{"id":3230,"date":"2022-05-02T10:51:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T10:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/?p=3230"},"modified":"2022-05-03T01:46:23","modified_gmt":"2022-05-03T01:46:23","slug":"warm-up-properly-the-15-best-dynamic-warm-up-exercises-routines-to-prevent-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/everything-else\/warm-up-properly-the-15-best-dynamic-warm-up-exercises-routines-to-prevent-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"Warm Up Properly: The 15 Best Dynamic Warm Up Exercises &#038; Routines To Prevent Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3576755\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/storm-troopers-warm-up-before-workout-713x260-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"713\" height=\"260\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/storm-troopers-warm-up-before-workout-713x260-1.png 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/storm-troopers-warm-up-before-workout-300x109-1.png 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/storm-troopers-warm-up-before-workout-768x280-1.png 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/storm-troopers-warm-up-before-workout-600x219-1.png 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/storm-troopers-warm-up-before-workout.png 949w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Today, you&#8217;re gonna learn the importance of warming up, and how to warm up with specific video routines&#8230;because I&#8217;m a nice person.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is so critical for training safely that whenever we design a workout for our coaching clients, it always starts with a proper warm-up. So I&#8217;m excited to share these warm-up tips and tricks with you too.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tGet in shape safely and actually reach your goals! Learn more about our Online Coaching Program\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>In this guide we&#8217;ll cover the following (click to go to that section):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#dynamic_warm_up\">Stretch before working out? No. Warm up instead.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#beginner_warm_up\">Beginner Dynamic Warm-up Exercises and Video<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#warm_up_advanced\">3 Advanced Dynamic Warm-up Exercises and Videos<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#best_warm_up_exercises\">15 Quick Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises to Prevent Injury<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This stuff is so important because getting injured sucks.<\/p>\n<p>And <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">every single day<\/span> I watch people wander into the gym, immediately lie down on a bench, and start cranking out their workout with a heavy weight within seconds.<\/p>\n<p>This makes me weep for humanity.<\/p>\n<p>These people are just WAITING to get injured. They&#8217;re essentially playing with dynamite (also not recommended).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3576678\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/playingwithdynamite.gif\" alt=\"Playing with dynamite is not recommended\" width=\"408\" height=\"228\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So you&#8217;re reading the right article.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Also, if you&#8217;re interested in a program that tells you exactly how to warm up and work out, you may like our new app!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nerd Fitness Journey will set you on an adventure that will tell you exactly when to workout, when to warm up, and when you should rest. No guesswork needed.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can sign-up for a free trial right here:<\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup\" style=\"background: none; border: none;\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/click.nerdfitness.com\/8BxQ\/a0e2674e\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-show mobile-hide\" style=\"margin-left:auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Desktop_V1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-hide mobile-show\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Mobile_v1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><em><span id=\"more-11482\"><\/span> <\/em><\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"dynamic_warm_up\"><\/a>Should I Stretch Before A Workout? No. Warm Up Instead<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3524963\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/18351224091_c2f9c7cb51_h-713x401-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"713\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/18351224091_c2f9c7cb51_h-713x401-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/18351224091_c2f9c7cb51_h-300x169-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/18351224091_c2f9c7cb51_h-768x432-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/18351224091_c2f9c7cb51_h-600x337-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/18351224091_c2f9c7cb51_h.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Above all else, the most important thing you can do when working out is to warm up properly.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Now, you might be saying to yourself, &#8220;Come on. Surely it&#8217;s not the MOST important thing&#8230;&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To which I&#8217;d reply: &#8220;First, don&#8217;t call me Shirley. Secondly, if you don&#8217;t have enough time to warm up, then you don&#8217;t have enough time to work out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Boom!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>So WHY is it so important?<em>\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Think of your muscles like rubber bands.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3578395\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/rubber-band-extensions-for-hand-health.gif\" alt=\"Your muscles are kind of like this.\" width=\"336\" height=\"189\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you spend all day sitting at a desk, hunched over a keyboard, those rubber bands have gone almost completely unused.<\/p>\n<p>Then, if you go to a gym and immediately start lifting heavy weights or sprinting really fast, those cold, unstretched rubber bands get pulled apart very quickly and can get snapped or pulled out of shape.<\/p>\n<p>#Fail.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So, what about just regular, static stretching before working out?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nope.<\/p>\n<p><strong>As we point out in &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-stretch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Should you stretch before or after your workout?<\/a>&#8220;:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1071358\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A consolidation of studies<\/a>\u00a0showed there aren\u2019t many benefits to static stretching before workouts.