Simple Warmup Routine

Prepare Effectively For Your Lifting Session

This simple warmup routine is one that I've used for years. It's not perfect, but it hits all the right notes for me to lift effectively. I'm not suggesting you should simply copy it, but that you could use it as a template to develop your own.

Most people agree, at least in theory, about the importance of warming up. Sadly, most people also don't have an established routine for preparing properly for lifting.

My simple warmup routine consists of three parts...

• Dynamic shoulder movements, incorporating the major movements at the shoulder joint and thoracic spine rotation. This is a historic weakness for me and getting my shoulders warm is a priority.
• Dynamic flexibility/mobility for shoulders, knees and hips.
• Activation exercises focusing on the compound movement being trained that day.

The first might be considered a general warmup and the third is very specific.

Dynamic movements mean that you raise your heart rate, meaning it's unnecessary to spend 10 minutes on a bike or treadmill to do so.

Regardless of your areas of concern, developing a simple warmup routine that addresses those will help you to prepare for your workout without having to spend significant mental energy to do so.