Prepare your workout
- Equipment
- Chair, Light load, Fixed support and Wall; Clear gym space
- 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 MOVEYour warm-up
Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.
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 ↗Supported calf raise
1 × 6 gentle repetitions
Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet. Slowly raise both heels without shifting forward. Lower with control until your whole feet are grounded.
What you train: Strengthens the calves and trains ankle control when rising onto your toes.
Watch video ↗Supported standing hamstring curl
1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side
Stand holding a fixed support, knees close and trunk upright. Bend one knee to lift the heel back without moving the thigh forward or arching. Lower slowly and change legs.
What you train: Works hamstrings with balance support.
Watch video ↗
STEP BY STEP
Your complete workout
10 exercises01Supported ankle mobility
Additional exercise
1 × 6
How to do it- 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 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.
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 ↗02Toe and foot-arch control
Additional exercise
1 × 6
How to do it- Sit with feet grounded and toes relaxed, without loading the outer foot edge.
- Lift only the big toe, keeping the other four down.
- 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.
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 ↗03Single-leg calf raise
Train
2 × 8
How to do it- Hold a firm support and shift your weight onto one foot.
- Raise that heel without swinging your body.
- Lower slowly until the heel rests, then change legs.
What it trainsStrengthens each calf and trains control on one foot.
- 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 support and raise the heel of your standing leg. Lower slowly, then complete the other side.
Technique cueRise only as high as you can keep your ankle stable.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Use both feet.
- To progress
- Hold a light dumbbell while keeping your support.
- Avoid this mistake
- Bouncing to complete the final repetitions.
View exercise guide ↗04Bent-knee calf raise
Train
2 × 8
How to do it- Hold a fixed support and slightly bend both knees.
- Raise both heels without changing the knee bend.
- Lower slowly, keeping the same knee angle.
What it trainsWorks the calf with emphasis on the soleus.
- 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 support with knees slightly bent. Raise both heels and lower slowly without fully straightening your knees.
Technique cueKeep knees slightly bent throughout.
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
- Continuously changing your knee angle.
View exercise guide ↗05Seated calf raise
Train
2 × 8
How to do it- Sit on a stable chair, feet grounded and knees bent.
- Raise both heels while forefeet stay on the floor.
- Lower slowly without bouncing into the next repetition.
What it trainsWorks the calves while seated, especially the soleus.
- 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, raise heels and lower slowly. For extra resistance, rest a light load on your thighs away from the kneecaps.
Technique cueIf adding a light load, place it on the thighs away from kneecaps.
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
- Bouncing or placing a load on your knee.
View exercise guide ↗06Supported calf-raise hold
Train
2 × 8
How to do it- Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet.
- Raise both heels to a comfortable height for the prescribed hold.
- Breathe throughout and lower your heels slowly.
What it trainsTrains calf endurance through a stationary heel-raise hold.
- 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
Raise your heels with stable support and hold a comfortable position for a few seconds. Lower slowly.
Technique cueFinish before you start losing ankle stability.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Keep both feet supported and shorten the hold.
- To progress
- Alternate placing a little more weight on each leg.
- Avoid this mistake
- Holding until you lose control of your ankle.
View exercise guide ↗07Supported toe raise
Additional exercise
1 × 6
How to do it- Stand beside a fixed support with both heels grounded.
- Lift the fronts of your feet without shifting your body back.
- Slowly lower until your whole feet rest on the floor.
What it trainsStrengthens the front lower-leg muscles that lift your toes while walking.
- 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 fixed support within reach and both heels on the floor, lift the front of your feet. Lower your toes slowly and repeat.
Technique cueUse a small range and the support to stay steady.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Do it seated with your heels supported.
- To progress
- Add a one-second pause at the top.
- Avoid this mistake
- Rocking back on your heels or losing your support.
View exercise guide ↗08Gentle foot-arch activation
Additional exercise
1 × 6
How to do it- Sit with your foot grounded and toes long and relaxed.
- Gently draw the toe bases towards the heel without curling or lifting toes.
- Hold the small contraction for three seconds, then fully relax.
What it trainsTrains arch-supporting foot muscles without curling the 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 your foot grounded, gently draw the toe bases towards your heel without curling or lifting toes. Hold three seconds and relax.
Technique cueSeek a very small arch lift with straight 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
- Curling your toes like a claw.
View exercise guide ↗09Gentle calf stretch
Additional exercise
1 × 6
How to do it- Place hands on a wall and step one foot back, both feet facing forward.
- Bend the front knee while keeping the rear heel grounded.
- Hold gentle calf tension, return slowly and change sides.
What it trainsGently stretches the calf with stable 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
Place your hands on a wall and step one foot back. Keep your back heel on the floor and gently bend your front knee until you feel a light stretch. Switch sides.
Technique cueBreathe normally and hold without bouncing.
Variations and mistakes to avoid
- More accessible
- Bring your back foot closer and reduce your lean.
- To progress
- Hold a comfortable position for a few seconds longer without seeking more tension.
- Avoid this mistake
- Forcing the stretch or lifting your back heel.
View exercise guide ↗10Calm standing breathing
Additional exercise
1 × 6
How to do it- Stand with feet firm, knees relaxed and shoulders down.
- Breathe in comfortably without shrugging or maximally filling your lungs.
- 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.
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 SESSIONFinish 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.