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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthBeginnerFree routine

Quadriceps at home · foundations and control

Main focus: quadriceps, 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
Chair, Wall, 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. 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. Supported side leg raise

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand holding a fixed support with both feet facing forward. Lift one leg slightly sideways without leaning your trunk. Lower slowly and complete the other side.

    What you train: Strengthens the side hip muscles and trains pelvic control.

    Watch video
  3. Supported toe raise

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand beside a fixed support with both heels grounded. Lift the fronts of your feet without shifting your body back. Slowly lower until your whole feet rest on the floor.

    What you train: Strengthens the front lower-leg muscles that lift your toes while walking.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. Supported ankle mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    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 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 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
  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. Sit to stand

    Train

    2 × 8

    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 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 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
  4. Supported squat

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Stand holding a fixed support that cannot slide or tip.
    2. Move your hips slightly back and bend your hips and knees comfortably.
    3. Push through both feet to stand, keeping hold of the support.

    What it trainsStrengthens legs and glutes with additional balance support.

    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

    Hold a fixed support. Move your hips back a little and bend your hips and knees to a comfortable depth. Push through the floor to return.

    Technique cueKeep your heels down and knees following your feet.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported squatKingston 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
    Reduce the range of movement and use more assistance from your hands.
    To progress
    Use less assistance once you can maintain your balance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Pulling on furniture that could tip over or forcing the depth.
    View exercise guide
  5. Shallow wall-sit hold

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Rest your back against a wall with feet slightly forward and planted.
    2. Slide down only a few centimetres; hold 15–20 seconds while breathing.
    3. Push through the floor and slide back up to stand.

    What it trainsTrains quadriceps endurance with wall support.

    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 back on a wall with feet slightly forward. Lower only a few centimetres and hold 15–20 seconds while breathing, then stand.

    Technique cueKeep the bend shallow; a 90° knee angle is unnecessary.

    Watch the demonstration for Shallow wall-sit holdPhysio Fitness — Tim Keeley · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Page and instructions checked; public HTML includes an actual video source. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    On the page, open Exercise 5: Wall Sit. Its instructions recommend a shallow starting squat; follow your card's 15–20 seconds.

    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
    Lowering too far or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  6. Seated knee extension

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Sit upright on a firm chair with both feet grounded.
    2. Slowly straighten one knee, lifting the foot through a comfortable range.
    3. Bend the knee and lower with control; change legs.

    What it trainsStrengthens the quadriceps and trains knee 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

    Sit with your back upright and feet on the floor. Slowly straighten one knee through a comfortable range and lower your foot without letting it drop. Alternate sides.

    Technique cueKeep your thigh resting on the seat throughout.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated knee extensionBromley 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
    Straighten your knee less.
    To progress
    Pause briefly at the top without using momentum.
    Avoid this mistake
    Kicking quickly or lifting your hip off the seat.
    View exercise guide
  7. Supported calf raise

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    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 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 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
  8. Supported standing hamstring curl

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

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

    What it trainsWorks hamstrings with balance support.

    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

    Hold a stable support. Bend one knee to bring the heel back without arching; lower slowly and change sides.

    Technique cueKeep knees near each other; the lower leg moves.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported standing hamstring curlPeak Physio · 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: Standing Hamstring Curl; channel: Peak Physio; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    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 thigh forward to raise your heel.
    View exercise guide
  9. Toe and foot-arch control

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded and toes relaxed, without loading the outer foot edge.
    2. Lift only the big toe, keeping the other four down.
    3. Lower it and lift the other toes; alternate slowly, using a hand if needed.

    What it trainsTrains independent toe control and awareness of foot contact.

    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. Try lifting the big toe while the others stay down, then reverse. Use your hand to help while learning.

    Technique cueSeparate big-toe movement from the others, even with a small range.

    Watch the demonstration for Toe and foot-arch controlSharp HealthCare · 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: Toe Yoga Exercise for Plantar Fasciitis; channel: Sharp HealthCare; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    The official page describes the seated variation. Follow your card's repetitions without forcing your toes.

    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
    Loading the outer edge of your foot.
    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.

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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.