ES EspañolEN English
Skip to content
Sergio DolzTRAIN
GymBeginnerFree routine

Gym · start with machines

Nine movements to learn machine adjustments and complete a first full-body session. Includes 12 work sets with plenty of repetitions in reserve. The session includes preparation and supplementary low-load movements. You may split them up or shorten the session according to tolerance.

Read the workout without signing up. The app adds a timer, set logging and access to your activity.

Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
52 min
Level
Beginner
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Horizontal leg press, Chest-press machine, Lat-pulldown machine, Leg-curl machine, Abductors and Adjustable cable pulley; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
Before you choose
For starting with machines. Prioritise understanding the seat, supports, weight selector and exit rather than comparing loads with others.
Intensity
Finish each set with 3–4 reps in reserve. In the Pallof press, prioritise resisting trunk rotation.
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 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. Wall arm slide

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Face a wall with hands or forearms resting at a comfortable height. Slide your arms upward without arching your back or straining your shoulders. Slide back down with control.

    What you train: Trains coordinated shoulder and shoulder-blade movement while raising the arms.

    Watch video
  3. 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 exercises
  1. Horizontal leg press

    2 × 8–10

    How to do it
    1. Adjust the seat: back and pelvis supported, whole feet on the platform.
    2. Push the platform away without snapping your knees straight.
    3. Lower slowly; stop before your pelvis lifts.

    What it trainsWorks the quadriceps and glutes with your back supported.

    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 4: finish with about 4 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With your back supported and your whole feet on the platform, press until your legs are extended without snapping your knees straight. Return slowly, only as far as you can keep your pelvis supported.

    Technique cueKeep knees pointing in the same direction as your feet.

    Watch the demonstration for Horizontal leg 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
    Reduce the weight and depth.
    To progress
    Increase the weight slightly while keeping the same range of movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your pelvis to lower further.
    View exercise guide
  2. Seated chest-press machine

    2 × 8–10

    How to do it
    1. Set handles at mid-chest height; support your back and feet.
    2. Press forward with wrists aligned with your forearms.
    3. Return slowly to a comfortable opening, keeping your back supported.

    What it trainsWorks the chest and triceps with a guided press and supported trunk.

    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 4: finish with about 4 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With your back and feet supported, press the handles forwards. Return them slowly without letting your shoulders roll forwards or forcing the opening movement.

    Technique cueKeep shoulders comfortable without rolling them forward on the return.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated chest-press 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 adjust the starting position.
    To progress
    Add repetitions before increasing the weight by one increment.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your back off the pad or pushing with a jerk.
    View exercise guide
  3. Lat pulldown

    2 × 8–10

    How to do it
    1. Adjust the thigh pad; grip slightly wider than shoulders, palms forward.
    2. Draw elbows down and bring the bar towards your upper chest.
    3. Let it rise slowly, straightening your arms without swinging.

    What it trainsWorks the back and arms against an overhead resistance.

    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 4: finish with about 4 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold the bar with your palms facing forwards. Sit in a stable position and draw your elbows down to bring the bar towards your upper chest; then slowly straighten your arms.

    Technique cueBring the bar in front of your head, never behind your neck.

    Watch the demonstration for Lat 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
    Reduce the weight and practise the movement.
    To progress
    Increase the weight only if you do not need to sway.
    Avoid this mistake
    Turning the pulldown into a whole-body jerk.
    View exercise guide
  4. Lying leg-curl machine

    2 × 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 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

    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. 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 60 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
  6. Standing Pallof press

    2 × 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 60 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
  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.

    Date checked:

    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
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

Complete the top of the rep range with stable technique and 3 reps in reserve in two sessions. Then add only the smallest increment and return to the lower end. Keep the load if that increase is too large.

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.