A solid warmup sets you up for a solid workout. When it comes to prepping for strength training, an active warmup primes the joints and muscles, prepping them for the heavy lifting. Lauren, my Equinox trainer, introduced me to these moves, and after a little light cardio — for me, it's five minutes running on a treadmill at a 6 mph pace, but the elliptical or a little jump rope would work — Read more

Walking briskly for five minutes is a great way to warm up before running, but it's not exactly the most exciting activity. Here are three fun and challenging moves you can do inside, which is nice if it's chilly, before heading out for a jog. Running Plank Here's a move that will get your blood pumping and warm up your upper body as well as your hips, lower back, legs, and core. Begin in a Read more

FitSugar reader kmariem shared her warm-up for the fifth challenge of our Get Fit For 2011 giveaway. So, I run, train with weights, swim, x-country ski and all that good stuff.  Those activities vary, but my warm-up doesn't.  It has five steps, repeated three times.   10 standing lunges on each side.   15 mountain climbers.   15 chops 10 push-ups   5 shoulder stretches (use a bar or Read more

I am a big fan of vinyasa flow-style yoga, but in a typical yoga flow class you do anywhere from 20 to 40 yoga push-ups, as my favorite instructor calls the vinyasa, or the link between poses. Needless to say, all those chaturangas really work your upper body. This is why I like to warm up a bit before yoga to lubricate my joints and prime my wrists to take some weight. Here are a few moves I Read more

I don't know about you but working out in the cold can sometimes be uncomfortable because it makes my muscles extra tight. What helps me is to warm up inside before heading out into the chilly weather. Before a run or bike ride, I do about 5-10 minutes of light cardio inside. Jogging in place, jumping rope, or going up and down my stairs is just enough activity to loosen up my body and get my Read more