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Sergio DolzTRAIN
PregnancyBeginnerFree routine

Pregnancy · standing mobility

A selection of 5 movements to adapt with your professional. You may alternate positions and reduce the amount according to your pregnancy. 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 pregnant woman in a gentle supported-movement scene. AI-generated image.
A pregnant woman in a gentle supported-movement scene. AI-generated image.
INDIVIDUAL ADAPTATION

Pregnancy · movement with support

Educational options for an uncomplicated pregnancy, after checking with your midwife or obstetrician what activity you can do. The “Beginner” level describes the movement; it does not confirm suitability for your pregnancy.

Before you begin. If you have a complication, an obstetric restriction, pelvic pain or difficulty controlling your pelvic floor, request an individual adaptation before using these sessions. They are not a postnatal recovery programme.

Effort. You should be able to talk comfortably. Reduce repetitions or duration depending on the day, breathe during exertion and avoid exhaustion. The aim is not muscular failure.

Adaptations and sources
  • First trimester: adjust rests to nausea and tiredness; do not try to make up missed sessions.
  • Second and third trimesters: adapt your range and supports to your growing abdomen and balance. Avoid remaining flat on your back, particularly from week 16.
  • Avoid excessive heat, contact impacts and activities with a risk of falling. If supporting yourself on one leg causes pelvic pain, stop that activity.
  • Pelvic floor: being able to release between contractions matters. If it hurts or you cannot relax, consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist.

When to stop. Stop exercising and seek medical attention for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful contractions, chest pain, fainting or unusual breathlessness. Do not restart until you receive guidance. Also seek advice for a severe headache, vision changes, pain or swelling in one calf, or a decrease in your baby's usual movements. For severe symptoms or an emergency, call 112.

Approximate duration
20 min
Level
Beginner
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Wall or fixed support; Stable chair; Wall; Fixed support
Before you choose
For complications, obstetric restrictions, pelvic pain or difficulty controlling the pelvic floor, request individual adaptation before these sessions. They are not a postpartum recovery programme.
Intensity
You can talk comfortably. Reduce reps or duration to suit the day, breathe during effort and avoid exhaustion. Do not aim for muscular failure.
Warm-up
Preparation is already included at the start: Comfortable standing and breathing; Shoulder circles; Gentle wall pelvic tilt. Follow those blocks as prescribed and do not repeat them as extra work. Start with today's comfortable range and any breaks you need; you may stop here if this is enough.

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

These movements are already part of the workout. Do them in their scheduled place rather than repeating them as extra work.

  1. Comfortable standing and breathing

    1 × 30 s

    Stand near a wall or fixed support with weight shared between both feet. Keep knees unlocked and breathe without lifting your shoulders. Release tension; sit down if that feels more comfortable.

    What you train: Practises sharing standing weight and breathing without shoulder or knee tension.

    Watch video See its place in the workout
  2. Shoulder circles

    1 × 5 repetitions

    Sit or stand comfortably with relaxed arms. Make small, slow shoulder circles backwards. Reverse into forward circles without moving your head.

    What you train: Mobilises the shoulders and upper back without load.

    Watch video See its place in the workout
  3. Gentle wall pelvic tilt

    1 × 5 repetitions

    Rest your back against a wall with knees slightly bent. Gently tilt your pelvis to bring the lower back closer to the wall. Return comfortably without pushing your abdomen or holding your breath.

    What you train: Practises pelvic movement and finding a comfortable lower-back position.

    Watch video See its place in the workout
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Comfortable standing and breathing

    1 × 30 s

    How to do it
    1. Stand near a wall or fixed support with weight shared between both feet.
    2. Keep knees unlocked and breathe without lifting your shoulders.
    3. Release tension; sit down if that feels more comfortable.

    What it trainsPractises sharing standing weight and breathing without shoulder or knee tension.

    Rest
    Rest 60 s or longer if needed. You can sit during the pause.
    The movement, step by step

    Stand near support with your weight shared between both feet and your knees unlocked. Breathe without raising your shoulders or forcing your posture. If sitting is more comfortable, change position.

