How To Warm Up For a Calisthenics Workout

How To Warm Up For a Calisthenics Workout!

Today, I want to talk to you about the importance of warming up before your calisthenics workout. 

The warm-up phase is a crucial part of your exercise routine as it prepares your body for the workout and aids in better recovery afterward. It's an essential component for avoiding injuries and making progress, so let's dive into it.

We'll be focusing on the hips/ankles, neck/shoulders, and wrists. 

By breaking it down like that, we can ensure that the warm-up is efficient and effective. So let's get started!

First, let's talk about the standing split, which is a static drill to open up your hips and engage your core. 

Start by standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointing outward at a 45-degree angle. Keep your rib cage tucked in and your pelvis tilted back. Engage your core and hold this position for about one to three minutes, or as long as possible. 

Watch the calisthenics standing split warm up here!

 Next, we have the frog stretch, a dynamic movement that transitions from a low squat with your hands on the ground to standing in a forward fall position, looking behind you. 

The goal is to do this without moving your hands from their initial position.

It's a great exercise to stretch your hips and shoulders. You need to maintain a straight back as you perform this movement, avoiding excessive arching or rounding. Focus on keeping your elbows facing forward, and spread your fingers wide to engage your forearms.

Aim for five to ten reps of this movement, holding the last rep for an extended stretch.

Watch the calisthenics frog warm up here!

Moving on to shoulder stretches, we have narrow and wide shoulder rolls. Narrow shoulder rolls are essential for loosening up the back of your neck and activating the shoulder blades. Maintain good posture and isolate the movement to your shoulder blades while keeping your rib cage engaged and your feet properly positioned. Perform five to ten forward and backward rolls.

Watch the calisthenics shoulder rolls warm up here!

For wide shoulder rolls, extend your arms straight and reach as far back as possible, maintaining a straight body. Repeat this movement, focusing on engaging your shoulders and feeling the stretch. These rolls are an extended version of the narrow shoulder rolls and are great for warm-up and mobility.

Watch the calisthenics wide shoulder rolls warm up here!

Let's not forget about the butterflies, a stretch commonly used by Olympic swimmers. Raise your arms to shoulder level, keeping your hands high and wide to stretch your pecs. Tuck your rib cage in and open your hands to deepen the stretch. This exercise enhances shoulder mobility and prepares your upper body for a workout.

Watch the calisthenics standing butterflies warm up here!

 Moving on to wrist stretches, which are fundamental for any training. Focus on spreading your hands wide on the floor to maximize the stretch in your forearms. Maintain shoulder rotation with your elbows facing forward. Lean forward, backward, and sideways, creating circles with your wrists to progressively deepen the stretch. You can also perform the "turtle back" stretch by protracting your shoulders and pressing into the floor as you roll around your wrists.

Watch the calisthenics wrist warm up here! 

 To increase your heart rate and further warm up your muscles, incorporate movements like toe touches, knee raises, and heel raises. Toe touches stretch your hamstrings, prepare you for compression work, and activate your core. Aim for 30 seconds, gradually increasing the duration. 

Watch the calisthenics toe touch warm up here!

Knee raises are particularly beneficial as they raise your testosterone levels and enhance your overall workout performance. Make sure to raise your knees above your hips for optimal results. Heel raises provide a dynamic stretch for your quadriceps. Go as high as possible and be sure to engage your core and maintain good posture throughout the movement.

Watch the calisthenics knee raises warm up here!

Aim for 2-5 minutes of low-intensity cardio to warm-up.

Remember, the purpose of warming up is to prepare your body for the upcoming workout, increase your flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury. It's important to listen to your body and modify the stretches or exercises as needed. If you have any existing injuries or conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.

By incorporating these stretches and exercises into your warm-up routine, you'll set yourself up for a more productive and safe workout session. So take the time to warm up properly and enjoy the benefits it brings to your training. 

Here is how to make your own beginner-intermediate calisthenics workout program! 

Nicolas

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