Get more out of your workouts with these 5 warm up tips
Do you feel tight or restricted during your workouts? Or can you not push as hard as you think you should be able to? Let’s address that with a proper warm up routine.
1. Stretch after you workout
Stretching before your workout may actually make your muscles weaker and slower, and actually does not keep injuries at bay.
A better time to stretch is after your workout, when it can boost recovery and help promote flexibility in the longer term. So incorporate stretching into your cool-down routine.
2. Grab a band
Here at CrossFit Play, we love using resistance bands to help us warm up. This is because the resistance they provide helps to stretch and work your muscles to ensure they are primed and ready for the workout. You’ll often hear us telling you to start a class with a banded warmup, so grab a band and join in.
3. Get sweaty
Before starting the wod, you want to make sure your body is primed and ready. This means a bit of a sweaty warmup that gets your blood pumping and the lungs going. Jump on an assault bike or a rower, or even some simple burpees or a 400m run will help you to crush your next workout.
4. Recreate the movements you will be doing in the workout
Instead of static stretches, do the movements that will mimic those in the wod. You will want to include the fundamental movement patterns, like squatting, pulling, pushing and hinging to ensure your whole body is warm and primed.
We warm up as a class here at CrossFit Play, and you coach will guide you through the perfect warmup tailored to our workout of the day.
5. Do not overthink it
You do not want to dive into a workout cold, but nor do you want to be so exhausted after your workout that you cannot even do the workout! Make sure you do not overthink it, and if you are not sure the best way to get warm, talk to one of our experienced coaches.
So, give these super easy warm up tips a shot before your next session and you will see for yourself just how much more you can actually do in the gym!