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Sergio DolzTRAIN
GymIntermediateFree routine

Adductors at the gym · supplementary strength

Main focus: adductors, with preparation and supplementary movements. There are 10 movements in total, not all hard sets for the same muscle. Start with one set of the main exercises if returning to training.

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A bench, dumbbells and strength equipment in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
A bench, dumbbells and strength equipment in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
46 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Backpack, Cushion, Chair and Exercise mat; Clear gym space
Before you choose
General option for adults. Check each exercise's equipment and avoid improvised supports.
Intensity
Comfortable load with about 3 reps in reserve. You need not complete every set if technique worsens or you become tired.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 6 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Rehearse the first exercise with light resistance before its sets, keeping breathing comfortable.

Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.

PREPARE TO MOVE

Your warm-up

Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.

  1. Knee-raise march

    60–90 s at a comfortable pace

    Stand in a clear area to march on the spot or move slowly forward. Raise one knee comfortably, coordinating the opposite arm. Place the foot down with control and alternate in a steady rhythm.

    What you train: Trains arm-leg coordination and balance while raising each knee.

    Watch video
  2. Supported standing hip extension

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand beside a firm support and hold it for stability. Move one leg slightly back without leaning your trunk. Return with control and complete the other side.

    What you train: Strengthens the glutes through hip extension with a still trunk.

    Watch video
  3. Supported side leg raise

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand holding a fixed support with both feet facing forward. Lift one leg slightly sideways without leaning your trunk. Lower slowly and complete the other side.

    What you train: Strengthens the side hip muscles and trains pelvic control.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. Supported ankle mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Place one foot near a wall with the whole sole grounded.
    2. Move your knee forward in line with your toes, keeping the heel down.
    3. Return slowly and repeat with the other ankle.

    What it trainsTrains ankle mobility with the foot grounded.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With your foot planted near a wall, move your knee forwards without lifting your heel. Return and repeat.

    Technique cueStay within a comfortable range; your knee need not touch the wall.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported ankle mobilityNHS University Hospitals Plymouth Physiotherapy · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Move your foot closer to the wall.
    To progress
    Move your foot slightly further away if you can keep your heel down.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your ankle or rotating your foot to gain distance.
    View exercise guide
  2. Quadruped hip rock-back

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Start on hands and knees on a mat with a steady back.
    2. Slowly move your hips towards your heels without lifting your hands.
    3. Gently bring your hips back over your knees.

    What it trainsTrains hip mobility with hand and knee support and little weight on the legs.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    From your hands and knees, slowly move your hips backwards and return to the starting position.

    Technique cueStop where your hips and knees remain comfortable.

    Watch the demonstration for Quadruped hip rock-backE3 Rehab Exercise Library · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the movement and pad your knees.
    To progress
    Add a brief pause at the back.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing a painful stretch.
    View exercise guide
  3. Seated cushion squeeze

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded and a cushion between your knees.
    2. Gently press it with both knees while keeping feet down.
    3. Hold five seconds while breathing, then fully relax.

    What it trainsWorks the inner-thigh adductors through a sustained contraction.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with feet grounded and a cushion between your knees. Gently squeeze for five seconds and fully relax.

    Technique cueUse moderate force without tensing your whole body.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated cushion squeezePhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, movement instructions and VideoPlayer offering a video checked. Full playback and audio not checked.

    Date checked:

    The resource uses a soft ball; the card allows a cushion as soft support for the same movement.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Squeezing maximally or lifting feet off the floor.
    View exercise guide
  4. Side-lying lower-leg raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your side; cross the upper leg and plant its foot in front of the straight lower leg.
    2. Raise the lower leg a few centimetres with pelvis and trunk still.
    3. Lower slowly without dropping or using momentum.

    What it trainsWorks the lower leg's inner-thigh adductors.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Lie on your side, crossing the upper leg with its foot planted in front. Raise the straight lower leg a few centimetres and lower slowly.

    Technique cueA small lift is enough; you need not raise your trunk.

    Watch the demonstration for Side-lying lower-leg raisePhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, movement instructions and VideoPlayer offering a video checked. Full playback and audio not checked.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your trunk or using momentum.
    View exercise guide
  5. Wide-stance squat

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Stand slightly wider than shoulder width with toes turned a little outward.
    2. Bend hips and knees, keeping knees in line with toes.
    3. Push through both feet to stand without bringing knees together.

