A good warm-up isn't a waste of time, but an essential part of any training plan — whether in the gym or at home. It increases body temperature, stimulates circulation, improves joint lubrication, and optimally prepares muscles and the nervous system for exercise .
But which equipment is really worth it if you want to take your warm-up to the next level? And what's just a gimmick?
In this article, we'll show you which warm-up tools from the ATLETICA shop are useful, what to look for when choosing them — and how you can integrate them into your training.
Why warm-up equipment at all?
Of course , you can also warm up with classic jump rope, jumping jacks , or mobility flows . But: Targeted equipment provides structure, safety, and effectiveness — especially if you train regularly or more intensively.
Benefits of warm-up equipment:
- Less stressful on the joints than many bodyweight exercises
- Precise load control (heart rate, watts, duration)
- Ideal for beginners or people with disabilities
- Fast, effective and time-saving
- More motivating than free warm-up
The best equipment for your warm-up
1. Treadmill – The classic cardio warm-up
Category: Treadmills at ATLETICA
The treadmill is by far the most popular piece of equipment for an effective warm-up. It's suitable for both easy walking and increasing the pace or doing easy intervals .
Advantages:
- Variable speed & incline
- Joint-friendly damping systems
- Ideal for beginners
- Increase your heart rate in just a few minutes
Tip: 5–10 minutes at 4–6 km/h on a gentle incline activates your entire circulation – perfect before a leg or full-body workout .
2. Cross trainer – gentle whole- body activation
Category: Cross trainers at ATLETICA
The cross trainer or elliptical trainer gets your legs, arms, and core moving simultaneously. The elliptical motion makes the workout extremely gentle on the joints — making it ideal for older people or for rehabilitation purposes.
Advantages:
- Gentle on the joints & fluid movement
- Activation of many muscle groups
- Rhythmic, steady tempo
- Perfect for anyone who wants to relieve back or knee pain
Tip: Use a cross trainer before strength training sessions that involve multiple muscle groups – e.g. E.g. with push-pull or whole body plans.
3. Indoor bike & ergometer – compact & intensive
Category: Indoor bikes & ergometers at ATLETICA
For those who prefer intensive, compact exercise, an indoor bike or a traditional ergometer is ideal. Both machines are particularly space-saving and offer variable resistance for rapid activation of the cardiovascular system and leg muscles.
Advantages:
- Time-saving and intensive
- Small space requirement
- Also suitable for interval warm-ups
- High control over heart rate and wattage
Tip: Particularly suitable for leg or core-heavy units (e.g. B. Squats, deadlifts, planks), as the upper half of the body is hardly pre- tired .
4. Rowing machine – The underrated all-rounder
Category: Rowing machines at ATLETICA
The rowing machine is the most complex warm-up tool , as it simultaneously engages the legs, back , arms, and core. It's ideal for holistic activation and also trains coordination.
Advantages:
- Full body workout with focus on back & legs
- Activates the back of the body – ideal before deadlifts
- High calorie consumption in a short time
- Ideal as a warm-up or standalone cardio session
Tip: 5 minutes at 20 – 22 beats per minute are enough to bring your entire system up to operating temperature – especially before heavy strength training.
5. Stepper & Stairmaster – For leg power & endurance
Category: Stepper at ATLETICA
The stepper simulates stair climbing and is ideal for an intensive warm-up of the lower body . It's especially popular for sports that require jumping or explosive strength (e.g., boxing). B. Soccer, CrossFit, Sprint).
Advantages:
- Specific activation of buttocks and thighs
- Intensity controllable
- Quickly strenuous – short warm-ups possible
- Can also be used in interval mode
Tip: 3–5 minutes are often enough – ideal before workouts that require explosiveness or leg strength.
Warm-up accessories : Small tools, big impact
In addition to the classic equipment , there are also smaller aids that round off your warm-up or complement it with a mobility-oriented approach :
-
Fascia Rolls & Trigger Tools
(for muscle activation & regeneration) -
Mini Bands & Resistance Loops
(perfect for activating the gluteal and shoulder muscles) -
Gymnastics mats
(for mobility flows and dynamic stretching)
These tools are particularly suitable for targeted activation exercises before equipment training or in combination with cardio warm-ups.
How long should the warm-up last?
The optimal duration depends on your goal, fitness level and the planned training session:
|
Goal |
Warm-up duration |
focus |
|
strength training |
5–10 minutes |
Pulse, joints, activated muscles |
|
HIIT / Cardio |
10–15 minutes |
Cardiovascular system, coordination |
|
Rehabilitation / Re-entry |
15 minutes+ |
Mobility, gentle load |
|
Early training (morning) |
10–15 minutes |
Wake up, stabilize circulation |
More important than the duration, however, is the quality of the warm-up: your heart rate should rise slightly, you should start to sweat – but you shouldn't be completely exhausted.
Conclusion: Warm-up equipment – useful or superfluous ?
Anyone who trains seriously — whether in a gym or at home — shouldn't leave their warm-up to chance. Modern warm-up equipment such as treadmills, cross trainers, or rowing machines offer structured, efficient, and safe ways to prepare the body .
In combination with smaller tools such as mini bands or fascia rollers, this becomes a professional warm-up system that prevents injuries, increases performance and supports regeneration.
With ATLETICA's diverse warm-up equipment, you're guaranteed to find the right solution — whether you're a beginner, a professional, or a studio owner.
