Save this expert PT’s upper-body warm-up—all you need is a resistance band
Do you skip warming up before an upper-body workout? I have to cop to it, too, but while it might seem like you’re saving time, skipping this step could be causing more damage than you realize. “Warming up is important to lubricate the joints, raise the heart rate and prevent injury,” explains Lewis Paris, personal trainer and founder of Lewis Paris London. “If you start your workout cold, the mind and body are not prepared to handle the load you are about to withstand.” Paris explains that warming up promotes the production of synovial fluid that supports range of motion—particularly important if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day. “A proper warm-up loosens tight muscles from sitting and gives your body the grace to perform at your desired level,” says Paris. His go-to warm-up routine consists of eight exercises done with a light-to-medium long-looped resistance band, allowing for natural movement with just enough resistance. Paris advises doing each exercise 10-15 times at a controlled tempo, either once a week or before every upper-body session. …
