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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthIntermediateFree routine

Core at home · strength with equipment

Main focus: core, 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
46 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Dumbbell, Fixed support and Exercise mat
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. Arms-only dead bug

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Lie on your back, knees bent, feet grounded and arms towards the ceiling. Move one arm back towards your head while gently breathing out. Return upward and alternate, preserving your natural back position.

    What you train: Trains trunk control while moving an arm with feet supported.

    Watch video
  2. Quadruped single-arm raise

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Place hands below shoulders and knees below hips on a mat. Slide one hand forward and lift slightly if your torso stays still. Return it below your shoulder with control and alternate.

    What you train: Trains trunk stability when one hand leaves the floor.

    Watch video
  3. Quadruped leg slide

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Start on hands and knees, with hands below shoulders. Slide one leg back, keeping its toes on the floor. Slide the foot back until your knee rests, then change sides.

    What you train: Trains trunk and pelvic control as one leg slides along the floor.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. 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
  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. Alternating dead bug

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back with arms towards the ceiling and knees bent.
    2. Slowly extend one arm and the opposite leg without moving your pelvis.
    3. Return with control and repeat on the opposite side.

    What it trainsTrains abdominal control while the arms and legs move.

    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 arms raised and knees bent. Slowly reach your opposite arm and leg away, then return.

    Technique cueShorten the range if your back cannot stay comfortable.

    Watch the demonstration for Alternating dead bugNASM · 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 only one leg or slide your heel.
    To progress
    Extend your limbs a little further without losing control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Holding your breath or moving your pelvis.
    View exercise guide
  4. Forearm plank

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Support yourself on forearms and toes, with elbows below shoulders.
    2. Raise your body, aligning head, trunk and hips without sagging.
    3. Breathe for the prescribed time, then lower your knees with control.

    What it trainsTrains abdominal endurance to hold the body aligned.

    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 on your forearms and toes. Keep your torso stable for a short hold and breathe normally.

    Technique cueEnd the hold when you can no longer maintain a stable position.

    Watch the demonstration for Forearm plankNASM · 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
    Do it against a wall or with your knees on the floor.
    To progress
    Move your elbows slightly further away while maintaining control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your lower back sag or raising your hips too high.
    View exercise guide
  5. Kneeling side plank

    Train

    2 × 8

    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 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 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
  6. Suitcase carry

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at one side in a clear space.
    2. Walk slowly with regular steps and an upright trunk.
    3. Stop with control and change hands.

    What it trainsStrengthens grip and trains the trunk to resist an uneven load while walking.

    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

    Walk slowly through a clear area holding a dumbbell at one side. Switch hands when you finish.

    Technique cueKeep your shoulders level even though only one side carries weight.

    Watch the demonstration for Suitcase carryE3 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 weight and distance.
    To progress
    Increase the time a little while maintaining a natural walking pattern.
    Avoid this mistake
    Leaning your body to compensate for the weight.
    View exercise guide
  7. Knee raise with trunk control

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a fixed support with one hand nearby.
    2. Slowly raise one knee as far as your trunk remains upright.
    3. Lower with control and alternate without swaying.

    What it trainsTrains single-leg balance and trunk 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

    With one hand near a stable support, slowly raise one knee and lower without leaning your torso. Alternate legs.

    Technique cueLift lower if you need to lean or lose stability.

    Watch the demonstration for Knee raise with trunk controlPhysitrack · 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
    Arching your back or swaying.
    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. Bent-knee fall-out with stable pelvis

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6 openings per side

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back, head supported, knees bent and feet together on the floor.
    2. Slowly open one knee sideways only as far as your pelvis stays still.
    3. Return to centre and alternate while breathing normally.

    What it trainsTrains abdominal and pelvic control while one hip moves.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Open and return slowly, without rotating your pelvis or holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Lie on your back, head supported, knees bent and feet together on the floor. Slowly open one knee sideways without rotating your pelvis. Return to centre and alternate while breathing normally.

    Technique cueKeep the opposite knee and foot still; the pelvis does not follow.

    Watch the demonstration for Bent-knee fall-out with stable pelvisNHS Fife · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Title, author and YouTube player checked through oEmbed HTTP 200; full playback not observed.

    Date checked:

    Knee-opening demonstration. Follow your card's prescription and keep your pelvis stable.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the knee opening and return before your pelvis moves.
    To progress
    Gradually increase range only while your pelvis remains still and breathing stays comfortable.
    Avoid this mistake
    Dropping your knee, rotating your pelvis or holding your breath.
    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
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.