Warm-Up for Total Body Training

Perhaps someone could provide me with some guidance. Since I’ve found T-Nation, my workouts mainly involve total body trainning. Prior to this I’ve always done splits. My question relates to how does someone warm-up for each body part. Previously I would perform approximately 5-7 mins of light cardio followed up with 2-4 sets of increasing poundages on my first exercise and then I would move to performing my first working set.

If it was “chest-day” my warm-up would basicly end there. With full body training should I continue with 2-3 light sets with each exercise (say bench alternating with rows); then prior to squats, do additional warm-ups with light weights, on squating movements.

Thanks

yes, thats the best way to warm up. actually preparing for the movements you’re about to do.

the cardio isn’t vital though (however not detrimental either).

This to me is a distinct disadvantage of total body training. Warming up by doing 2-5 sets of increasingly heavier weight could add another 25% to your workout time (figure 5-7 or maybe even 10 minutes for larger bodyparts where I’m using moderately heavy weights). With splits, once the warm-up is done it’s done.

Cardio working upto comfortable pace (light sweat on brow, slightly heavier breathing, warmth) for 5-10 mins.

Do some dynamic stretches, then 20 reps with the bar or very very light weight, then depending on the rep range trained (as low as 5-6 for this kinda warm up) i would do around 10-12 reps with 50-60% of the working weight.

This should be sufficient. It doesnt add that much to the workout time - there isnt much time between sets, and a few bodyweight reps can replace some of the resisted warm ups…

J

[quote] JJ wrote:
Cardio working upto comfortable pace (light sweat on brow, slightly heavier breathing, warmth) for 5-10 mins.

Do some dynamic stretches, then 20 reps with the bar or very very light weight, then depending on the rep range trained (as low as 5-6 for this kinda warm up) i would do around 10-12 reps with 50-60% of the working weight.

This should be sufficient. It doesnt add that much to the workout time - there isnt much time between sets, and a few bodyweight reps can replace some of the resisted warm ups…

J[/quote]

That places a nice perspective on it. Thank you.
Scott

Burpees.