7-Step Thoracic Warm-Up

Circuit x 1

Client with limited thoracic movement; this 7-step warmup block is designed to promote mobility in the thoracic area and upper body before an upper body workout session. Can also be used as mobility session after a workday or as part of a work-in session. Client has all equipment at home.
Fluid Dynamics: Self Massage T-Spine – improve dynamics in both front and rear thoracic area tissues
Linear SMUR: Prone Towel Pull Apart – activates muscles up and down the spine, engaging the chain from shoulder to LPHC.
Linear Mobility: Stability Ball Child’s Pose – primary focus on thoracic mobility via encouraging spine to move in the opposite direction to client’s typical posture, with secondary focus on shoulder and hip mobility.
MP Mobility: KB 1-Arm OH rotational Press – stabilizes hips while encouraging space in thoracic area via transverse mobility. Secondary focus on shoulders.
MP SMUR: Band Half Kneel Side Bend Pull Down – engages core/oblique muscles to stabilize the spine after mobility drills.
Excitation: Band Bow & Arrow Quick Release – engage core, thoracic area and shoulders to turn on and off quickly given explosive release.
Stimulation: Body Clapping – Rib Cage/Arm Pits – Increase sensory capacity in the upper body area prior to sagittal and overhead training session to improve positional sensing and stability.

LAR
Self-Massage: T-Spine
reps 8
intensity 6/10
Tempo controlled
"How-to" self-massage for the Thoracic Spine (mid-upper region of back).
Set Reps Intensity Tempo
1 8 6/10 RPE Controlled

Use vibrating roller if available, on low setting.

ULT
Prone Towel Pull Apart
reps 8
intensity 7/10
Hold 5s
Activation for the Glutes and Lats
Set Reps Intensity Hold
1 8 7/10 RPE 5s h:m:s

Focus on pulling shoulder blades down into their pockets to avoid shrugging. Contract glues and focus on posterior tilt of pelvis to protect lower back.

LAR ULT
Stability Ball Child’s Pose
reps 8
intensity 7/10
Hold 5s
Set Reps Intensity Hold
1 8 7/10 RPE 5s h:m:s
LMT
KB 1 Arm OH Rotational Press
reps 8 each side
load light
Tempo controlled
Set Reps Load Tempo
1 8 each side Light Controlled
LMT
Band Half Kneel Side Bend Pull Down
reps 8 each side
load light
Tempo controlled
Set Reps Load Tempo
1 8 each side Light Controlled
LMT
Band Bow and Arrow Quick Release
reps 8 each side
load light
Tempo explosive
Set Reps Load Tempo
1 8 each side Light Explosive
LMT LAR
Body Clapping – Rib Cage/Arm Pits
time 20s each side
Tempo fast
Set Time Tempo
1 20s each side h:m:s Fast