Prepare your workout
- Equipment
- Adjustable dumbbells with sufficient load, Firm support and Exercise mat; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
- Before you choose
- For regular trainees with established technique in every movement who can estimate remaining repetitions. Dumbbells must provide sufficient load: finishing with much more reserve makes this less than advanced for you. Learn new movements with supervision first.
- Intensity
- RIR 2 means finishing able to do about 2 more good repetitions. Main sets should be challenging without failure. Preserve posture and breathing in holds and carries; prioritise speed and quality in jumps.
- Warm-up
- Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 8 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Add 2–3 gradual warm-up sets for the first loaded exercise, well below fatigue, and one rehearsal of the first unfamiliar pattern. These are not work sets.
Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.
PREPARE TO MOVEYour warm-up
Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.
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 ↗Supported ankle mobility
1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side
Place one foot near a wall with the whole sole grounded. Move your knee forward in line with your toes, keeping the heel down. Return slowly and repeat with the other ankle.
What you train: Trains ankle mobility with the foot grounded.
Watch video ↗Gentle wrist mobility
1 × 6 gentle repetitions
With relaxed arms, gently open and close your hands without maximum squeezing. Make small wrist circles within a comfortable range. Reverse direction and finish by relaxing hands and forearms.
What you train: Mobilises hands and wrists before gripping or weight-bearing exercises.
Watch video ↗
STEP BY STEP
Your complete workout
9 exercises01Goblet squat
3 × 6–8 · RIR 2
How to do it- Hold the dumbbell close to your chest and keep both feet firmly on the floor.
- Bend your hips and knees to lower to a depth you can control.
- Push through the floor to rise without losing your range or torso position.
What it trainsStrengthens the quadriceps and glutes while your trunk supports the weight.
- Rest
- Rest 150 s between sets. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
- Tempo
- 2 s lowering · 1 s at the bottom · firm ascent
- Effort reserve
- RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
The movement, step by step
Hold a dumbbell close to your chest with both feet firm. Lower between your hips to a depth you can control, then rise with your torso steady. Use a load that makes the final repetitions challenging without losing your range.
Technique cueThe weight should make the final repetitions challenging without forcing you to shorten the lowering phase.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Squat to a chair without added weight.
- To progress
- After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
- Avoid this mistake
- Lifting your heels or dropping without control.
View exercise guide ↗02Dumbbell Romanian deadlift
3 × 6–8 · RIR 2
How to do it- Hold two dumbbells close to your thighs and bend your knees slightly.
- Move your hips back and lower the weights close to your legs without rounding your back.
- Stop lowering before you lose hip control, then stand up by extending your hips.
What it trainsStrengthens the glutes and hamstrings and teaches lifting from the hips.
- Rest
- Rest 180 s between sets. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
- Tempo
- 2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
- Effort reserve
- RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
The movement, step by step
Hold two dumbbells and bend your knees slightly, then move your hips back without rounding your back. Keep the weights close to your legs and return by extending your hips. Stop lowering when you can no longer move your hips with control.
Technique cueYour range ends where you can still move from your hips with a stable back.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Practise an unweighted hip hinge beside a wall.
- To progress
- After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
- Avoid this mistake
- Rounding your back or trying to reach the floor at all costs.
View exercise guide ↗03Dumbbell floor press
3 × 6–8 · RIR 2
How to do it- Lie down with your knees bent and the dumbbells above your chest.
- Lower until the backs of your upper arms gently touch the floor, then pause briefly.
- Press the dumbbells upwards without losing your support or bouncing.
What it trainsStrengthens the chest and triceps; the floor limits how far you lower.
- Rest
- Rest 150 s between sets. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
- Tempo
- 2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
- Effort reserve
- RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
The movement, step by step
Lie down with your knees bent and the dumbbells over your chest. Lower until your upper arms gently rest on the floor, pause briefly and press without losing your position. Use a weight you can get into and out of position independently and with control.
Technique cueUse a weight you can get into and out of position with control and without help.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Practise with very light dumbbells.
- To progress
- After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
- Avoid this mistake
- Hitting the floor with your elbows or holding your breath.
View exercise guide ↗04Supported dumbbell row
3 × 6–8 per side · RIR 2
How to do it- Rest one hand on a firm surface and hinge forward from your hips.
- Pull the dumbbell towards your hip by moving your elbow back, without rotating your chest.
- Lower until your arm is straight, with control, keeping your torso at the same angle.
What it trainsStrengthens the back and arms with additional support for your trunk.
