Person standing outside stretching while wearing a fitness tracker warm up workout fitness

Warm Ups That Don't Suck

Sometimes the hardest part of a workout is the beginning. You know, before you get that runners high. In order to keep our bodies moving safely, and to get the most out of our workouts, warm ups are one of THE MOST IMPORTANT things you can do. But we know they aren’t always fun. Let’s talk about some ways to get that blood pumping that are engaging and enjoyable!

Animal movement: Start by using movements with animal names like cat cow, bear crawls, or beast holds. How many movements can you think of that share animal names? Not feeling like racking your brain? Pick any animal and move like it! Stalk like a cheetah, wriggle like an earthworm, whatever your creative mind can think of!

Mirror Twins: Warming up with friends? Let one person start moving and you copy them, then switch who is the leader and enjoy movements your body might not be used to! This warm up is a great way to break out of your normal movement patterns and connect with friends!

H2T: start at the top and work your way down - focus on each joint and muscle group as you go - giving each the attention it needs. Bonus for reversing the process and going back from tow to head.

Prehab and Mobility Work: Always a great way to start a training session! This is also a great way to check in with your body and give special attention to what you will be focusing on in your training session (if anything). Some of our favorite sources of this type of exercises are Flexibility Script and Cirque Physio. Check them out for great and effective ways to prepare your body and keep it safe, moving, and happy!

 

About the Author

Marina is a career biologist with a background in anatomy and biomechanics of movement in vertebrates. She has been Poling since 2014 and began her instructing career in the Summer of 2017. Since then she has earned multiple fitness certifications from AFAA and XPERT and as a forever student continues to learn any chance she gets. Marina’s teaching style values safety and student empowerment, focusing on foundational techniques first to keep students' bodies safe and achieving success in their movement. Marina incorporates a well-being approach into her lessons, knowing from personal experience that pole is not only a physical sport, but an instrument for profound changes in mental and emotional health.

 

You can contact Marina at khora.clothing@gmail.com

And see more of her on Instagram @LoveForTheStrange 

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