Please Stop Warming Up Like This
All right, coaches — I love you. But I’m tired of seeing this.
So let’s agree to stop doing it.
If your general warm-up has multiple movements in it, stop showing all the movements back-to-back before anyone moves.
You know what I’m talking about:
You say, “Okay, we’re going to do inchworms, high knees, leg swings, and jump rope.”
Then you demo each one — “This is an inchworm… this is a high knee… this is a leg swing… this is a jump rope…”
And then you finish with: “Alright, now give me 30 reps of each!”
By that point, half your class has forgotten what came first, the other half is already zoning out, and nobody’s actually warming up.
Here’s a hard-and-fast rule:
If your general warm-up has more than two movements in a row, you cannot demo them all at once.
Instead, teach and move simultaneously. (yeah I know you are talking during your movement but it’s okay I promise)
Say something like:
“Alright guys, we’re starting with inchworms - hands to the ground, walk it out, give me five of these.”
Then move with them.
After that:
“Good. Now right into some high knees - , light on your feet, keep it moving.”
Then move on:
“Grab a spot on the rig, let’s get some leg swings.
That’s it. You’re guiding them through the warm-up instead of performing a mini-clinic before the warm-up even starts.
When you teach one movement at a time, you keep attention high, transitions smooth, and flow seamless.
It’s simple. It’s effective. And it’s a clear marker of a coach who gets it.
So remember:
Two movements? Fine — show them both.
More than two? Coach one, then they move
No more of that other stuff.
Stay Virtuous,
Pat
