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Sergio DolzTRAIN
GymAdvancedFree routine

Advanced gym · legs and posterior chain

Twenty sets across nine blocks: squats, barbell hinges, single-leg work and accessories. Challenge comes from controlled loading and execution with enough rest. 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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Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
84 min
Level
Advanced
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Rack with safety stops, Barbell, Low bench, Leg-curl machine, Leg press, Abductors and Cable pulley; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
Before you choose
Requires established squat and Romanian deadlift experience, adjusted safeties and balanced Bulgarian split squats. This session is not for learning those movements from scratch.
Intensity
Keep 2–3 reps in reserve. Extend breaks if movement quality drops; do not sacrifice technique for exhaustion.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 10 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Complete 3–4 gradually loaded squat warm-up sets and 1–2 specific sets before the Romanian deadlift, without fatigue. 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 MOVE

Your warm-up

Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.

  1. 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
  2. Toe and foot-arch control

    1 × 5 gentle shifts onto the toes

    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 you train: Trains independent toe control and awareness of foot contact.

    Watch video
  3. Supported side leg raise

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand holding a fixed support with both feet facing forward. Lift one leg slightly sideways without leaning your trunk. Lower slowly and complete the other side.

    What you train: Strengthens the side hip muscles and trains pelvic control.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Barbell back squat

    4 × 5–6

    How to do it
    1. Set the rack safeties; place the bar on your upper-back muscles.
    2. Bend hips and knees within your control, keeping whole feet planted.
    3. Push through the floor to rise without letting your trunk collapse forward.

    What it trainsWorks legs and glutes while requiring trunk stability under the bar.

    Rest
    Rest 180 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Lower in about 2 s and return with control
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With the bar stable on your upper-back muscles, bend your hips and knees while keeping your feet planted. Lower to a depth you can control, then rise without abruptly changing your trunk position.

    Technique cueSet safeties just below your range and learn how to leave the bar on them.

    Watch the demonstration for Barbell back squatPureGym · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, variation description and video link checked. Audio and full playback have not been checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Movement guide. Follow your session's sets, tempo and rest; video audio has not been checked.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Practise with a light bar or a goblet squat.
    To progress
    Add a small load while preserving range and some effort in reserve.
    Avoid this mistake
    Losing foot support, collapsing the trunk or turning to check your technique.
    View exercise guide
  2. Barbell Romanian deadlift

    3 × 6–8

    How to do it
    1. Stand with the bar close to your thighs and knees slightly bent.
    2. Push hips back, sliding the bar near your legs without rounding your back.
    3. Push through the floor and extend your hips to stand.

    What it trainsWorks the glutes and hamstrings through a loaded hip hinge.

    Rest
    Rest 150 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Lower in 3 s and return with control
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Begin upright with the bar close to your thighs. Push your hips back with knees slightly bent; lower only while preserving your trunk position, then return by extending your hips.

    Technique cueLower only while your trunk stays stable; you need not reach the floor.

    Watch the demonstration for Barbell Romanian deadliftNASM · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, variation description and video link checked. Audio and full playback have not been checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Movement guide. Follow your session's sets, tempo and rest; video audio has not been checked.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use a light bar or practise the hinge without load.
    To progress
    Increase the load slightly or slow the lowering with greater control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving the bar away or rounding your back to lower further.
    View exercise guide
  3. Bodyweight Bulgarian split squat

    3 × 8 each side

    How to do it
    1. Rest the rear instep on a low, stable bench; step forward without adding weight.
    2. Bend both knees and lower your hips with the front foot steady.
    3. Push through the front leg to rise; finish that side before changing.

    What it trainsTrains single-leg strength and balance with the rear foot elevated.

    Rest
    Rest 120 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Lower in 3 s, pause for 1 s and rise with control
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Rest the top of your rear foot on a bench and keep the front foot secure. Lower by bending both knees, then rise without pushing off the rear leg. Complete one side before switching.

    Technique cueCheck foot spacing with a practice repetition.

    Watch the demonstration for Bodyweight Bulgarian split squatPureGym · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, variation description and video link checked. Audio and full playback have not been checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Movement guide. Follow your session's sets, tempo and rest; video audio has not been checked.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Return to a split squat with both feet on the floor.
    To progress
    Add load only after mastering balance and range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using a bench that is too high or losing front-foot support.
    View exercise guide
  4. Lying leg-curl machine

    3 × 10–12

    How to do it
    1. Lie face down; align knees with the pivot and the roller above your heels.
    2. Bend your knees towards your glutes without raising your hips.
    3. Slowly straighten your legs without letting the plates crash.

