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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthBeginnerFree routine

Start with resistance bands

Nine exercises combine a light band with leg and trunk movements. Start with little tension and learn each movement. The session includes preparation and supplementary low-load movements. You may split them up or shorten the session according to tolerance.

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Resistance-band training. AI-generated image.
Resistance-band training. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
35 min
Level
Beginner
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Light resistance band, Firm chair, Wall and Exercise mat
Before you choose
Choose a variation and load you can control. Match the range to your ability.
Intensity
Finish able to perform at least 3 more repetitions with good technique.
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. Unanchored band external rotation

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Hold a band in both hands, elbows bent and tucked beside you. Rotate forearms outward, separating hands without lifting elbows away. Slowly return with control.

    What you train: Works the shoulder's external rotators against light band resistance.

    Watch video
  3. Unloaded arm opening

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Sit or stand with your arms in front at a comfortable height. Gently open them sideways without moving your trunk. Slowly bring your arms back together in front.

    What you train: Trains shoulder movement and arm coordination without added load.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Sit to stand

    2 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit on a firm, non-wheeled chair with both feet grounded.
    2. Lean slightly forward from your hips and push through your feet to stand.
    3. Move your hips back and sit slowly without dropping.

    What it trainsStrengthens the legs and glutes for getting up from a chair.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Sit on a sturdy chair without wheels, with your feet on the floor. Lean forwards slightly from the hips, stand up and slowly sit back down.

    Technique cuePlace the chair against a wall so it cannot move.

    Watch the demonstration for Sit to standKingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust · 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 your hands to help and choose a slightly higher seat.
    To progress
    Reduce assistance from your hands before adding weight.
    Avoid this mistake
    Dropping onto the seat or losing contact between your feet and the floor.
    View exercise guide
  2. Seated resistance-band row

    2 × 10

    How to do it
    1. Sit with an undamaged band around your soles; keep your shoes on.
    2. Pull the ends towards your hips, taking your elbows back.
    3. Slowly extend your arms, controlling the band's return.

    What it trainsStrengthens the back and arms against elastic resistance.

    Rest
    Rest about 60 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with a band in good condition around the soles of your shoes. Pull the ends towards your hips and return slowly.

    Technique cueCheck that the band is secure around your feet and away from your face.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated resistance-band rowU.S. Marine Corps · DVIDS · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    The official source identifies the exercise, offers an embed iframe and publishes Length 00:00:27. Full playback and audiovisual framing have not been observed or checked.

    Date checked:

    27-second demonstration of the seated band row.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use less tension or a lighter band.
    To progress
    Hold the pause longer as you draw your elbows back.
    Avoid this mistake
    Releasing the band suddenly or using damaged equipment.
    View exercise guide
  3. Wall push-up

    2 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Place your hands on the wall at chest height and step slightly back.
    2. Bend your elbows to bring your chest towards the wall, keeping your body aligned.
    3. Push away to straighten your arms and return.

    What it trainsStrengthens the chest, triceps and shoulders with less load than floor push-ups.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Place your hands at chest height. Bend your elbows to move towards the wall, then push back to the start.

    Technique cueMove your whole body together, rather than just your head.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall push-upBESS - British Elbow & Shoulder Society · 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 feet closer to the wall.
    To progress
    Progress to a lower, fixed surface.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your waist sag or moving only your head forwards.
    View exercise guide
  4. Band pull-apart

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a light band in front of your chest, elbows slightly bent.
    2. Move your hands apart through a comfortable shoulder range.
    3. Slowly bring your hands together, controlling the band's tension.

    What it trainsStrengthens the rear shoulders and trains shoulder-blade movement.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Hold a light band in front of your chest with your elbows slightly bent. Pull your hands apart through a comfortable range, then return.

    Technique cueKeep your shoulders away from your ears and your trunk still.

    Watch the demonstration for Band pull-apartCatalyst Athletics · 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 lighter band or a smaller range of movement.
    To progress
    Add a brief pause with your arms apart.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your shoulders beyond their comfortable range.
    View exercise guide
  5. Glute bridge

    2 × 8

    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 about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    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
  6. Supported calf raise

    2 × 10

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet.
    2. Slowly raise both heels without shifting forward.
    3. Lower with control until your whole feet are grounded.

    What it trainsStrengthens the calves and trains ankle control when rising onto your toes.

    Rest
    Rest about 30 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    With a firm support within reach, lift both heels and lower slowly until your whole foot rests on the floor.

    Technique cueKeep your ankles aligned and weight away from the edges of your feet.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported calf raiseBromley 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
    Reduce the range of movement and use both hands for support.
    To progress
    Do the movement on one leg with support.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing or losing control of your ankle.
    View exercise guide
  7. Heel slide

    1 × 5 each side

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back with knees bent and both feet grounded.
    2. Slide one heel away without moving your pelvis.
    3. Bring it back with control and alternate legs.

    What it trainsTrains abdominal control while one leg moves and your pelvis stays steady.

    Rest
    Rest about 30 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Lie on your back with your knees bent and both feet on the floor. Slide one heel away and bring it back without moving your pelvis. Alternate sides.

    Technique cueExhale gently as the foot slides away; shorten the range if your back arches.

    Watch the demonstration for Heel slideNHS Fife · 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
    Slide your foot a shorter distance.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the range of movement while maintaining control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back or holding your breath to reach further.
    View exercise guide
  8. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    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 30 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
  9. Supported ankle mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    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 30 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

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FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Finish with 2 minutes of gentle walking. Duration is approximate and may increase if you need more rest.

How to progress

First complete repetitions with good technique. In another session increase only reps, range or a small amount of load. Reduce work if recovery worsens.

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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.