Partner Warm-up
Partner warm-up: pairs do mobility and light activation exercises together, such as back-to-back squats and mirror stretches.
How to play
- Pair students up.
- Arm circles facing each other, then high-fives above the head and at knee level.
- Back-to-back slow squats with arms linked.
- Mirror lunges and side stretches.
Rules
- Move slowly and in sync.
- Communicate with your partner.
Variations
Easier
Simple movements.
Standard
Full sequence.
Harder
Faster pace and more reps.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated partner moves.
- Students who prefer no contact: mirror exercises only.
Learning goals
- Warm up joints and muscles.
- Cooperate with a partner.
PatioLab has "Partner Warm-up" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More warm-ups for Elementary
Active Blind Man's Bluff
Active "Blind Man's Bluff": a partner guides a blindfolded classmate by voice so they can tag the others.
Active Corners
Active corners: each corner of the area has an exercise; students run to the corner called and do that exercise.
Animal Races
Animal races: students move like different animals across the space — a fun way to warm up all major muscle groups.
Around the World
Around the world: each area of the playground is a continent and students travel between them doing different moves.
Balance Pose Challenge
Balance pose challenge: students hold balance poses alone, in pairs and in small groups, improving stability and body control.
Body Echo
Body echo: the teacher makes a sound or rhythm with the body (claps, stomps) and students repeat it like an echo.