    What it trainsWorks glutes, quadriceps and adductors in a wide stance.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Stand slightly wider than shoulder width with toes slightly outward. Bend hips and knees, then stand. Match width to your mobility.

    Technique cueMatch stance width to your mobility; it need not be extreme.

    Watch the demonstration for Wide-stance squatTraining Project · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official Vimeo oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata: title, author, 20 s duration and player URL checked. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Unloaded wide-stance squat reference. Match foot spacing and range to your mobility, following the app's cues and prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing an excessively wide stance.
    View exercise guide
  6. Backpack goblet squat

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hug a light, closed backpack to your chest with contents secured and feet firm.
    2. Bend hips and knees to a comfortable depth with heels grounded.
    3. Push through both feet to stand, keeping the bag close.

    What it trainsWorks quadriceps and glutes with a load in front.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hug a backpack with secured contents to your chest. Bend hips and knees through a comfortable range, then stand.

    Technique cueKeep knees following feet and bag contents still.

    Watch the demonstration for Backpack goblet squatLittauer Strength Training · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    URL, title, channel and oEmbed response checked; variation identified in the author's title or instructions. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Follow your app card's equipment, range and prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Allowing the load to move or knees to collapse inward.
    View exercise guide
  7. Adductor rock-back

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. From hands and knees, extend one leg sideways with its foot grounded.
    2. Move your hips slightly back until you feel gentle inner-thigh tension.
    3. Return forward with control, then change sides.

    What it trainsTrains hip mobility and gently stretches the inner thighs.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    From your hands and knees, extend one leg to the side with your foot on the floor. Move your hips back a little, then return.

    Technique cueKeep your hips facing forward rather than turning towards the extended leg.

    Watch the demonstration for Adductor rock-backE3 Rehab Exercise Library · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Shorten the range of movement or return to the basic rocking movement.
    To progress
    Add a gentle pause at the end of the movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rotating your pelvis or forcing the inner thigh.
    View exercise guide
  8. Glute bridge

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back with knees bent and both feet grounded.
    2. Push through your feet and raise your pelvis, gently squeezing your glutes.
    3. Lower your pelvis with control onto the mat.

    What it trainsStrengthens the glutes through hip extension from the floor.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Lie with your feet on the floor and knees bent. Lift your pelvis and lower with control.

    Technique cueStop rising when your hips and trunk are aligned.

    Watch the demonstration for Glute bridgeNASM · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use a smaller range of movement.
    To progress
    Add a two-second pause at the top.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your pelvis by overextending your back.
    View exercise guide
  9. Side-lying clam

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your side, knees bent, feet together and pelvis facing forward.
    2. Open the upper knee without separating feet or rolling the pelvis back.
    3. Lower slowly while keeping your trunk still.

    What it trainsWorks the outer hip and side-lying pelvic control.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Lie on your side with knees bent and feet together. Open the upper knee without rotating your pelvis, then return slowly.

    Technique cueStop opening as soon as your pelvis starts rolling back.

    Watch the demonstration for Side-lying clamPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public page, title and variation instructions checked; VideoPlayer.videoUrl is non-null in the original HTML. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Open the demonstration on its original page. Follow your app card's range, equipment and prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rolling backwards to open further.
    View exercise guide
  10. Calm standing breathing

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand with feet firm, knees relaxed and shoulders down.
    2. Breathe in comfortably without shrugging or maximally filling your lungs.
    3. Exhale slowly and repeat the cycles in your session.

    What it trainsPractises calm standing breathing and awareness of chest and rib movement.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With feet firm and knees relaxed, inhale without shrugging and exhale slowly. Complete five comfortable cycles.

    Technique cueUse a natural rhythm without forcing air in or out.

    Watch the demonstration for Calm standing breathingNHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Long Covid: Film 3.3 - Retrain your breathing while standing; channel: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    The resource teaches standing breathing technique; the card does not prescribe treatment for COVID or a respiratory disorder.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Becoming dizzy through breathing too fast.
    View exercise guide

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FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Walk slowly and breathe comfortably for 2–3 minutes. Allow at least one recovery day before repeating hard strength work for the same muscle group.

Open workout in the app →

General routines for adults. If you have a health condition, an injury, are pregnant or have medical instructions, consult your professional before starting and ask for adaptations. Stop if you experience pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness.