What is priming?

Priming, as discussed in the Mind Pump Podcast, refers specifically to preparing the body for a workout, distinct from a conventional warm-up. It involves intrinsic movements without resistance to help establish better connection and readiness for the primary exercise 1. Sal Di Stefano emphasizes that priming should be tailored to individual needs, significantly enhancing exercise effectiveness and reducing injury risk 2. Unlike basic stretching or generic activities, priming focuses on activating specific muscles and joints essential for the upcoming physical activities 3.

Notably, priming is not just about physical readiness; it also prepares the mind, enhancing awareness and focus for the exercises to follow. It's essentially about setting up for optimal performance, whether it's about enhancing shoulder mobility 4 or addressing postural deviations 5. The emphasis is on activating the specific areas that need attention, making each session more effective and minimizing the risk of injuries.