Best warm-up exercises, according to a trainer

A good warm-up is criminally underrated. As tempting as it may be to jump right into your first practice, it may actually prevent you from doing so get the most out of your workout. By warming up, you increase blood flow and help prepare your muscles and joints for the stress you are putting them through. Failure to do so can hinder your range of motion and even increase it your risk of injury. But even if you understand the importance of a good warm-up, you may still not know where to start. That’s where these warm-up exercises come into play.

Warming up may vary depending on your specific training style. That said, if you run, strength train, or strength train, dynamic warm-up exercises is a must. To help you exercise safely and effectively, we asked NASM-certified trainer Kelsey Wells to create a dynamic full-body routine using some of the best warm-up exercises. This seven-step regimen is designed to fire up your entire body, so you can optimize your performance in the gym.

“Warming up your muscles before you exercise is an important part of training,” says Wells. “(It) can help activate the muscles you’re going to work and reduce the risk of injury.” Wells’ beginner-friendly warm-up includes a range of cardio and dynamic stretching that can be done before most workouts. These warm-up exercises help mobilize your joints, increase your heart rate, and get more blood pumping to your muscles, she explains. Try them before your next workout and see how much better you feel afterward.

Experts featured in this article:

Kelsey Wells is a NASM certified trainer and creator of the PWR programs at Sweat app.

Kelsey Wells Full Body Warm Up

All of these warm-up exercises are beginner-friendly, but they’ll still get your heart rate up. To complete the entire warm-up, simply go through each of the following exercises for one minute each. Keep reading for more information on how to do each move.