I don’t have incredible mobility in my shoulders overhead. I mean, it’s OK. But a solid warm-up helps me prep the shoulder so I can get into a better position, move more naturally, and activate the right muscles.

So how do I warm up shoulders for overhead work? I use a mix of stretches and activation drills prior to any overhead activity. Years ago, I had issues with shoulder impingement when I went overhead. Lucky for me, warm-ups like this are a big reason why my shoulders now feel great and the impingement is a thing of the past.

One last note: if you have hyper-mobile shoulders, this warm-up isn’t for you. In that case, skip the stretching drills and double down on the stability/activation drills.