    Technique cueChoose comfort rather than a raised chest or rigid posture.

    Watch the demonstration for Comfortable standing and breathingUCLH · NHS · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Reference and title checked on the official page; full playback unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Obstetric physiotherapy video in English. Follow the written instructions and adaptations in this card.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Shorten the time and range. If there is pain, do not continue.
    To progress
    Improve control and relaxation before adding repetitions; discuss this with your professional.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing the range, contracting with maximum force or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  2. Shoulder circles

    1 × 5 repetitions

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand comfortably with relaxed arms.
    2. Make small, slow shoulder circles backwards.
    3. Reverse into forward circles without moving your head.

    What it trainsMobilises the shoulders and upper back without load.

    Rest
    Rest 60 s or longer if needed. You can sit during the pause.
    The movement, step by step

    Sitting or standing, let your arms relax. Make small, slow circles with your shoulders backwards, then forwards.

    Technique cueRelax your neck and breathe during the movement.

    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:

    General movement demonstration. This adapted card's posture, prescription and limits take priority; the video does not establish clinical suitability.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the range and repetitions. Keep your supports; if the movement is still uncomfortable, leave it out and ask for another option.
    To progress
    Only after confirming good tolerance with your professional, add one or two repetitions. Do not increase duration, load and difficulty at the same time.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving abruptly or tensing your neck.
    View exercise guide
  3. Gentle wall pelvic tilt

    1 × 5 repetitions

    How to do it
    1. Rest your back against a wall with knees slightly bent.
    2. Gently tilt your pelvis to bring the lower back closer to the wall.
    3. Return comfortably without pushing your abdomen or holding your breath.

    What it trainsPractises pelvic movement and finding a comfortable lower-back position.

    Rest
    Rest 60 s or longer if needed. You can sit during the pause.
    The movement, step by step

    With your back against a wall and your knees unlocked, gently adjust your pelvis to bring your lower back towards the wall. Return to a comfortable position without pushing your abdomen out.

    Technique cueA small tilt is enough; do not force your back.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle wall pelvic tiltUCLH · NHS · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Reference and title checked on the official page; full playback unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Obstetric physiotherapy video in English. Follow the written instructions and adaptations in this card.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Shorten the time and range. If there is pain, do not continue.
    To progress
    Improve control and relaxation before adding repetitions; discuss this with your professional.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing the range, contracting with maximum force or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  4. Unloaded hip hinge

    1 × 5 repetitions

    How to do it
    1. Stand a short distance from a wall facing away, knees slightly bent.
    2. Send hips back to lightly touch it, hinging at the hips.
    3. Push through the floor and stand without arching your back.

    What it trainsPractises bending at the hips and standing without added weight.

    Rest
    Rest 60 s or longer if needed. You can sit during the pause.
    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 cueTouch the wall lightly rather than falling into it.

    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:

    General wall-based movement demonstration. Follow the range and limits in your pregnancy card.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the range and repetitions. Keep your supports; if the movement is still uncomfortable, leave it out and ask for another option.
    To progress
    Only after confirming good tolerance with your professional, add one or two repetitions. Do not increase duration, load and difficulty at the same time.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bending only your back or turning the movement into a deep squat.
    View exercise guide
  5. Supported calf raise

    1 × 5 repetitions

    How to do it
    1. Stand holding a fixed support, sharing weight between both feet.
    2. Slowly raise both heels, keeping toes grounded.
    3. Lower with control until your whole feet rest.

    What it trainsWorks the calves and ankle control when rising and lowering.

    Rest
    Rest 60 s or longer if needed. You can sit during the pause.
    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 cueRise vertically without swaying forward.

    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:

    General movement demonstration. This adapted card's posture, prescription and limits take priority; the video does not establish clinical suitability.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the range and repetitions. Keep your supports; if the movement is still uncomfortable, leave it out and ask for another option.
    To progress
    Only after confirming good tolerance with your professional, add one or two repetitions. Do not increase duration, load and difficulty at the same time.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing or losing control of your ankle.
    View exercise guide
  6. Sit to stand · pregnancy

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Sit on a firm, non-wheeled chair with both feet grounded.
    2. Lean slightly from your hips and push through the floor to stand.
    3. Move your hips back and sit slowly without dropping.

