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Sergio DolzTRAIN
GymEliteFree routine

Elite gym · strength with reserve

Strength for highly trained people: 22 sets across nine blocks, low reps and long rests. Combines squats and bench presses without maximum attempts or failure sets. 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
101 min
Level
Elite
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Rack and Bench with safety stops, Barbell, Weight plates, Pull-up station and Cable pulley; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
Before you choose
Elite describes high demands, not a sporting credential. You must control all movements, reliably judge two reps in reserve and have safeties and competent help. Otherwise choose the corresponding advanced session.
Intensity
Challenging but submaximal load: keep at least 2 reps in reserve. Suggested rests are minimums; extend them until ready to repeat with quality.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 15 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Prepare squats and bench presses separately with 3–5 warm-up sets, well below your effort limit. Rehearse pull-ups and Romanian deadlifts too; warm-up sets 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. 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
  2. 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
  3. Supported lateral weight shift

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Stand with feet slightly apart and one hand on a fixed support. Shift weight to one side, bending that knee without lifting either foot. Return through centre with control and repeat the same range on the other side.

    What you train: Trains sideways weight transfer and foot control.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Barbell back squat

    5 × 3

    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
    Controlled descent and firm ascent, without bouncing
    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 bench press

    5 × 3

    How to do it
    1. Set safeties; lie with feet planted and thumbs wrapped around the bar.
    2. Lower towards your chest with aligned wrists and stable supports.
    3. Press without bouncing; re-rack with control when finished.

    What it trainsWorks the chest and triceps through a barbell press.

    Rest
    Rest 180 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Lower with control, pause briefly without bouncing, then press
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Lie with feet secure and back supported, gripping the bar with your thumbs wrapped around it too. Lower towards your chest with control, then press without bouncing, keeping wrists aligned.

    Technique cueArrange help with unracking and re-racking beforehand when needed.

    Watch the demonstration for Barbell bench 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
    Use a light bar or a machine press.
    To progress
    Add a small amount of weight while keeping some effort in reserve.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing off the chest or losing foot support.
    View exercise guide
  3. Strict overhand pull-up

    4 × 4

    How to do it
    1. Grip a fixed bar palms forward, thumbs wrapped around it.
    2. Raise your body towards the bar without kicking or swinging.
    3. Lower slowly until your arms straighten with control.

    What it trainsStrengthens the back, arms and grip while lifting bodyweight.

    Rest
    Rest 150 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Rise without momentum and lower in 2 s
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With a secure overhand grip, raise your body without kicking or swinging. Bring your chin close to bar height and lower with control.

    Technique cueBring your body towards the bar without jutting your chin.

    Watch the demonstration for Strict overhand pull-upPureGym · 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 the assisted machine.
    To progress
    Add repetitions while keeping the same range and control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Throwing the legs or dropping without control.
    View exercise guide
  4. Barbell Romanian deadlift

    3 × 6

    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
  5. Straight-arm pulldown

    2 × 10–12

    How to do it
    1. Face a high pulley, holding the bar with elbows slightly bent.
    2. Bring the bar towards your thighs without bending elbows further or moving your trunk.
    3. Return slowly to head height without arching your waist.

    What it trainsWorks the lats by drawing nearly straight arms towards the hips.

    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 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Stand facing the cable machine and bring the bar from in front of your head towards your thighs. Keep the bend in your elbows almost constant and return the bar without arching your back.

    Technique cueKeep the same slight elbow bend throughout.

    Watch the demonstration for Straight-arm pulldownPureGym · 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 weight and start from a lower height.
    To progress
    Increase the weight by a small amount while maintaining control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bending your elbows too much or using momentum from your hips.
    View exercise guide
  6. Standing Pallof press

    3 × 6 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 90 s between sets; extend the pause if you have not regained control or comfortable breathing.
    Tempo
    Extend, hold 3 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Unloaded hip hinge

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    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 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

    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

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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

Keep loads until completing 5 × 3 of each main lift with consistent technique and reserve. In another session, minimally increase only one lift. Reduce load or volume if performance falls; do not test a maximum to choose the weight.

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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.