warm-up sets

Definition

Lighter weight sets performed before working sets to prepare muscles, joints, and nervous system for heavy lifting. The part of training responsible adults do but impatient teenagers skip.

Example Usage

I jumped straight to my working weight without warm-up sets and now my shoulder is making sounds it shouldn't make.

Origin

Standard resistance training practice, formalized in strength training literature from the mid-20th century.

Fun Fact

Proper warm-up sets can increase strength performance by 5-10% while reducing injury risk, yet remain the most commonly skipped part of workouts.

Source: Strength training and weightlifting methodology

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