ES EspañolEN English
Skip to content
Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthIntermediateFree routine

Quadriceps at home · strength with equipment

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.

Read the workout without signing up. The app adds a timer, set logging and access to your activity.

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, Miniband, Backpack and Chair
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. 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. Miniband lateral steps

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Place a miniband above knees and slightly bend hips and knees. Take three short steps sideways with knees following your feet. Return with three steps without fully closing feet or losing tension.

    What you train: Works the outer hips against miniband resistance.

    Watch video
  3. Seated knee extension

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

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

    What you train: Strengthens the quadriceps and trains knee control.

    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. Goblet squat

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at your chest, feet comfortably apart.
    2. Send your hips back and bend your knees, keeping your balance.
    3. Push through both feet to stand with control.

    What it trainsStrengthens the quadriceps and glutes while your trunk supports the weight.

    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

    Keep your feet planted and hold a dumbbell close to your chest. Bend your hips and knees with control, then push through the floor to stand.

    Technique cueKeep your knees pointing in the same direction as your toes.

    Watch the demonstration for Goblet squatNASM · 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:

    Explanation in SpanishCuídatePlus · Víctor Téllez · Spanish audio; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Author, title, chapters and original Spanish track checked in the player. Equipment and full playback not checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Supplementary tutorial on foot positioning, grip, lowering and breathing. For this card's dumbbell variation, also consult the main demonstration and follow your session's prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Squat to a chair without added weight.
    To progress
    Add a one-second pause at the bottom before standing.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your heels or dropping without control.
    View exercise guide
  4. Split squat

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Place one foot forward and one back, with space between them sideways.
    2. Bend both knees and lower your pelvis vertically, keeping your feet still.
    3. Push through the floor to rise; then change sides.

    What it trainsStrengthens each leg and trains balance in a split stance.

    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

    Place one foot in front of the other. Lower straight down by bending both knees, then rise without moving your feet.

    Technique cueKeep your hips facing forward throughout.

    Watch the demonstration for Split squatPureGym · 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 one hand for support and reduce the range of movement.
    To progress
    Hold light dumbbells at your sides.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using such a narrow stance that you lose your balance.
    View exercise guide
  5. Backpack goblet squat

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hug a light, closed backpack to your chest with contents secured and feet firm.
    2. Bend hips and knees to a comfortable depth with heels grounded.
    3. Push through both feet to stand, keeping the bag close.

    What it trainsWorks quadriceps and glutes with a load in front.

    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

    Hug a backpack with secured contents to your chest. Bend hips and knees through a comfortable range, then stand.

    Technique cueKeep knees following feet and bag contents still.

    Watch the demonstration for Backpack goblet squatLittauer Strength Training · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    URL, title, channel and oEmbed response checked; variation identified in the author's title or instructions. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Follow your app card's equipment, range 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
    Allowing the load to move or knees to collapse inward.
    View exercise guide
  6. Seated miniband knee extension

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Sit with a light miniband around both ankles.
    2. Keep one foot grounded and partially straighten the other knee against the band.
    3. Bend slowly to return the foot and alternate.

    What it trainsWorks the quadriceps against gentle elastic resistance.

    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 a miniband around both ankles. Keep one foot grounded and partially straighten the other knee against gentle resistance; return and alternate.

    Technique cueKeep the thigh supported and avoid locking the knee.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated miniband knee extensionPhysitrack · 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:

    The original page includes written instructions in Spanish. Open the demonstration on that 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
    Using excessive tension or lifting your thigh.
    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.

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.