    What it trainsWorks the legs and glutes for controlled standing and sitting.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    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 cueFix the chair against a wall and keep feet grounded.

    Watch the demonstration for Sit to stand · pregnancyUCLH · NHS · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page link and title checked; full playback unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Pregnancy demonstration. Adjust seat height and use assistance when needed.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the range and repetitions. Keep your supports; if the movement is still uncomfortable, leave it out and ask for another option.
    To progress
    Only after confirming good tolerance with your professional, add one or two repetitions. Do not increase duration, load and difficulty at the same time.
    Avoid this mistake
    Dropping onto the seat or losing contact between your feet and the floor.
    View exercise guide
  7. Wall push-up · pregnancy

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Face the wall, hands at chest height and feet slightly apart.
    2. Bend elbows and move your whole body towards the wall without sagging.
    3. Push back, keeping head and trunk aligned.

    What it trainsWorks chest, triceps and shoulders with wall support.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Place your hands at chest height. Bend your elbows to move towards the wall, then push back to the start.

    Technique cueMove your body as one unit rather than just your head.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall push-up · pregnancyBESS - 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:

    General movement demonstration. This adapted card's posture, prescription and limits take priority; the video does not establish clinical suitability.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the range and repetitions. Keep your supports; if the movement is still uncomfortable, leave it out and ask for another option.
    To progress
    Only after confirming good tolerance with your professional, add one or two repetitions. Do not increase duration, load and difficulty at the same time.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your waist sag or moving only your head forwards.
    View exercise guide
  8. Chair resistance-band row · pregnancy

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Sit on a firm chair with a light band secured beneath both grounded feet.
    2. Hold the ends and draw elbows back as you breathe out.
    3. Straighten arms slowly without letting the band pull you forward.

    What it trainsWorks the back and arms during the pull and controlled return.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Sit on a sturdy chair with your feet supported and a light band under both feet. Draw your elbows back without shrugging your shoulders. Return with control and breathe out as you pull. Check that the band cannot slip free.

    Technique cueEnsure the band cannot slip free and keep it away from your face.

    Watch the demonstration for Chair resistance-band row · pregnancyRoyal United Hospitals Bath · NHS · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Link published in the official obstetric physiotherapy document; 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:

    Obstetric reference using a band and chair. You may also rehearse the curl without load; use the resistance and range agreed with your professional.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the range and repetitions. Keep your supports; if the movement is still uncomfortable, leave it out and ask for another option.
    To progress
    Only after confirming good tolerance with your professional, add one or two repetitions. Do not increase duration, load and difficulty at the same time.
    Avoid this mistake
    Releasing the band suddenly or using damaged equipment.
    View exercise guide
  9. Biceps curl · pregnancy

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded and arms at your sides, unloaded or with very light bottles.
    2. Bend elbows to bring hands towards shoulders without moving upper arms forward.
    3. Lower hands slowly with your back still.

    What it trainsWorks the biceps while bending elbows and controlling the return.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Sit on a sturdy chair with your feet supported. Bend your elbows with empty hands or two very light bottles. Keep your arms by your sides and lower slowly.

    Technique cueChoose a load that allows only your forearms to move.

    Watch the demonstration for Biceps curl · pregnancyRoyal United Hospitals Bath · NHS · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Link published in the official obstetric physiotherapy document; 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:

    Obstetric reference using a band and chair. You may also rehearse the curl without load; use the resistance and range agreed with your professional.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the range and repetitions. Keep your supports; if the movement is still uncomfortable, leave it out and ask for another option.
    To progress
    Only after confirming good tolerance with your professional, add one or two repetitions. Do not increase duration, load and difficulty at the same time.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving your back to lift the weight.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Finish with a quiet rest. Note how you felt during and after the session; discuss it with your professional before increasing the amount. Time is a guide and includes rests.

How to progress

Agree adaptations individually. Do not stack sessions to compensate for a missed day.

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.