of motion, and help prevent injuries. A proper warm-up also activates the nervous system, improving focus, muscle coordination, and performance during your workout. This overview highlights the best warm-up exercises and how to incorporate them into your training routine.
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90/90 Stretch
The 90/90 Stretch improves hip mobility and control by guiding your hips through a stable, seated rotation position.
Alternate Heel Touchers
The Alternate Heel Touchers is a simple core exercise that builds control and endurance by using small side-to-side movements under tension.
Alternate Leg Raise
The Alternate Leg Raise is a controlled core exercise that builds strength and stability by lifting one leg at a time while staying steady.
Back Pec Stretch
The Back Pec Stretch is a mobility exercise used to open the chest and front shoulders, supporting better posture and smoother shoulder movement.
Ball Rolling for Front Thigh
Ball Rolling For Front Thigh is a simple recovery exercise that helps reduce stiffness and improve comfort in the front of the leg.
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Band Resisted Push Up
The Band Resisted Push Up is a push-up variation that increases upper-body strength by adding band resistance to the pressing movement.
Bird Dog
The Bird Dog is a core stability exercise that improves balance, spinal control, and coordination using slow, controlled movements.
Bodyweight Squat
The Bodyweight Squat is a foundational lower-body exercise that builds leg strength, mobility and movement control.
Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise
The Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise is a simple lower-leg exercise that builds calf strength and improves ankle control.
Butt Kicks
The Butt Kicks are a fast-paced bodyweight movement that improves lower-body coordination, rhythm, and movement efficiency.
Butterfly Yoga Pose
The Butterfly Yoga Pose is a relaxed seated stretch that focuses on opening the hips and inner thighs, helping reduce stiffness in the lower body.
Calf Foam Roll
The Calf Foam Roll is a recovery-focused exercise that uses bodyweight pressure to reduce stiffness and improve comfort in the lower legs.
Cat Cow Stretch
The Cat Cow Stretch is a gentle mobility exercise that improves spine movement and helps reduce stiffness in the back and core.
Child's Pose
Child’s Pose is a gentle stretch that relaxes the back, hips, and shoulders while promoting calm breathing and recovery.
Cobra Yoga Pose
The cobra yoga pose is a gentle backbend that stretches the spine and chest while improving posture, mobility, and core awareness.
Crunch Floor
The Crunch Floor is a simple bodyweight exercise that strengthens your abs using controlled movement and proper core engagement.
Dead Bug
The Dead Bug is a controlled core exercise that improves stability, coordination, and lower-back control using slow, precise movements.
Dumbbell Front Raise
The Dumbbell Front Raise lifts the weights straight in front of you to build shoulder strength with simple, controlled motion.
Dumbbell Glute Bridge
The Dumbbell Glute Bridge Chest Press combines a glute bridge with a press to build full-body strength and coordination.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
The Dumbbell Lateral Raise lifts the arms out to the sides to build shoulder width and control with simple, focused movement.
Dumbbell Side Bend
The Dumbbell Side Bend is a simple standing exercise that trains controlled side movement to strengthen the muscles along your waist.
Elbow Flexor Stretch
The Elbow Flexor Stretch helps loosen the front of the arm by gently lengthening the muscles around the elbow and forearm.
Extension Of Arms In Vertical Stretch
The Extension of Arms in Vertical Stretch lifts the arms overhead to open the shoulders and lengthen the upper body.
Flutter Kicks
Flutter Kicks are a floor-based core exercise that trains control and endurance by keeping the legs moving while the upper body stays stable.
Foam Roller Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) Release
The Foam Roller Fasciae Latae (TFL) Release is a self-release exercise that reduces tension on the outer hip to support smoother hip movement.
Forward Lunge
The Forward Lunge is a unilateral lower-body exercise that builds leg strength and control while reinforcing balance and coordinated movement.
Increase mobility, muscle activation, and workout readiness
Training goals for warm-up and injury prevention
The goal of a warm-up is to prime your body for physical activity by raising your heart rate and preparing your muscles for movement. Warm-ups increase the elasticity of your muscles, improve the lubrication of your joints, and prepare your nervous system for controlled and efficient movement. A proper warm-up enhances performance and reduces the risk of strains or sprains by ensuring your body is ready for more intense effort.
Use dynamic stretches and mobility drills to prepare for movement
Best warm-up exercises for flexibility and activation
The best warm-up exercises include dynamic stretches, mobility drills, and activation movements. Examples include leg swings, arm circles, hip openers, and walking lunges. These movements engage large muscle groups and improve joint flexibility while increasing heart rate. Additionally, mobility exercises for the shoulders, hips, and ankles prepare these areas for more strenuous activity. The key is to focus on movement patterns that replicate the exercises you’ll perform in your workout to ensure your body is properly prepared.
Activate muscles with minimal or no equipment
Equipment options for warm-up exercises
Many warm-up exercises require little or no equipment. Bodyweight movements like walking lunges, high knee skips, or jumping jacks can effectively increase blood flow and mobility. Resistance bands are great for activating muscles and improving flexibility, especially for the shoulders, glutes, and hips. Foam rollers can also be used before exercise to release tight areas and prepare muscles for movement. Keep the warm-up light and focused, using equipment only to enhance your mobility and activation.
Make warm-ups an essential part of your workout routine
Training plans featuring warm-up exercises
Warm-ups should be a non-negotiable part of your workout routine, regardless of your training goals. Aim for 5–15 minutes of dynamic movement before each session, depending on the intensity of your workout. A good warm-up gradually raises your heart rate, activates key muscle groups, and improves your range of motion.
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Frequently asked questions about warm-up exercises
No, most warm-up exercises can be done using just your bodyweight. Bodyweight movements like jumping jacks, high knees, and walking lunges are highly effective. If you have access to resistance bands, foam rollers, or a stability ball, you can use them to enhance the warm-up, but they are not necessary to get started.
A warm-up typically lasts 5–15 minutes, depending on the intensity of the upcoming workout. For light cardio or low-intensity workouts, 5–10 minutes may be sufficient. For heavier weight training, intense cardio, or high-impact activity, aim for 10–15 minutes to fully prepare your body. The goal is to gradually increase your heart rate and mobilize your joints without fatiguing yourself before the main session.
Yes. A proper warm-up increases blood flow to muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances muscle activation. This leads to better muscle coordination, improved strength, and greater efficiency during your workout. It also reduces the risk of injury by preparing your muscles and joints for more strenuous activity.
Stretching is beneficial both before and after a workout, but the type of stretch matters. Dynamic stretching before exercise (e.g. leg swings, arm circles) helps warm up muscles and joints. Static stretching (e.g. hamstring stretch, quad stretch) should be reserved for after the workout to improve flexibility and cool down muscles. Static stretching before exercise can impair performance and is better suited to post-workout recovery.
The best warm-up exercises are dynamic and sport-specific. Examples include leg swings, walking lunges, arm circles, and hip openers. These movements engage the major muscle groups and prepare your joints for activity. A good warm-up should be tailored to your workout, ensuring you target the muscles and movement patterns you will use during your session.
Integrate warm-up exercises into full-body and split routines