The value of "the warm up" is significantly under-rated by most people. It's usually skipped or done half-assed in a 5 seconds or less kind of way. As I've gotten older, I've started to feel that it takes me longer and longer to warm up. Or maybe I've always needed about 15-30 minutes to get myself going, truly in the sense that I feel like I can go at full speed and not have to worry about it.
For example, when I first started to play golf, I always felt like my first 9 holes were a warm up and the back 9 nine was always much better. I felt like I could've played better if I just had another 9 holes to play. But, then I realized that if I spent 15-20 minutes prior to playing warming up on the driving range, that would give me the same effects as if I had just shot a crappy first 9!
Depending on what you want your body to do, the warm up is going to vary and will often match the movements that you will be soon performing. In my case, I am working on a plyometric program filled with Running, Jumping and Skipping. Here's a dynamic warm up that can be done anywhere from 2-4 sets of 30ft-50ft. Work through one of each until the set is finished and start back from the top.
Speed Skips
o While skipping forward, emphasize speed of movement and vigorous arm action with both elbows bent at 90° flexion.
Butt Kicks
o While moving forward, rapidly kick heels toward butt while emphasizing speed of movement and quick feet
High Knees
o While skipping forward, emphasize the height of each skip, high knee lift, and vigorous arm action with both elbows bent at 90° flexion.
Lean to Sprint
o From a standing position with feet close together, lean forward and sprint to 5 yards and accelerate through 10 yards.
Skip Kicks
o From a standing position with both arms extended in front of the body, skip forward as the left foot was raised toward the left hand and then the right foot was raised toward the right hand. Skip between switching legs. Emphasis on speed of movement and vigorous arm action with both elbows bent at 90° flexion.
Push ups (slow / explosive)
o 3 slow controlled push ups, followed by 3 explosive push ups where you attempt to lift hands and body off floor.
If you want to progress to more challenging warm ups that work in different planes of motion besides the Sagittal Plane (Front/back), try these.
Drop Squat to Carioca
o From a standing position with feet close together, hop into a squat with feet at shoulder width. Then move rapidly laterally while crossing the feet over each other. Both ways.
Hops Forward Toes in/out
o While rapidly hopping forward, turned toes inward with heels turned outwards and then turned the toes outward with the heels turned inward. Emphasis on hip rotation and speed of movement.
Hopping Trunk Twists
o Place both hands behind the head and rapidly hop forward as you twist your hips to the right and left. Maintain upright position with chest forwards and emphasize trunk rotation.
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