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">For starters, static stretching will not result in the reduction of the chance of injury.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Also, static stretching can actually\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/21659901\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">decrease your potential for strength gains<\/a>\u00a0and performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>However,\u00a0<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">dynamic<\/span> warm-ups &#8211; what you&#8217;ll learn in this article and what we focus on with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">1-on-1 coaching clients<\/a> &#8211; are AWESOME for prepping you to get ready to strength train:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Think of it like a pregaming for your muscles<\/strong> &#8211; except replace &#8220;alcohol&#8221; with &#8220;awesome.&#8221; By jumping around and getting your muscles loose, active, warm, and ready for action, you are putting your muscles through their full range of motion and getting them ready to start handling heavier loads (strength training).<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">As pointed out in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/17535144\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this study<\/a>, \u201cwarming up\u201d can also help reduce soreness after a workout.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>On top of that, doing a dynamic warm-up can help activate your central nervous system<\/strong>, priming your muscles for a great workout that produces your best effort.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Add &#8220;improved blood circulation&#8221; to the list of benefits of warming up,<\/strong> which will help you perform well in each exercise.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Need another reason?\u00a0<\/strong>When your body is properly warmed up, your muscles and joints are ready for maximum flexibility, which means you can perform each exercise with PROPER form (like deep <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">barbell squats<\/a>, for example) that maximize results and minimize the risk of injury.<\/p>\n<p><em>So, whether you are <a title=\"rebel running guide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/couch-to-5k-crucial-things-to-know-before-you-start-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">running<\/a> or <a title=\"strength training\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">strength training<\/a>&#8230;a proper warm-up is probably the most important 5-10 minutes of your day.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Still with me?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Great. If you have been injured in the past, and you&#8217;re learning to warm up so you can stop stalling out on your progress, let us help!<\/p>\n<p>We create custom workout solutions with nutritional guidance for busy people like you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In other words, we help you get strong and eat better, every step of the way.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tLearn more about our amazing Coaching App and how it\u2019ll change your life:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"beginner_warm_up\"><\/a>Beginner Dynamic Warm-Up Video And Exercises<\/h2>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Beginner Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises | Nerd Fitness\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qQ96oXp5RTU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>The above video comes from Senior Coach Staci Ardison, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/female-powerlifters-meet-staci-ardison\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">whose success story is here<\/a> (and she&#8217;s now a lead trainer in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NF Coaching Program<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t overthink this:\u00a0<\/strong>Your goal is to elevate your heart rate, put your muscles and joints through their range of motion to warm them up and make sure everything is functioning properly, and preparing your body to strength train!<\/p>\n<p>This will get you prepped for a day of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">getting stronger<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you read the above paragraph and thought: &#8220;<em>Yes I am doing strength training, please tell me more Steve! More!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Firstly, thanks for saying please &#8211; your mom taught you well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Next: let us help get you strong, safely!\u00a0<\/strong>We help busy people go from strength-training-newbie to strength training badasses.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re doing bodyweight or new to weight training, we create a workout program and provide food guidance that&#8217;s specific to YOUR life.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tOur coaching program will change your life (I promise). Learn more here:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2>3 <a name=\"warm_up_advanced\"><\/a>Advanced Dynamic Warm-Ups And Videos<\/h2>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Warm Up For Your Workout | Nerd Fitness\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZFgu-tNAYgE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>#1) Here is an Advanced Warm-up Circuit you can do anywhere:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Jump rope: <\/strong>2-3 minutes (optional)<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Jumping jacks: <\/strong>50 reps(pull your shoulder blades back, extend arms and really focus on the movement)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bodyweight Squats:\u00a0<\/strong>20 reps<\/li>\n<li><b>Lunges:\u00a0<\/b>5 reps each leg<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hip extensions:\u00a0<\/strong>10 reps<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hip rotations: <\/strong>10 reps each leg (like you&#8217;re stepping over a fence)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forward leg swings:<\/strong> 10 reps each leg.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Side leg swings<\/strong>:\u00a010 reps each leg<\/li>\n<li><strong>Push-ups: <\/strong>10-20 reps<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spider-man steps:\u00a0<\/strong>5 each leg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This particular warm-up might be more difficult than your actual workout, especially if you&#8217;re following something like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/2009\/12\/09\/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>The Beginner Bodyweight Workout<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, there is a lot of work put on your hips, butt, legs, and core. As nerds\/desk jockeys, these tend to be the muscles that are the tighest and least active, and thus most susceptible to an injury.