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The Daily Insight

What is a good warm-up before a workout?

Author

Ava Richardson

Updated on March 02, 2026

What is a good warm-up before a workout?

To warm up before you work out, do low-intensity exercise for five to 10 minutes. Try activities like walking, jogging or jumping jacks. Instead of static stretches, do dynamic stretches, which get your body moving.

What are the best stretches before a workout?

Dynamic Stretches: Warm-up Stretches / Pre-Workout Stretches

  • Squats. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • High knees. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
  • Leg swings.
  • Lunges.
  • Plank walk-outs.
  • Arm circles.
  • Standing toe taps.
  • Jumping jacks.

What are 5 warm-up stretches?

Some other examples of warm-up exercises are leg bends, leg swings, shoulder/ arm circles, jumping jacks, jumping rope, lunges, squats, walking or a slow jog, yoga, torso twists, standing side bends, lateral shuffle, butt kickers, knee bends, and ankle circles.

What are good warm-up stretches?

The 10 best stretches and warm up exercises before running

  • The open lizard. The open lizard will target your hips and hip flexors.
  • The jumping jack.
  • The standing quad stretch.
  • The hamstring stretch.
  • The walking lunge.
  • The side stretch.
  • The round-the-world lunge.
  • The bridge.

What is a good 5 minute warm up?

It’s also important to warm up and loosen your muscles before stretching them. Try a simple, gentle warmup for 5 to 10 minutes before you begin stretching. This can consist of a brisk walk, light jog, or jumping jacks to get your muscles warm and your heart pumping.

Is jumping jacks a warm up exercise?

A proper warmup involves some light cardio, like jumping jacks or a brisk walk, and a few dynamic movements. The cardio will raise your body temperature and get some blood flowing, and dynamic movements prepare your body specifically for your favorite workout.

Can I stretch 3 times a day?

As long as you’re not overdoing it, the more regularly you stretch, the better it is for your body. It’s better to stretch for a short time every day or almost every day instead of stretching for a longer time a few times per week. Do a 20- to 30-minute session at least three times per week.

How do you warm up before cardio?

How to warm up

  1. To warm up for a brisk walk, walk slowly for five to 10 minutes.
  2. To warm up for a run, walk briskly for five to 10 minutes.
  3. To warm up for swimming, swim slowly at first and then pick up the tempo as you’re able.

What are the 3 types of warm up?

There are 3 types of stretches: ballistic, dynamic, and static:

  • Ballistic Stretches involve bouncing or jerking.
  • Static Stretches involve flexing the muscles.
  • Dynamic Stretching involves moving the body part in the desired way until reaching the full range of motion, to improve performance.

What are the 3 types of warm-up?

Is jumping jacks a warm up?