The Hidden Warm-Up Mistakes That Lead to Overuse Injuries
Greg Goldberger • January 14, 2026
Why stretching alone falls short and how proper warm-ups protect joints, improve performance, and reduce overuse injuries
Stretching alone is not a warm-up and for many athletes, it is the missing link behind recurring aches, tendinitis, and overuse injuries.
In this episode, we break down the most common warm-up mistakes we see in runners, lifters, golfers, pickleball players, and recreational athletes who think they are “doing enough” but are still getting hurt. We explain why static stretching falls short, how preparing joints differs from preparing muscles, and why muscle activation and nervous system priming matter far more than most people realize.
You will also learn how long a warm-up actually needs to be, how to tailor it to your sport or workout, and what to focus on when time is limited but performance still matters. Whether you are training hard or just trying to stay active without pain, this episode will change how you approach your warm-up moving forward.
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