Do This Simple Arm Warmup Before Any Upper-Body Workout

By now, you probably already know how important it is to warm up before any kind of workout, and that includes an arm warmup, especially before an upper-body workout. The best workout warmups prep your body and nervous system to handle different moves and loads, and skipping them can lead to soreness or injury. But it can be tough to figure out exactly which moves to do in an upper-body warmup. How do you get your arms ready for push-ups without just . . . doing push-ups?

“The best warmup moves are movements that look similar to your workout for the day,” BOC-certified athletic trainer Liz Letchford, MS, tells POPSUGAR. So thinking about the actual moves you’re going to do will help you figure out how to prep for them. If those are “pulling” exercises, like pull-ups, rows, or bicep curls, you’ll need to warm up your core and lats. “Pushing” moves, like push-ups? “You’ll want to get especially connected to your scapular stabilizers, core, and hips,” Letchford says.

During an upper-body warmup, active range-of-motion exercises are more effective than static stretching, Letchford says. That way, you’re stretching and activating the muscle while getting it warmed up. It’s just as important to get your joints ready to work, too. Letchford recommends doing controlled articular rotations (CARs) before every workout (think: moves like arm circles and forearm rotations that activate your joints and improve range of motion).

All in all, aim to warm up for eight to 10 minutes before your upper-body workout. Start by getting your blood flowing with some cardio, like jumping jacks, jogging, cycling, or a brisk walk; then, focus on your arm warmup. Keep reading for moves that will get your arms, shoulders, and back ready to work.