Basic Warm Up Routine

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.

This basic warm up routine consists of some simple stretches and gentle range of motion movements to prepare your body for your workout. Easing into any exercise routine is always a great idea and these light intensity movements are perfect as they are relevant to the exercises that you are about to do.

Ensure that when you are performing this routine that you move in a range that is comfortable and aim for a moderate stretch, especially at the neck, where it is ideal to maintain your gentle chin tuck. Hold each stretch for around 20-30 seconds. Use your breathing to transition from one movement to the next as demonstrated in the video.

I would also add in quads stretches, hip range of motion and ankle range of motion exercises as well as calf stretches. These are not shown in the video below

Set Up:

postural awareness

feet parallel and hip width apart (determined by starting with feet together, then moving heels away from each other, then moving toes to line up with heels),
be aware of your posture and think of lengthening your body from the crown of your head. Try to have your body weight spread evenly between the balls and heels of your feet.
your knees should be straight, but not locked,
pelvis neutral, low back neutral
deep tummy contracted at a low level ie <20%,
shoulder blades contracted a little so that chest is ‘open’
gently draw chin back (retract), whilst extending the crown of the head up towards the ceiling,
breathing normally into the diaphragm for several breaths.
you are ready to begin the basic warm up routine below-