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If your arms and chest are particularly tight or sore, you can throw two more movements as well:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Arm swings<\/strong> (holding your arms straight out to the side, and then swing them and cross them in front of your chest)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shoulder rotations<\/strong> (holding your arms straight out to the side, and move your arms in a circular motion, making bigger circles each time)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Are you a runner?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>#2) Check out our warm-up routine specifically designed for runners:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Standard Warm-Up Demonstration - Strength Running\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v73-flygfyI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p>You can also check out our\u00a0<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/running-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Running<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>for more tips on how to run safely.<\/p>\n<p><strong>#3) Here&#8217;s another advanced dynamic warm-up video from my coach, Anthony, which also covers a lot of Mobility:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Best Warm Up for Training\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/psRf3k2wfII?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p>When it comes time for your workout, if you are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">doing heavy strength training<\/a> (with barbells or dumbbells), make sure you do some warm-up sets before jumping into the weight you&#8217;ll be training with for EACH EXERCISE.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Always start with a set using just the bar to work on your form and get your body used to the movement.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Then, do a few sets of just a few reps with increasing weight (but won&#8217;t tire you out) and THEN start your workout.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s something we bring up before every workout in Nerd Fitness Journey, our new habit-building app! If you want, you can test drive it right now for free!<\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup\" style=\"background: none; border: none;\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/click.nerdfitness.com\/8BxQ\/a0e2674e\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-show mobile-hide\" style=\"margin-left:auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Desktop_V1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-hide mobile-show\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Mobile_v1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2><a name=\"best_warm_up_exercises\"><\/a> 15 Best Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises To Prevent Injury<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3576740\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/LEGO-Exercising-Warm-Up-713x476-1.jpg\" alt=\"This LEGO man warms up so he doesn&#039;t get injured during exercise\" width=\"713\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/LEGO-Exercising-Warm-Up-713x476-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/LEGO-Exercising-Warm-Up-300x200-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/LEGO-Exercising-Warm-Up-768x512-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/LEGO-Exercising-Warm-Up-600x400-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/LEGO-Exercising-Warm-Up.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>These are our favorite quick warm-up exercises that can help you prevent an injury during your workout!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Marching in place while swinging your arms.<\/li>\n<li>Jumping jacks<\/li>\n<li>Walking jacks<\/li>\n<li>Arm circles and shoulder shrugs.<\/li>\n<li>Mountain Climbers<\/li>\n<li>Swinging toe touches.<\/li>\n<li>Leg swings (forward)<\/li>\n<li>Leg swings (side to side).<\/li>\n<li>Hip rotations (like stepping over a fence)<\/li>\n<li>Hip circles (like you&#8217;re hula hooping)<\/li>\n<li>Bodyweight squats.<\/li>\n<li>Push-ups.<\/li>\n<li>Lunges.<\/li>\n<li>Hip extensions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Get into the habit of doing these exercises before doing any workout. They&#8217;ll help keep you mobile and limber and injury free. If you&#8217;re not sure how to do any of these movements, watch the videos for them below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. MARCHING IN PLACE WHILE SWINGING ARMS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3961511\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/march-arm-swing.gif\" alt=\"Marching in place swinging arms\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>2. WALKING JACKS (If You Can&#8217;t Do Jumping Jacks)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3584798\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/walking-jacks-bodyweight-exercise.gif\" alt=\"Do walking jacks if you can&#039;t do jumping jacks!\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>3. JUMPING JACKS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3584801\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jumping-jacks-bodyweight-exercise.gif\" alt=\"Jumping Jacks are a great cardiovascular bodyweight exercise\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>4. ARM CIRCLES AND SHOULDER SHRUGS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3674919\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/arm-circles.gif\" alt=\"Arm circles like so are a great way to get your heart rate up before doing HIIT.\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>5. MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3898100\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/mountain-climber.gif\" alt=\"Staci doing a mountain climber\" width=\"480\" height=\"240\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>6. SWINGING TOE TOUCHES<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3961541\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/toe-touch.gif\" alt=\"Coach Staci doing a toe touch warm up , by lifting leg and touching toes with opposite arm.\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>7. LEG SWINGS (FORWARD)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3961548\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/leg-swing-warm-up.gif\" alt=\"Steve doing forward leg swings for a warm up\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>7. LEG SWINGS (SIDE)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3961549\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/leg-swing-side-warm-up.gif\" alt=\"Steve doing a warm up by swinging a leg side to side\" width=\"480\" height=\"271\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>8. HIP ROTATIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3961552\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hip-rotation-warm-up.gif\" alt=\"Steve doing hip rotations warm ups\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>9. HIP CIRCLES<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3961554\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hip-circles.gif\" alt=\"Someone rotating their hips like a hula hoop for a warm up\" width=\"480\" height=\"238\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>10. