Warming up is something that people typically don’t put a lot of thought into before they start their workout. That’s too bad because not warming up properly can lead to an injury that could sideline you for days, weeks, or even months.

But you can avoid that scenario by spending just a few minutes getting your body ready for the workout. And trust me, you will have a better workout when you get the blood flowing to the muscles you are about to train.

We’ll do a series of dynamic movements to get the muscles and joints ready for the serious work–and it only takes 5 minutes!

Notice that I am not doing any static stretching. Those types of stretching movements are for after the workout, when the muscles have plenty of blood pumping through them.

Let’s get to it!

THE WARMUP ROUTINE

Perform 1 set of each exercise

Arm Circles 10 reps (each arm)
Forward/backward

Criss Cross Arms (palms up) 10 reps

Neck Roll 10 reps

Upper Body Twists 10 reps

Upper Body Circles 10 reps

Plank Shoulder Tap 30 seconds

Prone Presses 30 seconds

Cat/Cow 30 seconds

Down Dog to Upward Dog 30 seconds

Lying Thoracic Twist 30 seconds (each side)