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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthIntermediateFree routine

Shoulders at home · strength with equipment

Main focus: shoulders, with preparation and supplementary movements. There are 10 movements in total, not all hard sets for the same muscle. Start with one set of the main exercises if returning to training.

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A mat, chair and simple equipment ready for home training. AI-generated image.
A mat, chair and simple equipment ready for home training. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
46 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Dumbbells, Light resistance band, Fixed table and Exercise mat
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 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. Band pull-apart

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Hold a light band in front of your chest, elbows slightly bent. Move your hands apart through a comfortable shoulder range. Slowly bring your hands together, controlling the band's tension.

    What you train: Strengthens the rear shoulders and trains shoulder-blade movement.

    Watch video
  3. Unloaded neck mobility

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Sit or stand, shoulders relaxed, looking forward with chin at a natural height. Slowly turn your head comfortably to one side without moving your trunk. Return to centre and turn the other way without circling.

    What you train: Trains controlled neck rotation within a comfortable range.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    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 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

    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
  2. Gentle wrist mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. With relaxed arms, gently open and close your hands without maximum squeezing.
    2. Make small wrist circles within a comfortable range.
    3. Reverse direction and finish by relaxing hands and forearms.

    What it trainsMobilises hands and wrists before gripping or weight-bearing exercises.

    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

    Relax your arms, open and close hands, and make small, comfortable wrist circles in both directions.

    Technique cueKeep movement gentle without forcing end ranges.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle wrist mobilityPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

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    Use your card's small, comfortable circles without forcing the 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
    Moving your wrist into a painful end position.
    View exercise guide
  3. Dumbbell shoulder press

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Stand or sit steadily with a light dumbbell beside each shoulder.
    2. Press overhead through a comfortable range.
    3. Bend your elbows and slowly return the weights to shoulder height.

    What it trainsStrengthens the shoulders and triceps through overhead pressing.

    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

    From a stable position, press two light dumbbells overhead and lower slowly.

    Technique cueKeep your ribs stacked above your pelvis.

    Watch the demonstration for Dumbbell shoulder pressPureGym · 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
    Reduce the weight and range of movement to a comfortable level.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the weight while keeping your torso stable.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back to complete the repetition.
    View exercise guide
  4. Bottle or dumbbell lateral raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold light weights beside you with elbows slightly bent.
    2. Raise arms sideways to a comfortable height below shoulder level.
    3. Lower slowly without shrugging or swinging.

    What it trainsMainly works the side shoulders.

    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 arms at your sides and elbows slightly bent, raise hands sideways to a comfortable height below your shoulders. Lower slowly.

    Technique cueRelax your neck with thumbs angled slightly upward.

    Watch the demonstration for Bottle or dumbbell lateral raiseNational Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

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    Use light weight and lift only to your card's comfortable height, without swinging your trunk.

    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
    Shrugging or using leg momentum.
    View exercise guide
  5. Supported rear-delt raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Rest one hand on a table, hinge forward and hold a light dumbbell in the other.
    2. Open the loaded arm sideways, elbow slightly bent, without rotating your chest.
    3. Lower slowly with your back still.

    What it trainsWorks the rear shoulder with additional trunk 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

    Rest one hand on a firm table and hinge forward from your hips. Open the other arm sideways with a slightly bent elbow, then return slowly.

    Technique cueUse a short range; move the shoulder while the trunk stays still.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported rear-delt raiseSET FOR SET · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Video linked in section 11 of the original guide. Title, channel and oEmbed response checked; full playback and audio not observed.

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    The demonstration uses a bench for hand support; the app card permits a sturdy, fixed table. Do not support your body on unstable furniture.

    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
    Moving your back to open the arm.
    View exercise guide
  6. Unanchored band external rotation

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a band in both hands, elbows bent and tucked beside you.
    2. Rotate forearms outward, separating hands without lifting elbows away.
    3. Slowly return with control.

    What it trainsWorks the shoulder's external rotators against light band resistance.

    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 band in both hands, elbows bent and tucked beside you. Rotate forearms outward to separate hands, then return slowly.

    Technique cueOpen only as far as elbows stay tucked and shoulders relaxed.

    Watch the demonstration for Unanchored band external rotationPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public page, title and variation instructions checked; VideoPlayer.videoUrl is non-null in the original HTML. Full playback and audio not observed.

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    Open the demonstration on its original page. Follow your app card's range, equipment and prescription.

    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
    Lifting elbows away or forcing the end range.
    View exercise guide
  7. Wall arm slide

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Face a wall with hands or forearms resting at a comfortable height.
    2. Slide your arms upward without arching your back or straining your shoulders.
    3. Slide back down with control.

    What it trainsTrains coordinated shoulder and shoulder-blade movement while raising the arms.

    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

    Stand facing a wall and rest your hands or forearms on it at a comfortable height. Gently slide them upwards and back down without forcing your shoulders.

    Technique cueKeep ribs above your pelvis; you do not need to reach the highest point.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall arm slideBESS - British Elbow & Shoulder Society · 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
    Reduce the height of the slide.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the range of movement if you can maintain your posture.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back to reach higher or pushing through discomfort.
    View exercise guide
  8. Seated shoulder-blade squeeze

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded, arms relaxed and shoulders away from ears.
    2. Gently bring shoulder blades together without arching or lifting your chest.
    3. Hold three seconds, then fully relax.

    What it trainsPractises drawing shoulder blades together with relaxed neck and shoulders.

    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, gently draw shoulder blades together for three seconds, then relax.

    Technique cueUse a small movement without maximum squeezing.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated shoulder-blade squeezePhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public page, title and variation instructions checked; VideoPlayer.videoUrl is non-null in the original HTML. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    The original page includes written instructions in Spanish. Open the demonstration on that page. Follow your app card's range, equipment and prescription.

    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
    Squeezing maximally or raising your shoulders.
    View exercise guide
  9. Unloaded arm opening

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand with your arms in front at a comfortable height.
    2. Gently open them sideways without moving your trunk.
    3. Slowly bring your arms back together in front.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder movement and arm coordination without added load.

    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

    Sitting or standing, gently open your arms at a comfortable height, then bring them back together in front. Keep your shoulders relaxed and torso stable.

    Technique cueRelax your shoulders; your hands do not need to go behind your body.

    Watch the demonstration for Unloaded arm openingPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, instructions and playback progressing to 44 seconds checked. Audio unverified.

    Date checked:

    The demonstration opens arms from the lap and returns while exhaling. This supports the card as a variation; keep the range comfortable without forcing your back.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Keep your arms below shoulder height.
    To progress
    Add a short pause as you open your arms without arching your back.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your shoulder range or pushing your chest out too far.
    View exercise guide
  10. Prone Y raise

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie face down with forehead supported and arms in a Y, thumbs up.
    2. Lift arms a few centimetres without raising your chest or head.
    3. Slowly lower your hands and repeat the same short range.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder and shoulder-blade control in an overhead position.

    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

    Lie face down with forehead supported and arms in a Y, thumbs up. Slightly lift arms without raising your chest, then lower with control.

    Technique cueKeep shoulders away from ears; a slight hand lift is enough.

    Watch the demonstration for Prone Y raise[P]rehab · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200: title, instructions and public video metadata, including 67 s duration, checked. No verified public iframe URL is offered; the original link is retained. Full playback and audio not observed.

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    Raise arms in a Y with thumbs up, without shrugging.

    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
    Lower-back arching or neck tension.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish 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.