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 ↗Unloaded arm opening
1 × 6 gentle repetitions
Sit or stand with your arms in front at a comfortable height. Gently open them sideways without moving your trunk. Slowly bring your arms back together in front.
What you train: Trains shoulder movement and arm coordination without added load.
Watch video ↗Bodyweight squat
1 × 6 gentle repetitions
Stand with your feet comfortably apart. Bend your hips and knees with weight shared between both feet. Push through the floor and straighten your legs to stand.
What you train: Strengthens legs and glutes and trains hip-knee coordination when lowering.
Watch video ↗
STEP BY STEP
Your complete workout
9 exercises01Dumbbell floor press
3 × 5–8 · 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 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
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 ↗02Split squat
3 × 6–8 per side · RIR 2
How to do it- Hold a dumbbell at each side and place one foot forward and one back, with a wide base.
- Lower your pelvis straight down by bending both knees, keeping your feet in place.
- Rise by pushing mainly through your front leg; complete one side before switching.
What it trainsBuilds strength in each leg with a weight on both sides and your feet kept in place.
- 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
Hold dumbbells on both sides and take a fixed split stance with enough width. Lower vertically and push mainly through your front leg. Complete one side, then the other, with the same number of repetitions.
Technique cueDo the same number of repetitions on each leg and keep your pelvis facing forwards.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Use one hand for support and reduce the 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 such a narrow stance that you lose your balance.
View exercise guide ↗03Supported dumbbell row
2 × 6–10 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 ↗04Supported single-leg hip hinge
2 × 6–8 per side · RIR 2
How to do it- Rest one hand on a sturdy support and hold the dumbbell in the other.
- Standing on one leg, move your hips and free leg back as you lean your torso forwards.
- Return to standing with control, keeping your pelvis facing the floor as you lower.
What it trainsWorks the glutes and hamstrings of one leg with added weight and support for stability.
- 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
Rest one hand on a stable support and hold the dumbbell in the other. Move your hips back over one leg while the other leg moves back; keep your pelvis facing the floor. Use the support to train strength rather than turn this into a balance test.
Technique cueUse the support to focus on strength rather than turning the exercise into a balance test.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Hinge with both feet on the floor.
- 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
- Rotating your pelvis to increase the range of movement.
View exercise guide ↗05Half-kneeling shoulder press
2 × 8–10 per side · RIR 2
How to do it- Kneel on one padded knee and place the opposite foot forwards, keeping a wide base.
- Press the dumbbell from your shoulder to overhead without leaning.
- Lower to your shoulder with control, keeping your pelvis and ribs still.
What it trainsStrengthens the shoulder and triceps and trains trunk stability in half kneeling.
- 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
Kneel on one knee on a mat and place the opposite foot forwards, with a wide base. Press a dumbbell from your shoulder to overhead and return with control. Keep your pelvis and ribs still, without leaning to complete the repetition.
Technique cueKeep enough side-to-side space between your points of support to stay stable.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Do a standing press with less 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
- Leaning sideways or losing your balance.
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 ↗08Side plank
2 × 25–40 s each side
How to do it- Lie on your side, supported on your forearm and the sides of your feet.
- Raise your pelvis to align shoulders, hips and feet without twisting.
- Breathe as you hold; lower with control to finish.
What it trainsTrains side abdominal endurance and pelvic control with a narrow support base.
- Rest
- Rest 75 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
Rest on your forearm and the sides of your feet. Lift your pelvis to form a comfortable straight line, and breathe without rotating.
Technique cuePlace your elbow below your shoulder; stop if alignment is lost.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Rest on your knees.
- 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
- Rotating your torso or holding your breath.
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.