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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthBeginnerFree routine

Forearms at home · foundations and control

Main focus: forearms, 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 mat, chair and simple equipment ready for home training. AI-generated image.
A mat, chair and simple equipment ready for home training. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
41 min
Level
Beginner
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Towel, Light bottle and Chair
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. Seated march

    60–90 s at a comfortable pace

    Sit upright on a firm chair with both feet grounded. Lift one knee a few centimetres without leaning back. Lower the foot and alternate at a comfortable rhythm.

    What you train: Activates the legs and trains coordination from a stable seated position.

    Watch video
  2. Seated thoracic rotation

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Sit upright with feet grounded and arms crossed over your chest. Gently rotate your chest to one side without moving your pelvis. Return to the centre with control and turn the other way.

    What you train: Trains upper-back mobility from a stable seated position.

    Watch video
  3. Unloaded neck mobility

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Sit or stand, shoulders relaxed, looking forward with chin at a natural height. Slowly turn your head comfortably to one side without moving your trunk. Return to centre and turn the other way without circling.

    What you train: Trains controlled neck rotation within a comfortable range.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. Gentle wrist mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. With relaxed arms, gently open and close your hands without maximum squeezing.
    2. Make small wrist circles within a comfortable range.
    3. Reverse direction and finish by relaxing hands and forearms.

    What it trainsMobilises hands and wrists before gripping or weight-bearing exercises.

    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

    Relax your arms, open and close hands, and make small, comfortable wrist circles in both directions.

    Technique cueKeep movement gentle without forcing end ranges.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle wrist mobilityPhysitrack · 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:

    Use your card's small, comfortable circles without forcing the range.

    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
    Moving your wrist into a painful end position.
    View exercise guide
  2. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand with your arms relaxed at your sides.
    2. Make small, slow shoulder circles backwards.
    3. Reverse direction, then let your shoulders relax.

    What it trainsGently mobilises the shoulders and shoulder blades before activity.

    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

    Sitting or standing, let your arms relax. Make small, slow circles with your shoulders backwards, then forwards.

    Technique cueKeep your head still and breathe naturally.

    Watch the demonstration for Shoulder circlesBromley Healthcare · 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
    Make smaller circles.
    To progress
    Make the circles larger only within a comfortable range of movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving abruptly or tensing your neck.
    View exercise guide
  3. Towel squeeze and release

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Roll a towel so one hand can comfortably wrap around it.
    2. Squeeze moderately for three seconds while breathing.
    3. Open your fingers and fully release before using the other hand.

    What it trainsTrains grip strength and alternating hand pressure and relaxation.

    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

    Roll up a towel and squeeze moderately for three seconds. Release fully and alternate hands.

    Technique cueFully relax between squeezes; do not seek maximum force.

    Watch the demonstration for Towel squeeze and releaseAskDoctorJo · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Title, author, technical description and official oEmbed response checked; full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Follow your card's moderate pressure and 3-second hold; this demonstration does not require wringing the towel.

    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
    Maintaining a maximum contraction or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  4. Supported wrist curl

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Sit with forearm on thigh, hand beyond your knee and palm up.
    2. Hold a light bottle and bend only the wrist towards your forearm.
    3. Lower comfortably without lifting the forearm from your thigh.

    What it trainsWorks the forearm muscles that bend your wrist towards your palm.

    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 forearm resting on your thigh, hand beyond the knee and palm up. Bend only the wrist and lower slowly.

    Technique cueUse a small, comfortable range with a still elbow.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported wrist curlPhysitrack · 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:

    The demonstration uses a dumbbell; the app allows a very light bottle. Keep your forearm steady and use a comfortable range.

    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
    Moving your whole arm.
    View exercise guide
  5. Supported wrist extension

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Sit with forearm on thigh, palm down and hand beyond your knee.
    2. Hold a light bottle and raise the back of your hand, moving only the wrist.
    3. Lower comfortably without lifting the elbow.

    What it trainsWorks the forearm muscles that lift the back of your hand.

    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

    Rest your forearm on your thigh, palm down and hand free. Raise the back of your hand, then return slowly.

    Technique cueKeep your forearm supported and stop before wrist strain.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported wrist extensionPhysitrack · 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:

    The demonstration uses a dumbbell; the app allows a very light bottle. Keep your forearm steady.

    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
    Using a load that makes you move your elbow.
    View exercise guide
  6. Forearm pronation and supination

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a light bottle, elbow bent beside your body and forearm forward.
    2. Slowly turn the forearm palm up without moving your shoulder.
    3. Rotate palm down, keeping your elbow in place.

    What it trainsTrains control of palm-up and palm-down forearm rotation.

    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

    Keep your bent elbow beside your body and slowly turn your palm up and down without moving your shoulder.

    Technique cueHold the bottle near its centre to keep the weight close.

    Watch the demonstration for Forearm pronation and supinationPhysitrack · 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:

    The demonstration uses a dumbbell; the app card proposes a light bottle. Avoid a long lever.

    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
    Rotating your whole arm.
    View exercise guide
  7. Self-resisted biceps curl

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Keep one elbow beside your body; place the other hand on its wrist.
    2. Bend the elbow towards your shoulder against gentle hand resistance.
    3. Straighten slowly against that resistance, then change arms.

    What it trainsWorks the biceps against resistance provided by your other hand.

    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

    Place the opposite hand on the working arm's wrist. Bend the elbow against gradually applied hand resistance; resist the descent too, then change sides.

    Technique cueAdjust pressure for smooth, continuous movement.

    Watch the demonstration for Self-resisted biceps curlNutracheck · 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
    Turning this into a strength contest between your arms.
    View exercise guide
  8. Seated shoulder-blade squeeze

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded, arms relaxed and shoulders away from ears.
    2. Gently bring shoulder blades together without arching or lifting your chest.
    3. Hold three seconds, then fully relax.

    What it trainsPractises drawing shoulder blades together with relaxed neck and shoulders.

    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, gently draw shoulder blades together for three seconds, then relax.

    Technique cueUse a small movement without maximum squeezing.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated shoulder-blade squeezePhysitrack · 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:

    The original page includes written instructions in Spanish. Open the demonstration on that 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
    Squeezing maximally or raising your shoulders.
    View exercise guide
  9. Unloaded arm opening

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand with your arms in front at a comfortable height.
    2. Gently open them sideways without moving your trunk.
    3. Slowly bring your arms back together in front.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder movement and arm coordination without added load.

    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

    Sitting or standing, gently open your arms at a comfortable height, then bring them back together in front. Keep your shoulders relaxed and torso stable.

    Technique cueRelax your shoulders; your hands do not need to go behind your body.

    Watch the demonstration for Unloaded arm openingPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, instructions and playback progressing to 44 seconds checked. Audio unverified.

    Date checked:

    The demonstration opens arms from the lap and returns while exhaling. This supports the card as a variation; keep the range comfortable without forcing your back.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Keep your arms below shoulder height.
    To progress
    Add a short pause as you open your arms without arching your back.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your shoulder range or pushing your chest out too far.
    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.