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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthBeginnerFree routine

Back at home · foundations and control

Main focus: back, 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
Towel, Chair, Wall 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. Wall push-up

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Place your hands on the wall at chest height and step slightly back. Bend your elbows to bring your chest towards the wall, keeping your body aligned. Push away to straighten your arms and return.

    What you train: Strengthens the chest, triceps and shoulders with less load than floor push-ups.

    Watch video
  3. Side-lying thoracic rotation

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Lie on your side with knees bent and arms in front. Open the upper arm backwards with a gentle rotation of your chest. Close the arm slowly; complete both sides.

    What you train: Trains upper-back rotation while your pelvis remains supported.

    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. Seated thoracic rotation

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit upright with feet grounded and arms crossed over your chest.
    2. Gently rotate your chest to one side without moving your pelvis.
    3. Return to the centre with control and turn the other way.

    What it trainsTrains upper-back mobility from a stable seated position.

    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 upright with both feet on the floor and your arms crossed over your chest. Gently rotate your torso, return to the centre and switch sides.

    Technique cueKeep your hips and knees facing forward.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated thoracic rotationBromley 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
    Use a small rotation.
    To progress
    Add a two-second pause in a comfortable position.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing the rotation by pulling on the backrest or moving your pelvis.
    View exercise guide
  3. Seated isometric towel row

    Train

    2 × 4 presses of 5 s

    How to do it
    1. Sit with a strong towel around your soles, keeping shoes on.
    2. Gently pull the ends without moving arms or legs; keep your chest upright.
    3. Hold for five seconds while breathing, then relax.

    What it trainsActivates the back and arms with a sustained pull.

    Rest
    Relax 5 s between presses; rest 45 s or longer between sets.
    Tempo
    Hold 5 s while breathing, then relax 5 s between presses
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with a strong towel around your shod soles. Hold the ends and gently pull while arms and legs stay still. Keep your chest upright, breathe for five seconds and release the tension.

    Technique cueAdjust knee bend for comfort and check the towel first.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated isometric towel rowDr. Jacob Goodin · 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:

    Follow this card's technique and prescription; pressure is gentle and without movement.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce pressure and hold only 3 seconds for a gentler start.
    To progress
    When comfortable, slightly increase pressure while retaining the 5-second hold and normal breathing.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using a damaged towel, leaning backwards or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  4. Isometric elbow press against a wall

    Train

    2 × 4 presses of 5 s

    How to do it
    1. Rest your back on a firm wall, feet slightly apart for stability.
    2. Bend elbows to 90° and gently press them back into the wall.
    3. Hold for five seconds while breathing, then relax.

    What it trainsActivates the rear shoulders through sustained wall pressure.

    Rest
    Relax 5 s between presses; rest 45 s or longer between sets.
    Tempo
    Hold 5 s while breathing, then relax 5 s between presses
    The movement, step by step

    Rest your back on a firm wall with feet slightly apart. Bend both elbows to 90° and gently press them back into the wall for five seconds. Keep your trunk still, breathe and relax.

    Technique cueKeep shoulders down and trunk still.

    Watch the demonstration for Isometric elbow press against a wallPhysitrack · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Page, exact instructions and VideoPlayer with a resource present checked; full playback not observed.

    Date checked:

    Open the video on its original page. Follow this card's technique and prescription; pressure is gentle and without movement.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce pressure and hold only 3 seconds for a gentler start.
    To progress
    When comfortable, slightly increase pressure while retaining the 5-second hold and normal breathing.
    Avoid this mistake
    Pushing with your whole body, shrugging or stopping breathing.
    View exercise guide
  5. Prone W raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie face down, forehead on a towel, arms in a W.
    2. Slightly lift hands and elbows while gently drawing shoulder blades together.
    3. Lower slowly without lifting your chest.

    What it trainsStrengthens rear shoulders and trains shoulder-blade control with bent arms.

    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 face down, forehead on a towel and arms in a W. Slightly raise hands and elbows, gently bring shoulder blades together and lower.

    Technique cueKeep your neck long and pelvis on the mat.

    Watch the demonstration for Prone W raisePeak Physio · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Video URL and metadata located; title, channel and oEmbed response checked. Full playback and audio not observed.

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    Demonstrates the variation with the stated equipment; follow the app's prescription and range.

    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
    Lifting your chest by arching your lower back.
    View exercise guide
  6. Prone T raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie face down with forehead supported and arms in a T, thumbs up.
    2. Lift arms a few centimetres without raising your head or shrugging.
    3. Lower slowly with control.

    What it trainsStrengthens rear shoulders and trains shoulder-blade control with open arms.

    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 face down, forehead supported, arms in a T and thumbs up. Raise arms a few centimetres and lower slowly.

    Technique cueUse a small range in which you feel shoulder-blade movement.

    Watch the demonstration for Prone T raisePhysitrack · 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
    Forcing height or extending your neck.
    View exercise guide
  7. Wall shoulder-blade control

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Place hands on a wall at shoulder height with elbows straight.
    2. Let your chest move slightly towards the wall as shoulder blades approach.
    3. Push the wall away to spread shoulder blades without bending elbows.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder-blade control as the chest approaches and leaves the wall.

    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 hands on a wall at shoulder height. With elbows straight, let the chest move slightly closer, then push away to spread your shoulder blades.

    Technique cueMove your shoulder blades with straight arms and a stable waist.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall shoulder-blade 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
    Sagging through your waist.
    View exercise guide
  8. Unloaded hip hinge

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    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 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

    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.

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    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
  9. Prone Y raise

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie face down with forehead supported and arms in a Y, thumbs up.
    2. Lift arms a few centimetres without raising your chest or head.
    3. Slowly lower your hands and repeat the same short range.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder and shoulder-blade control in an overhead position.

    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 face down with forehead supported and arms in a Y, thumbs up. Slightly lift arms without raising your chest, then lower with control.

    Technique cueKeep shoulders away from ears; a slight hand lift is enough.

    Watch the demonstration for Prone Y raise[P]rehab · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

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    Raise arms in a Y with thumbs up, without shrugging.

    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
    Lower-back arching or neck tension.
    View exercise guide
  10. Wall arm slide

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Face a wall with hands or forearms resting at a comfortable height.
    2. Slide your arms upward without arching your back or straining your shoulders.
    3. Slide back down with control.

    What it trainsTrains coordinated shoulder and shoulder-blade movement while raising the arms.

    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

    Stand facing a wall and rest your hands or forearms on it at a comfortable height. Gently slide them upwards and back down without forcing your shoulders.

    Technique cueKeep ribs above your pelvis; you do not need to reach the highest point.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall arm slideBESS - 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:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the height of the slide.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the range of movement if you can maintain your posture.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back to reach higher or pushing through discomfort.
    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.