I remember being 25 years old rolling straight up to the squat rack, loading the weight and knocking out my sets of squats. No warm-up. No prep. And honestly it was all good. 

Now that I am in my 40's, I think my body would break if I did that. I mean imagine the tin man knocking out a leg day. Anyone else feel me on this??? 

As with everything else in life, we mature and we better learn how to give our body what it needs. 

Prepping your joints for a workout will not only help mitigate joint pain and stiffness but you will also see increased performance during your training session. 

I polled a few friends (and made some observations at the gym) and the consensus is mostly that of a few leg swings and some body weight squats to warm-up before getting under the bar. 

But if we get a little more specific about the actual demands of squatting on a hip, we can do some precise movements to really prime the joint. 

I put together a short youtube video detailing my go-to hip warm-up for squatting. This is a routine that I use in rehab programs as well as fitness programming. It is quick (about 5 minutes) and VERY EFFECTIVE. 

Click HERE to watch the video. 

Make sure to check out my top notch rehab programs. 

Hip Program. This is my best selling program that improves hip range of motion, strength, and power

Low Back Program. Tired of throwing out your back when you sneeze or pick up a shoe? This one is for you!

Knee Program. Restore range of motion and strength to your knees so you can get back to squatting like a boss

Shoulder Program. Designed to help you resolve shoulder dysfunction that can cause symptoms like impingement, limited range of motion, and instability

And as always, shoot me an email at [email protected] if you have any questions or want to chat.

Yours in health, 

Jamie 'Doc Mraz'