Before You Workout: 5 Must-Do Stretches

It's common for many of us to immediately jump into our workouts rather than beginning our gym sessions with the most effective warmup: dynamic stretching. To maximize your workout, here are 5 must-do warmup stretches.

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Start with your feet more than hip-width apart and your arms out straight out at your sides. Swing your right arm over your left while jumping your right leg in front of your left. Repeat on your left side.

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WHAT TO DO

What makes crossover jumping jacks so great is that they work your entire body. Unlike traditional jumping jacks, you switch your arm and leg movements during your jump.

CROSSOVER JUMPING JACKS

Facing the wall in a standing position, hold your hands out straight at your sides (or the wall for support). Keep one thigh stationary and swing the other across your body. Repeat and switch sides.

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WHAT TO DO

Lateral leg swings target your hips, as well as your inner and outer thighs.

LATERAL LEG SWINGS

FORWARD LEG SWINGS

Forward leg swings target your hips, hamstrings, quads and calves

WHAT TO DO

Start in a standing positional with the wall to your right. Place your right hand on the wall to stay balanced. Keep your right leg stationary and swing your left leg forward and backward slowly. Repeat and switch sides.

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HAND WALKS

HAND WALKS

Hand walks target your shoulders, core, calves and hamstrings.

WHAT TO DO

Start in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart with your arms at your sides. Bend forward slowly until your hands are on the ground. Walk your hands forward until you're in the plank position without bending your knees. Slowly walk your feet back to the starting position and repeat.

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GLUTE BRIDGE MARCH

The glute bridge march primarily targets your glutes and core.

WHAT TO DO

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly lift your hips off the floor and raise one knee towards your chest, bracing your core. Hold for 3 seconds and lower your foot. Repeat with your other leg.

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