Warm-up sets are easy to skip.
They’re not exciting like hitting a PR (Personal Record) 💪
They can feel pointless because they’re low intensity.
And let’s be honest… they take up extra time.
I get it. I’ve definitely had sessions where I’ve wanted to skip them too. But after strength training for over a decade and working with people across the board,from total beginners to folks pulling 800-pound deadlifts, I’ve seen too much to ignore their value.
The truth is: you need them.
You’ll perform better. You’ll feel better. Your body will thank you. So let’s break down how to warm up properly, and why it matters.
How I Approach Warm-Up Sets
I’ll start each session with 1–2 sets at a weight that feels like nothing. These are high-rep, easy sets that let me groove the movement, find good positions, and check in with how my body’s feeling that day. No pressure to hit a certain number of reps.
Then, I’ll increase the weight each set:
➡️ Bigger jumps at first while the weight is still light
➡️ Smaller jumps as I get closer to my working weight
That build-up time does a few things:
-
It helps me mentally prepare for the heavier sets
-
It primes the right muscles
-
It increases blood flow and muscle recruitment, all before any real fatigue kicks in
I also make sure to rest between sets:
-
Shorter breaks during the light warm-ups
-
Longer rest once the weights get heavier
By the time I hit my target weight?
➡️I’m confident
➡️My body’s ready
➡️I know I can handle it
Warming up isn’t just about avoiding injury, it’s how you prepare your body to perform at its best.
Quick Recap:
- Warm-up sets matter, no matter your experience level
- They improve blood flow, smooth out your movement, and mentally prep you to perform
- Start with light weight and explore the movement
- Build up with bigger jumps first, then smaller ones as you go
- Rest between each set, longer as it gets heavier
Want to see what this looks like in real time?
👉 Watch this video demo here!
– Gethen
PS. Do you have a teenage son who workouts?
This article was written for adults. With a fully developed brain 😂
The logical client who wants to train smart, who says they care about longevity and avoiding injury, but still tries to convince themselves that warm-up sets are skippable.
Listen… if you, a grown, rational adult who pays for coaching, are tempted to skip smart training practices… imagine your teenage son.
Strength training is one of the safest and most empowering things a young person can do, but not the way most of them are doing it.
That’s why we created this ➡️
Stronger. Smarter. Safer.
A 6-Week Summer Strength Program for Teen Boys (Ages 16–19)
🕰 Thursdays at 12:30 PM
🗓 Starts June 13th
🎯 Only 10 Spots Available
Your son is lifting and you’re proud!
But let’s be real, you’re also a little nervous.
He’s motivated. He wants to get stronger.
But he’s still a teenager.
That means:
-
Ego lifts
-
YouTube form
-
No recovery plan
-
Inconsistent eating
-
Terrible sleep
-
Zero interest in hearing it from you
Sound familiar?
This class is something he’ll actually say yes to.
To him, it’s just a cool lifting class run by two legit guys who deadlift over 400 lbs.
To you, it’s peace of mind.
Over six weeks, we’ll cover:
- How to train smart, not just hard
- Recovery habits that support real progress
- Tools for managing stress and pressure
- Positive role models outside your family
- A healthier relationship with lifting, food, and rest
This isn’t about slowing him down, it’s about helping him keep going strong, safely, and with a mindset that serves him for life.
What This Program Is:
-
A weekly lifting class for teen boys (ages 16–19)
-
Led by two experienced coaches they’ll actually listen to
-
Built around education, leadership, and smart training
-
Includes makeup sessions for summer travel
What You’ll See:
-
Fewer form red flags
-
Smarter training habits
-
Healthier motivation
-
More confidence, less recklesness
Only 10 spots. And they will fill.
You get him in the door.
We’ll take it from there.
📅 Ready to Take Action?
We’re here to help.
📅 Book a Free Consultation at Enhancing Life Personal Training and start moving forward—without needing all the answers first.
Text “FREE KID CONSULT” to 859-251-2707 and we’ll chat on a phone and book a free consultation before agreeing to buy anything!
FAQs
What if we’re out of town and miss a session?
No problem. We have 42 sessions a week in our semi-private program, he can make it up when it works for you.
How do I explain this to him?
Keep it simple: “It’s a legit lifting class with two guys who know what they’re doing.” We’ll handle the rest.
What’s the cost?
$300 for the full 6-week program. Payment plans are available.
What if he already lifts on his own?
Perfect. We’re not stopping that—we’re just giving him the tools to train better and stay safe.
