# limber up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/limber-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to stretch or move your body to get ready for physical activity.

For teachers: to perform preparatory movements to increase flexibility and readiness for physical exertion; typically used in contexts involving exercise or sports.

## Examples

- I need to limber up before the yoga class.
- The athletes spent ten minutes limbering up before the match.
- After a long day at work, she decided to limber up with some gentle stretching before bedtime.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I need to limber the muscles up." but "I need to limber up the muscles." — the particle 'up' follows the verb directly; object placement is flexible but less common than intransitive use.

## Usage notes

- typically used intransitively, though it can take an object in rare cases (e.g., 'limber up the muscles') — more common without an object.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'warm up' (more general) and 'stretch' (more specific action); 'limber up' is more about flexibility than just warming.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.