    What it trainsWorks the hamstrings, which bend the knees.

    Rest
    Rest 90 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Lower in about 2 s and return with control
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Lie face down and bend your knees to bring your heels towards your glutes. Keep your hips on the pad and return the roller without letting the weight plates drop.

    Technique cueKeep your pelvis on the pad throughout.

    Watch the demonstration for Lying leg-curl machinePureGym · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, variation description and video link checked. Audio and full playback have not been checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Movement guide. Follow your session's sets, tempo and rest; video audio has not been checked.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use less weight and a comfortable range of movement.
    To progress
    Add a brief pause with your knees bent.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back to raise the roller.
    View exercise guide
  5. Horizontal leg-press calf raise

    3 × 10–12

    How to do it
    1. Confirm calf raises are permitted; support your back and forefeet securely.
    2. With soft knees, press through your ankles to raise your heels.
    3. Lower slowly through a controlled range.

    What it trainsWorks the calves against the leg-press platform.

    Rest
    Rest 75 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Rise in 1 s, pause 1 s and lower in 2 s
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With your back supported and forefeet secure on the platform, raise and lower your heels by moving your ankles. Keep your knees soft and do not let your feet slip.

    Technique cueKnow the safety stops and keep broad forefoot contact.

    Watch the demonstration for Horizontal leg-press calf raisePureGym · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, variation description and video link checked. Audio and full playback have not been checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Movement guide. Follow your session's sets, tempo and rest; video audio has not been checked.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Do standing heel raises with support.
    To progress
    Add a pause at the top and bottom before increasing the load.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing or placing only your toes on an unstable edge.
    View exercise guide
  6. Hip-abduction machine

    2 × 12–15

    How to do it
    1. Sit with back supported, feet on supports and pads outside your knees.
    2. Press knees apart without moving your pelvis.
    3. Bring legs together slowly without crashing the plates.

    What it trainsWorks the outer hip muscles by moving the legs apart.

    Rest
    Rest 75 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Lower in about 2 s and return with control
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with support and move your knees apart, pressing the pads outwards. Return slowly without letting the weight plates strike each other.

    Technique cueStop opening where your pelvis can stay still.

    Watch the demonstration for Hip-abduction machinePureGym · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, variation description and video link checked. Audio and full playback have not been checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Movement guide. Follow your session's sets, tempo and rest; video audio has not been checked.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the weight and range of movement.
    To progress
    Add a brief pause in the open position.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rocking or forcing the legs apart.
    View exercise guide
  7. Standing Pallof press

    2 × 8 each side

    How to do it
    1. Stand sideways to a cable or securely anchored band, hands at your chest.
    2. Extend arms forward while resisting trunk and pelvic rotation.
    3. Return hands with control and repeat facing the opposite way.

    What it trainsTrains trunk control against a rotational force.

    Rest
    Rest 75 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Extend, hold 2 s without rotating, then return
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Stand side-on to the resistance and hold the handle in front of your chest. Extend your arms without rotating your trunk, then return slowly. Repeat facing the other direction.

    Technique cueBreathe normally and choose resistance that lets you keep facing forward.

    Watch the demonstration for Standing Pallof pressPureGym · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, variation description and video link checked. Audio and full playback have not been checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Movement guide. Follow your session's sets, tempo and rest; video audio has not been checked.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Keep your hands closer to your chest and reduce resistance.
    To progress
    Lengthen the pause with arms extended without rotating.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rotating the pelvis or holding your breath to resist.
    View exercise guide
  8. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    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 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.

    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
  9. Supported ankle mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Place one foot near a wall with the whole sole grounded.
    2. Move your knee forward in line with your toes, keeping the heel down.
    3. Return slowly and repeat with the other ankle.

    What it trainsTrains ankle mobility with the foot grounded.

    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

    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.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported ankle mobilityNHS University Hospitals Plymouth Physiotherapy · 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
    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

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FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Walk gently for 2–3 minutes and record load, reps and how you felt. Stop if a set causes pain or dizziness. Duration includes preparation and rest; do not shorten breaks to finish sooner.

How to progress

Record loads. After completing every set within range with at least 2 reps in reserve and stable technique, add the smallest increment in another session. Reduce load or one set if technique or recovery worsens; do not compensate by reaching failure.

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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.