The warm-up — what's the point?

You've decided to start exercising. That's amazing. It's one of the best things you can do for yourself. Now you're wondering where to start.

Before we get into learning to lift properly and organizing a sound workout program, let's talk about the warm-up. It's the first thing I do with every client and every class, and I've done it the same way for years. Here's why a systematic warm-up is crucial.

1.It warms you up

As the name says. Your muscles heat up, your heart rate climbs, and your breathing shifts from rest mode to exercise mode. That takes five to ten minutes, depending on your fitness and where you're starting from that day. Start with something easy, like a brisk walk or marching on the spot, then loosen up your joints: arms and shoulders first, then hips and legs, then a thorough neck warm-up.

2. It switches your mind into training mode

This matters whether you're in a gym, a studio or at home. The warm-up is when your head gets into the session, so you start focused and energized.

3.It's a check-in

With my clients, in person or online, this is when I check how they're feeling in their bodies. Because the movements are familiar, they work like a barometer. How are your shoulders today? Your back? Your hips? It's a safe, gentle way to see how everything has recovered from the last session before we go any further.

4.It's practice

I always put functional movement first, so the warm-up is also a chance to practise important skills. Above all, it's where we rehearse good upright posture and breathing, which we'll carry into lifting.

The first part of my warm-up is the same every session, so you can memorize it. The second part changes depending on what we're training that day.

Coming soon: the exact warm-up I use, step by step.

Ready to get started? Book a free consultation, in the studio in Toronto or online, wherever you are.