Discover why spending just a few minutes before training boosts your strength, performance, and prevents injuries.
Many athletes feel too lazy to do mobility work before their training session. Some use the excuse that they don’t have time because they arrive just as class starts, or that they need to lift afterwards and prefer to prioritize strength over a mobility session.
However, we can apply something the Soviet system has been doing for years: an extra session in the morning upon waking, known as Razminka.
I first came across this term through powerlifting, specifically via RV Strength, but it actually comes from Eastern Europe and has been used by athletes from many different disciplines—even as a common social habit.
It involves doing a mobility session in the morning. Wake yourself up, roll out a mat on the floor, and start moving. (You can do it after breakfast if you prefer.)
The main benefit I mention in this post is how it helps optimize your training time. If you do this session at home, it’s time you gain for actual gym work—you can use it for class or for your later strength session. You won’t need to arrive early or do your mobility work at the gym anymore.
You’ll show up ready to train right away, which will improve your sensations while practicing your sport and help you focus better. You’ll notice how your sessions start off sharper and more dialed in.If you do Razminka right after waking up, try to give it a few extra minutes—around 10–15 minutes—including both dynamic and static mobility exercises.
If you prefer to do your mobility before training at the gym, I recommend focusing more on dynamic movements. Over time, you’ll start noticing better sessions, with less stiffness and faster recovery.
On rest days—or when you didn’t manage to train—take advantage of the opportunity to do a longer mobility session, around 15 to 20 minutes, including more static stretching. The next day, you’ll feel much better and it’ll be easier to get going.
Mobility is part of training and plays a key role in your performance. If you don’t give it importance, your training will lack something essential.
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