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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthBeginnerFree routine

Back and body control

Nine exercises combining pulling, shoulder mobility and trunk control. Use a comfortable range. 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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Illustrative physical-activity photograph, not an exercise demonstration. Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash.
Illustrative physical-activity photograph, not an exercise demonstration. Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash.
Approximate duration
35 min
Level
Beginner
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Resistance band, Wall, Fixed support 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. Active walking

    60–90 s at a comfortable pace

    Choose a clear, safe area and start walking at a comfortable pace. Take regular steps with your arms moving naturally. Keep a pace that allows conversation and slow down to finish.

    What you train: Warms up the body and trains arm-leg coordination while walking.

    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. Wall shoulder-blade control

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Place hands on a wall at shoulder height with elbows straight. Let your chest move slightly towards the wall as shoulder blades approach. Push the wall away to spread shoulder blades without bending elbows.

    What you train: Trains shoulder-blade control as the chest approaches and leaves the wall.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. 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
  2. Wall arm slide

    2 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Face a wall with hands or forearms resting at a comfortable height.
    2. Slide your arms upward without arching your back or straining your shoulders.
    3. Slide back down with control.

    What it trainsTrains coordinated shoulder and shoulder-blade movement while raising the arms.

    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

    Stand facing a wall and rest your hands or forearms on it at a comfortable height. Gently slide them upwards and back down without forcing your shoulders.

    Technique cueKeep ribs above your pelvis; you do not need to reach the highest point.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall arm slideBESS - 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
    Reduce the height of the slide.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the range of movement if you can maintain your posture.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back to reach higher or pushing through discomfort.
    View exercise guide
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Quadruped leg slide

    2 × 5 each side

    How to do it
    1. Start on hands and knees, with hands below shoulders.
    2. Slide one leg back, keeping its toes on the floor.
    3. Slide the foot back until your knee rests, then change sides.

    What it trainsTrains trunk and pelvic control as one leg slides along the floor.

    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

    Start on your hands and knees. Slide one leg backwards, keeping your toes on the floor, then return. Alternate without rotating your hips.

    Technique cueKeep your hips level and pad your knees.

    Watch the demonstration for Quadruped leg slideBody Works Sports Physiotherapy · Dana Ranahan · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Author's page, movement description and oEmbed metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. Full playback, framing and audiovisual quality require manual review; player availability does not establish them.

    Date checked:

    Individual tutorial. Keep your foot touching the floor and follow your session's prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use a shorter sliding movement.
    To progress
    Lift your foot a few centimetres only if you can keep your torso stable.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your leg too high or rotating your pelvis.
    View exercise guide
  6. Kneeling side plank

    2 × 15 s each side

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your side with knees bent and elbow below shoulder.
    2. Press through your forearm and knees to raise your pelvis without twisting.
    3. Breathe while holding; lower your pelvis with control to finish.

    What it trainsStrengthens the side abdominal muscles with extra support from your knees.

    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

    Rest on one forearm and your bent knees. Lift your pelvis while keeping your shoulder stable, and breathe throughout the hold.

    Technique cuePush through your forearm so your shoulder does not sink.

    Watch the demonstration for Kneeling side plankE3 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 duration.
    To progress
    Progress to the side variation with straight legs.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your shoulder sink.
    View exercise guide
  7. Supported tandem balance

    1 × 20 s with each foot in front

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a wall or fixed support with one foot in front of the other.
    2. Leave enough space to remain stable and hold the position.
    3. Separate your feet with control and change the front foot.

    What it trainsTrains balance with a narrow stance and support nearby.

    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

    Stand beside a wall or fixed support. Place one foot in front of the other, leaving enough space to feel stable. Hold for a few seconds, then switch the front foot.

    Technique cueLook forward and keep support within reach.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported tandem balanceBromley 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
    Widen your stance and hold the support with both hands.
    To progress
    Bring your feet a little closer together, keeping one hand on the support.
    Avoid this mistake
    Closing your eyes, removing support too soon or holding until you lose stability.
    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
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.