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BODYWEIGHT SQUATS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3584779\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF-bodyweight-squat.gif\" alt=\"Do a proper bodyweight squat to work out your legs\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>11: KNEE <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/proper-push-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PUSH-UPS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3583789\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/knee-push-up.gif\" alt=\"Knee push-ups like this are a great way to progress to a regular push-up!\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>12: REGULAR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/proper-push-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PUSH-UPS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3583748\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/push-up.gif\" alt=\"This gif shows Staci doing a push-up in perfect form.\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>13. SUPPORTED <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-lunge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LUNGES<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3584782\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/assisted-lunge.gif\" alt=\"Do the assisted lunge until you can do regular lunges\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>14. REGULAR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-lunge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LUNGES<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3584786\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/lunges-nerd-fitness-kraken.gif\" alt=\"Do Lunges to strengthen your legs for the beginner bodyweight exercises!\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>15. HIP RAISES<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3622875\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hip-bridge.gif\" alt=\"Raising your hips of the floor, like so, is how you do the bridge bodyweight exercise.\" width=\"475\" height=\"267\" \/><br \/>\nThese exercises are the PERFECT movements you should be doing before any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-where-do-i-start\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">strength training program<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Oh, what&#8217;s that? You&#8217;re new to strength training and not sure what you&#8217;re doing?<\/strong> No problem!<\/p>\n<p>We help people exactly like you.<\/p>\n<p>Well, not\u00a0<em>exactly<\/em>. You&#8217;re a unique snowflake, your mom loves you, etc.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What I mean is we help people like you to start strength training. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We do form checks, create custom workouts based on your equipment and time commitment, and more.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tOur 1-on-1 Coaching App can change your life! Learn how to get strong safely:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2>To Answer Your First Few Questions&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3524966\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/29487460097_2e83795005_k-713x401-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"713\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/29487460097_2e83795005_k-713x401-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/29487460097_2e83795005_k-300x169-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/29487460097_2e83795005_k-768x432-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/29487460097_2e83795005_k-600x338-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/29487460097_2e83795005_k.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Steve, I can&#8217;t do jumping jacks\/I live on the second floor.&#8221;\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s okay &#8211; the reason I love jumping jacks is that they work out all four of your limbs at once and get you bouncing around.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, channel your inner Chuck Norris and do punches and kicks with each leg. I don&#8217;t care if you can&#8217;t kick higher than your shins and your punch wouldn&#8217;t kill a fly&#8230;just get those limbs flailing and warmed up!<\/p>\n<p>You could also just do &#8220;Walking Jacks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3584798\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/walking-jacks-bodyweight-exercise.gif\" alt=\"Do walking jacks if you can&#039;t do jumping jacks!\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Um, your warm-up is tougher than my actual workout!&#8221;\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The dynamic warm-up above is designed for people who are doing serious training.<\/p>\n<p>If you are doing heavy <a title=\"squats\" href=\"http:\/\/nerdfitness.com\/blog\/2009\/07\/22\/deadlift-the-ultimate-exercise-not-just-for-zombies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">deadlifts<\/a> and <a title=\"squats\" href=\"http:\/\/nerdfitness.com\/blog\/2009\/07\/08\/why-you-need-squats-in-your-workout-and-how-to-do-them-right\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">squats<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-the-overhead-press\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">overhead presses<\/a>, a proper warm-up could keep you out of a career-ending injury.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you are just getting started with exercise and you&#8217;re only doing <a title=\"beginner body weight routine\" href=\"http:\/\/nerdfitness.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/09\/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bodyweight exercises<\/a>, obviously 20 real push-ups during your workout isn&#8217;t possible&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><strong>THAT&#8217;S OKAY.\u00a0<\/strong>Think of the above as the warm-up you aspire to complete. In the meantime, do the best you can. Let&#8217;s say:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-jump-rope-ultimate-beginners-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jump rope<\/a> for 30 seconds<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Leg swings and arm circles: 20 reps<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Squats: 10 reps<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-lunge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lunges<\/a>: 5 each leg<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a title=\"elevated push up\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4coDbSYnuh4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Eelevated push-ups<\/a>\u00a0wall push-ups: 5 reps<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Follow the rest of the routine as planned if possible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In this routine, your warm-up will act as part of your workout, as you&#8217;ll be doing the same functional movements.