OK. That thing you do where you come into a class, half-heartedly reach for your toes for 30 seconds, do 4 shoulder rolls, and gossip with your besties is not a warm-up. It is not is not is not. It blows what little mind I have left when my darlings jump in the air with little more than a neck roll and a shoulder circle. Warming up is YOUR responsibility (even if your instructor leads a group warm-up), and a non-negotiable if you want to stay injury free. Miss Laura’s about to drop that hammer! (#hammertime)
Why Do I Need a Stupid Warm-Up, Miss Laura?
Because your body needs to be prepared for the feats of super-human strength I’m about to ask it to do, that’s why! A good warm-up:
- warms the muscles and prepares them to work efficiently
- lubes up your joints
- takes your body through it’s anticipated range of motion
- gives you a heads-up about “creaky bits” that may need special attention today
You don’t even need to call it a warmup if that doesn’t work for you. You can call it movement prep, dynamic motion, hell – you can call it Howard if you want to. Whatever gets the job done.
Why is Stretching Not a Warm-Up?
Stretching can be part of a warm-up, but stretching alone ain’t gonna do it. Sorry. I know passive stretching feels nice, and (frankly) doesn’t involve that much effort, but that’s the point: a warm-up involves a little effort. I personally like to see a teeny sheen of sweat on your little brow before you hoist your butt into the air!
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard from me on this topic (shocking!!!!). Have a look at the links below if you have the sneaking suspicion that your warm-up may suck. 😉 Love and pull-ups, Laura
Quick-n-Dirty Warm-up for Aerial Warriors
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