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I do just a few push ups (10 to 20), not an excessive amount. It helps me to increase focus on my work during a day.

Is a warm up necessary before doing these or can I go without?

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    If you are doing push-ups first thing in the morning right after you get our of bed, then the answer is absolutely yes. The warm-up could be jumping jacks. However, if you are doing push-ups during the day (after you showered and already at work, etc.), then the answer is not necessary.
    – QikMood
    Commented May 5, 2013 at 15:03
  • I am wondering if there can be long answer to this... If you feel that your chest is tightened up when you try to swing your arms from side to side, then you should definitely warm up and stretch before & after the push-ups.
    – Freakyuser
    Commented May 5, 2013 at 16:59
  • The short answer is yes it is a good idea. This q/a gives some ideas on dynamic warm up moves. The purpose of warming up is to prevent injury.
    – BackInShapeBuddy
    Commented May 6, 2013 at 9:41
  • 8
    For some people, the push-up IS the warm-up :)
    – user4963
    Commented May 6, 2013 at 12:48

3 Answers 3

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Generally, if you want to perform an exercise set then a warm up is preferred. We all know this, but I found some great documentation on what a warm up actually does, and why one should do it. Most notably:

What does a warm up do?

increases blood flow to the muscles, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients;

warms your muscles, which promotes the energy-releasing reactions used during exercise and makes the muscles more supple;

prepares your muscles for stretching;

prepares your heart for an increase in activity;

As for the type of warm ups you could do, one comment to your question suggested jumping jacks and that's a great warm up that will accomplish the goals above. Another one is burpees, which is kind of encroaching on the push up kinetics a bit, but still worth a mention. Mountain Climbers as well, just to name a few.

Note: I didn't used to be a warm up person (1/4-1/2 mile jog before weightlifting was about it), but I've since re-thought the whole warm up idea.

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Yes, do "warm up".

There are many ways you could build up a short routine that's safe end effective. Of course, doing nothing else than your 20 push-ups is a lot better than doing nothing, but it may be far from optimal. You may think that the push up is not a difficult exercise, but you still put your bodyweight on your wrists and shoulders. So "warming up" for you specially would mean to gently move the muscles without straining, and not "increasing your pulse to 70% of maximum".

Here's an example of what I would do:

  1. Gentle active stretch of the wrists and shoulders.

  2. A few spinal movements, and lunges.

  3. The first push-up slowly, with focus (maybe the knee down).

  4. Then do the full set of push-ups.

  5. Hold the last push-up halfway for a few seconds.

  6. Sit up, and again move the wrists and shoulders gently. Wait a little bit before standing up again.

This works for me but it's probably best if you experiment and build up your own routine which works for you.

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Unless you are getting at over 50% of your max there is no reason to warm up.

I definitely do not support jogging or any other form of cardio before lifting. You want your muscles to have tension when working out.

What I do suggest to a person doing push-ups in the morning. Get down slowly and do the first 5-10 slowly with perfect form.

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