Best Warm-up Protocols for Cold Garages

MoscowBarbell · Post by **MoscowBarbell** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 2:30 am

My space is unheated. My joints feel stiff and cracking for the first 30 minutes. What routines do you use to get core temperature up safely?

GarageLifter303 · Post by **GarageLifter303** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 2:52 am

My absolute specialty! Jump rope for 5 minutes or jump on a stationary bike if you have space. Get a sweat going before holding a barbell.

VolkovStrength · Post by **VolkovStrength** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 3:18 am

Layer up heavily. Keep sweatpants and a hoodie on until your work sets. Keeping the ambient body heat contained is crucial.

SlavPower · Post by **SlavPower** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 3:45 am

100 air squats and 50 band pull-aparts without stopping. Pure metabolic heat.

Herbertysnilm · Post by **Herbertysnilm** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 4:12 am

Liniment creams can help artificially create warmth on nagging joints like knees and elbows before moving structural weight.

MoscowBarbell · Post by **MoscowBarbell** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 4:40 am

I tried air squats but my knees feel bone-on-bone if I don't warm them up first. Paradoxical.

GarageLifter303 · Post by **GarageLifter303** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 5:05 am

Do backward walking on a treadmill or just pushing an unloaded sled. Excellent non-impact knee warmers.

VolkovStrength · Post by **VolkovStrength** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 5:32 am

A small space heater aimed directly at your primary barbell rack structure for 15 mins prevents holding sub-zero steel.

SlavPower · Post by **SlavPower** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 5:58 am

Warm up your central nervous system too. Quick medicine ball slams help turn everything on.

Herbertysnilm · Post by **Herbertysnilm** » Sat Jun 06, 2026 6:22 am

Also take longer rest periods between warmup sets so you don't rush into heavy loads under-lubricated.