- Rest
- Rest 150 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
- Tempo
- 2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
- Effort reserve
- RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
The movement, step by step
Support yourself with one hand and hold your torso at a comfortable angle. Pull the dumbbell towards your hip without rotating your body; lower with control until your arm is straight. Choose a challenging weight that does not require momentum.
Technique cueChoose a challenging weight that you can move without momentum.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Reduce the weight and range of movement.
- To progress
- After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
- Avoid this mistake
- Using momentum from your torso on every repetition.
View exercise guide ↗05Reverse lunge
2 × 8–10 per side · RIR 2
How to do it- Hold two dumbbells at your sides and stand with a stable base.
- Step backwards, lower with control and return by pushing through your front leg.
- Complete all repetitions on that side before switching legs.
What it trainsWorks your legs and glutes in a weighted lunge, completing each side separately.
- Rest
- Rest 120 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
- Tempo
- 2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
- Effort reserve
- RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
The movement, step by step
Hold two dumbbells, step backwards and lower with control. Return by pushing through your front leg. Complete one side before switching so you can compare the repetitions.
Technique cueKeep the same range of motion so you can compare repetitions between legs.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Do a supported split squat.
- To progress
- After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
- Avoid this mistake
- Rushing the movement or letting your knee collapse inwards.
View exercise guide ↗06Single-leg calf raise
2 × 10–15 per side · RIR 1
How to do it- Hold a fixed support with one hand and a dumbbell in the other; shift your weight onto one leg.
- Raise the heel of your supporting leg and pause at the top without swaying.
- Lower slowly until your heel rests on the floor, using a range you can control.
What it trainsWorks one calf with added weight and hand support to control your balance.
- Rest
- Rest 90 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
- Tempo
- 2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
- Effort reserve
- RIR 1: finish with about 1 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
The movement, step by step
Hold a fixed support with one hand and a dumbbell in the other, then raise the heel of the working leg. Pause at the top and lower slowly until your heel is supported. Use a range you can control, without bouncing.
Technique cueKeep your hand on the support throughout each repetition.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Use both feet.
- To progress
- After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
- Avoid this mistake
- Bouncing to complete the final repetitions.
View exercise guide ↗07Suitcase carry
2 × 30–45 s each side
How to do it- Hold a dumbbell at one side in a clear space.
- Walk slowly with regular steps and an upright trunk.
- Stop with control and change hands.
What it trainsStrengthens grip and trains the trunk to resist an uneven load while walking.
- Rest
- Rest 90 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides.
- Tempo
- Continuous breathing · steady posture · no swaying
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.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Reduce the weight and distance.
- To progress
- After reaching the upper time limit in all sets across two sessions, slightly increase the load or lever while returning to the initial duration.
- Avoid this mistake
- Leaning your body to compensate for the weight.
View exercise guide ↗08Alternating dead bug
2 × 6–8 per side · RIR 2
How to do it- Lie on your back with your arms raised and your hips and knees bent.
- Reach one arm and the opposite leg away only as far as you can control, without lifting your lower back.
- Return slowly and alternate sides, breathing normally.
What it trainsTrains abdominal control while the arms and legs move.
- Rest
- Rest 60 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
- Tempo
- 3 s reaching away · 1 s pause · controlled return
- Effort reserve
- RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
The movement, step by step
Lying down, reach the opposite arm and leg away using the longest lever you can control without lifting your lower back or holding your breath. Return slowly and alternate sides.
Technique cueUse the longest lever you can control without forcing your arms or legs further.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Move only one leg or slide your heel.
- To progress
- Gradually extend your leg further without changing your pelvis position. If you already control the full lever, keep this exercise as a control accessory.
- Avoid this mistake
- Holding your breath or moving your pelvis.
View exercise guide ↗09Shoulder circles
Additional exercise
1 × 5
How to do it- Sit or stand with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Make small, slow shoulder circles backwards.
- 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.
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 ↗
FINISH THE SESSIONFinish and prepare your next step.
Walk or cycle gently for 3–5 minutes. Duration includes warm-up, sets and suggested rest; allow longer if needed. Let the muscles recover before another similar hard session.
How to progress
Record weight, reps and effort reserve. Keep the load until you reach the top of the range in every set with the intended RIR for two sessions. Then add the smallest available increment and return to the lower end. Reduce load if you miss the minimum or lose technique. Do not add this on top of another hard session for the same muscles.
Open workout in the app →TRAIN CONSISTENTLYThis routine is part of…
Sets and effort can change from week to week in a program. Open the session from the program to follow its stage’s guidance.
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.