My Go-To Upper Body Warm-Up

As a certified personal trainer, it’ll come as no surprise that I recommend starting every workout with a proper warm-up. Warming up is essential for getting the most out of your session—whether you’re lifting weights, doing a HIIT circuit, or tackling a quick upper or lower body day.

I’ve already shared my go-to lower body warm-up, and today I’m walking you through my go-to upper body warm-up routine.

Follow along with the video below for dynamic upper body warm-up exercises and stretches that help:

Boost overall performance
Reduce the risk of injury
Increase blood flow to your working muscles
Improve range of motion and flexibility
Strengthen your mind-to-muscle connection

Upper Body Warm-Up Breakdown

Feel free to take this full upper body warmup routine and make it your own, but here’s a quick look at some of my go-to movements. Repeat each for about 30–60 seconds (or 2-3 times through, depending on the time you have), focusing on control and full range of motion:

Walkouts
Down dog
Childs pose (lean side to side)
Shoulder rotations + Pull-aparts (using a band for both, I use Recreation Sweat)
Triceps stretch
Arm swings
Arm circles

Hope you find this valuable! Now, turn your music up and get into it!