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Sergio DolzTRAIN
SportIntermediateFree routine

Strength foundations for running

General supplementary work for runners; coordinate it with your weekly mileage. 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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A person running outdoors. AI-generated image.
A person running outdoors. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
45 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Dumbbells, Step, Wall, Support and Exercise mat
Before you choose
Choose a variation and load you can control. Match the range to your ability.
Intensity
Keep 2–3 reps in reserve and extend rest if needed.
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. Controlled lateral movement

    2 short walking lengths, stopping with control

    Stand on level ground with clear space on both sides. Take short, controlled sideways steps without crossing your feet. Brake to a steady stop, then change direction.

    What you train: Trains sideways movement, braking and foot placement.

    Watch video
  3. Supported standing hamstring curl

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand holding a fixed support, knees close and trunk upright. Bend one knee to lift the heel back without moving the thigh forward or arching. Lower slowly and change legs.

    What you train: Works hamstrings with balance support.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Stable step-up

    2 × 8 each side

    How to do it
    1. Place your whole foot on a low, firm, non-slip step.
    2. Push through that leg to raise your body onto the step.
    3. Step down slowly, controlling the foot that meets the floor.

    What it trainsStrengthens the supporting leg and trains control on steps.

    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

    Place your whole foot on a low, sturdy step. Step up with control and lower without dropping.

    Technique cueChoose a height you can manage without momentum.

    Watch the demonstration for Stable step-upKingston 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 hand support and a lower step.
    To progress
    Add light weight once you can control both sides.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using an unstable chair or pushing off mainly with the lower foot.
    View exercise guide
  2. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs with your knees slightly bent.
    2. Push your hips back, hinging forward with the weights close to your legs.
    3. Stop before your posture changes; extend your hips to stand.

    What it trainsStrengthens the glutes and hamstrings and teaches lifting from the hips.

    Rest
    Rest about 75 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    With your knees slightly bent, push your hips back while keeping the dumbbells close to your legs. Return by extending your hips.

    Technique cueKeep a soft knee bend rather than turning the movement into a squat.

    Watch the demonstration for Dumbbell Romanian deadliftNASM · 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
    Practise an unweighted hip hinge beside a wall.
    To progress
    Increase the weight gradually while maintaining a controlled range of movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rounding your back or trying to reach the floor at all costs.
    View exercise guide
  3. Single-leg calf raise

    2 × 8 each side

    How to do it
    1. Hold a firm support and shift your weight onto one foot.
    2. Raise that heel without swinging your body.
    3. Lower slowly until the heel rests, then change legs.

    What it trainsStrengthens each calf and trains control on one foot.

    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 support and raise the heel of your standing leg. Lower slowly, then complete the other side.

    Technique cueRise only as high as you can keep your ankle stable.

    Watch the demonstration for Single-leg calf raisePeak Physio · Audio not verified; written guide in 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.

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    Individual demonstration of the single-leg variation. Lower slowly and retain support.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use both feet.
    To progress
    Hold a light dumbbell while keeping your support.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing to complete the final repetitions.
    View exercise guide
  4. Supported toe raise

    2 × 10

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a fixed support with both heels grounded.
    2. Lift the fronts of your feet without shifting your body back.
    3. Slowly lower until your whole feet rest on the floor.

    What it trainsStrengthens the front lower-leg muscles that lift your toes while walking.

    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 fixed support within reach and both heels on the floor, lift the front of your feet. Lower your toes slowly and repeat.

    Technique cueUse a small range and the support to stay steady.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported toe 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
    Do it seated with your heels supported.
    To progress
    Add a one-second pause at the top.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rocking back on your heels or losing your support.
    View exercise guide
  5. Glute bridge

    2 × 10

    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. Suitcase carry

    2 × 30 s each side

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

    1 × 6 each side

    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 about 20 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    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
  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. Unloaded hip hinge

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Stand a short distance in front of a wall, facing away, knees slightly bent.
    2. Send your hips back to lightly touch the wall as you hinge forward.
    3. Push through your feet to stand without moving them.

    What it trainsTeaches hip-back movement and trunk coordination before loaded hinging.

    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

    Stand with your back a short distance from a wall. With your knees slightly bent, push your hips back until they brush the wall, then stand upright again.

    Technique cueUse the wall as a hip reference, not a place to drop your weight.

    Watch the demonstration for Unloaded hip hingeE3 Rehab Exercise Library · Audio not verified; written guide in 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:

    Use the wall as a reference: touch it with your hips and return without dropping into it.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Move closer to the wall and reduce the range of movement.
    To progress
    Move your feet a little further away; then practise without touching the wall.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bending only your back or turning the movement into a deep squat.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Finish with 3 minutes of gentle movement. Duration is approximate: extend breaks when needed and review recovery.

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.