Most athletes warm up before training or competition—but few take advantage of priming exercises. These short, explosive sessions can “pre-charge” your nervous system and dramatically improve speed, strength, and power later in the day—or even up to two days later.
What is Priming?
Priming involves a small dose of explosive lifts, jumps, or sprints performed well before your main event. Think of it as charging your batteries so you’re ready to perform at your peak.
How Long Does it Last?
According to a 2025 review in the Journal of Human Kinetics, the effects of priming can last anywhere from 2 to 48 hours, depending on when and how you do it (full text here).
The key: low volume, high intent. Priming should wake up your system, not wear you out.
Takeaway
Priming is a simple, research-backed way to unlock more power and sharper performance. Start experimenting with the timing and methods that work best for you.
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