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goergen1
08-08-2007, 04:28 PM
Warm-Ups

by Steven Plisk

As is the case when running, your neuromuscular system must be primed for intense work in order to maximize your efforts (and gains). Use warm-up sets as a technique drill, not an opportunity to get lazy or go through the motions: Work on your CLEAN catch, JERK footwork, SQUAT depth, etc. with specific stretches after each. Two progressive [<8 rep] warm-up sets before the major exercises will dramatically improve your subsequent work quality if they are not to failure and adequate recovery is allowed for: warm-up #1 (light) 1/3 - 1/2 of intended training weight; warm-up #2 (intermediate) 2/3 - 3/4 of intended training weight.

Warm-ups should be done without supportive belts, straps or wraps (as should high-rep training sets whenever possible). A fringe benefit of lifting is the adaptive stress on bones, connective tissues and support musculature - much of which is lost when unnecessary reinforcements are used for light or moderate loads.