The Best Way To Do A Proper Warm-Up
Most people know that warming up before a workout is important, but many don’t know how to do a proper warm-up. A proper warm-up will help increase your blood flow and prepare your body for the activity you’re about to do.
Here are some things you need to remember on how to do a proper warm-up before your next workout:
Static Stretching is a Waste of Time
There is a lot of debate over whether static stretching is actually beneficial or not. Some people believe that it's a waste of time and can actually do more harm than good. Others believe that it's an important part of any workout routine.
Personally, I believe that static stretching is neither beneficial nor detrimental. I think it all depends on the person and what they're trying to achieve. If you're looking to increase your flexibility, then static stretching is definitely the way to go. But if you're just trying to warm up your body for a workout, then I would recommend skipping the static stretches and jumping right into the activity.
Start Your Warm-up with Joint Rotations
When you’re warming up, it’s important to start with some joint rotations. This will help to lubricate your joints and get them ready for the activity you’re about to do. Here are a few exercises you can do to get started:
1. Rotate your wrists in a circular motion.
2. Rotate your ankles in a circular motion.
3. Shake out your arms and legs.
4. Circle your shoulders.
5. Swivel your hips.
6. Arch your back and stretch your chest.
7. Tilt your head from side to side.
Once you’ve completed your joint rotations, it’s time to move on to the next phase of your warm-up.
Do Some Light Cardio to Get your Heart Rate Up and Blood Flowing
This is where you’ll do some light cardio to get your heart rate up and blood flowing. You don’t want to do anything intense, just something that will get your body ready for the activity you’re about to do.
Some good exercises to do are jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks, and lunges. Just make sure that you’re not doing anything too strenuous that will fatigue you before your workout even starts.
Once you’ve completed your light cardio, you should be feeling warm and loose. This is the perfect time to start your dynamic stretching routine.
Dynamic Stretching is Key for Improving Flexibility and Preventing Injuries
It's a better way to warm up your body than static stretching, and it's also more enjoyable. Dynamic stretches are a series of movements that stretch your muscles in a dynamic way. This means that the stretches are performed in a controlled manner, and they're not held for an extended period of time.
One great example of a dynamic stretch is the squatting lunge. To do this stretch, stand with your feet hip-width apart and squat down until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Then, step forward with your right leg and drop your left knee to the ground. Lunge as far forward as you can without losing your balance, and then switch legs. Repeat this stretch 10 times on each side.
Another great dynamic stretch is the walking lunge. This stretch is similar to the squatting lunge, but instead of staying in one spot, you actually walk forward as you lunge. This stretch is great for loosening up your hips and thighs. To do this stretch, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Step forward with your right leg and lower your left knee to the ground. Lunge forward until your right thigh is parallel to the ground, and then stand up and bring your left leg forward. Repeat this stretch 10 times on each side.
Conclusion
A proper warm-up is essential for any workout. Dynamic stretching will help you improve flexibility, prevent injuries and get your blood flowing before the activity starts. The best way to do a dynamic stretch is by doing squats or walking lunges as these exercises are some of the most effective for loosening up tight muscles in your hips and thighs. If you want to improve your performance and avoid injuries, make sure to do a proper warm-up before your next workout. Thanks for reading!
Josh has been on the fitness field for more than 10 years. He started as a personal trainer and bootcamp coach at Fitness First, Gold's Gym, Anytime Fitness and F45. Josh enjoys helping clients achieve their fitness goals, whether it be through weight loss, muscle gain or just becoming stronger and healthier overall.