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Do the BEST you can, <a title=\"track your progress\" href=\"http:\/\/nerdfitness.com\/blog\/2011\/07\/07\/how-to-track-progress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">keep track of your results for your warm-up too<\/a>, and improve with each workout.<\/p>\n<p>With enough consistency and persistency (not a word, but rhymed better and sounded way better than persistence), you&#8217;ll be busting out the full warm-up routine before kicking ass at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/circuit-training-build-some-muscles-burn-some-fat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">your actual workout<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t have a program to follow? Or tired of following a random plan online that&#8217;s not getting you results?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Online Coaching Program<\/a> &#8211; we&#8217;ll take care of all the heavy lifting (except the actual &#8220;heavy lifting,&#8221; that&#8217;s your job).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tOur coaching program changes lives. Let me show you how we can change yours:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2>Warm-Up Properly and Avoid Injury!<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3524968\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/27435831561_1424e5c66c_k-1-1-713x401-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"713\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/27435831561_1424e5c66c_k-1-1-713x401-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/27435831561_1424e5c66c_k-1-1-300x169-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/27435831561_1424e5c66c_k-1-1-768x432-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/27435831561_1424e5c66c_k-1-1-600x338-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/27435831561_1424e5c66c_k-1-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hopefully, this is a post you bookmark, as it&#8217;s probably one of the more important ones I&#8217;ve ever written.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you want to stay injury-free, put your body through a dynamic warm-up before you start your exercise.<\/p>\n<p><b>If you are somebody that wants to follow a program that is tailor-made for their life and situation and goals, check out our popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">1-on-1 Coaching program<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ll work with our certified NF instructors who will get to know you better than you know yourself, answer any and all fitness questions you have, and program your workouts and nutrition for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tOur Online Coaching Program is like having Yoda in your pocket (not literally, that would be awesome though). Learn more here:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>What other questions can I answer for you about warming up properly?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>I&#8217;m here to help!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>-Steve<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>PS:<\/strong> Still here, but not sure what to do after your warm-up? Why not let our app tell you exactly what to do!<\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup\" style=\"background: none; border: none;\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/click.nerdfitness.com\/8BxQ\/a0e2674e\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-show mobile-hide\" style=\"margin-left:auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Desktop_V1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-hide mobile-show\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Mobile_v1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><strong>PPS:<\/strong> The companion post to this guide is &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-stretch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to Stretch After a Workout<\/a>.&#8221; Give it a read if you&#8217;re wondering about what post-workout routines you should try.<\/p>\n<p><strong>###<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>All photo sources can be found right here.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-1\" id=\"refmark-1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"footnote-list\" style=\"display:none;\"><span id=\"fn-heading\">Footnotes<\/span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;( returns to text)<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li id=\"footnote-1\" class=\"fn-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/blackzack00\/18351224091\/in\/photostream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hook<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/chrish_99\/6632375445\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Resolutions<\/a>, fourbrickstall <a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/128161151@N08\/46526633355\">Scenes from an empty lot in Brooklyn, vol 1.<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/clement127\/31621919132\/in\/photostream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Happytrooper<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/98327290@N02\/29487460097\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sunday<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/clement127\/27435831561\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Decathlon<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-1\"><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/warm-up\/\">Warm Up Properly: The 15 Best Dynamic Warm Up Exercises &#038; Routines To Prevent Injury<\/a> first appeared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\">Nerd Fitness<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today, you\u2019re gonna learn the importance of warming up, and how to warm up with specific video routines\u2026because I\u2019m a nice person. This is so critical for training safely that whenever we design a workout for our coaching clients, it always starts with a proper warm-up. So I\u2019m excited to share these warm-up tips and [\u2026]<br \/>\nThe post Warm Up Properly: The 15 Best Dynamic Warm Up Exercises &#038; Routines To Prevent Injury first appeared on Nerd Fitness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3232,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":""},"categories":[20,1,21,22,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3230"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3230"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3230\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3267,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3230\/revisions\/3267"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}