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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthIntermediateFree routine

Hamstrings at home · strength with equipment

Main focus: hamstrings, 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, Miniband, Fixed support 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. 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. Miniband lateral steps

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Place a miniband above knees and slightly bend hips and knees. Take three short steps sideways with knees following your feet. Return with three steps without fully closing feet or losing tension.

    What you train: Works the outer hips against miniband resistance.

    Watch video
  3. 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 exercises
  1. Supported ankle mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    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 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.

    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
  2. Quadruped hip rock-back

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Start on hands and knees on a mat with a steady back.
    2. Slowly move your hips towards your heels without lifting your hands.
    3. Gently bring your hips back over your knees.

    What it trainsTrains hip mobility with hand and knee support and little weight on the legs.

    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 your hands and knees, slowly move your hips backwards and return to the starting position.

    Technique cueStop where your hips and knees remain comfortable.

    Watch the demonstration for Quadruped hip rock-backE3 Rehab Exercise Library · 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 movement and pad your knees.
    To progress
    Add a brief pause at the back.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing a painful stretch.
    View exercise guide
  3. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs with your knees slightly bent.
    2. Push your hips back, hinging forward with the weights close to your legs.
    3. Stop before your posture changes; extend your hips to stand.

    What it trainsStrengthens the glutes and hamstrings and teaches lifting from the hips.

    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 knees slightly bent, push your hips back while keeping the dumbbells close to your legs. Return by extending your hips.

    Technique cueKeep a soft knee bend rather than turning the movement into a squat.

    Watch the demonstration for Dumbbell Romanian deadliftNASM · 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
    Practise an unweighted hip hinge beside a wall.
    To progress
    Increase the weight gradually while maintaining a controlled range of movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rounding your back or trying to reach the floor at all costs.
    View exercise guide
  4. Supported single-leg hip hinge

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a firm support with one hand and shift your weight onto one leg.
    2. Reach the other leg back as you hinge forward from your hips.
    3. Return upright slowly, then repeat on the other leg.

    What it trainsStrengthens one leg's glutes and hamstrings and trains pelvic control.

    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

    Use one hand for support. Stand on one leg and move the other backwards while hinging forwards at the hips. Return slowly.

    Technique cueKeep both hips facing the floor as you lean forward.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported single-leg hip hingePhysio REHAB · Tim Keeley · 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
    Hinge with both feet on the floor.
    To progress
    Reduce your support if you can stay stable.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rotating your pelvis to increase the range of movement.
    View exercise guide
  5. Miniband hamstring curl

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Place the band around your ankles beside a fixed support, hands nearby.
    2. Bend one knee to move the heel back against the band without leaning.
    3. Lower slowly and change legs.

    What it trainsWorks hamstrings against elastic 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

    With a band around ankles and both hands near support, bend one knee to bring the heel back against light tension. Return slowly and change sides.

    Technique cueCheck that the band cannot slip and use gentle tension.

    Watch the demonstration for Miniband hamstring curlPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, movement instructions and VideoPlayer offering a video checked. Full playback and audio not checked.

    Date checked:

    Keep a fixed support nearby and use light band tension.

    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
    Compensating by leaning your back.
    View exercise guide
  6. Short heel steps from a low bridge

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie with knees bent and raise your pelvis into a low bridge.
    2. Move one heel only a few centimetres away without dropping or turning your pelvis.
    3. Bring it back and alternate, maintaining pelvic height.

    What it trainsWorks hamstrings and glutes while moving one foot in a low bridge.

    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 low, stable bridge, move one heel a few centimetres away and back. Alternate without dropping or lifting your pelvis excessively.

    Technique cueUse very short steps and move one heel at a time.

    Watch the demonstration for Short heel steps from a low bridgePhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, movement instructions and VideoPlayer offering a video checked. Full playback and audio not checked.

    Date checked:

    The resource demonstrates the full progression. Here, use a low bridge and move one heel only a few centimetres before returning; the full range is unnecessary.

    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 both feet so far away that control is lost.
    View exercise guide
  7. Side-lying clam

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your side, knees bent, feet together and pelvis facing forward.
    2. Open the upper knee without separating feet or rolling the pelvis back.
    3. Lower slowly while keeping your trunk still.

    What it trainsWorks the outer hip and side-lying pelvic control.

    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 on your side with knees bent and feet together. Open the upper knee without rotating your pelvis, then return slowly.

    Technique cueStop opening as soon as your pelvis starts rolling back.

    Watch the demonstration for Side-lying clamPhysitrack · 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:

    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
    Rolling backwards to open further.
    View exercise guide
  8. Wall-touch hip hinge

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand a short distance from a wall facing away, feet firm and knees softly bent.
    2. Send hips back to touch the wall, hinging without rounding.
    3. Push through the floor and extend your hips to stand.

    What it trainsTeaches a stable hip hinge used in deadlifts and similar movements.

    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 a short distance in front of a wall, facing away. Slightly bend knees and send hips back to touch it, then stand with a stable back.

    Technique cueReach the wall with your glutes rather than by bending your back.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall-touch hip hingeBSR Physical Therapy · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Video URL and metadata located; title, channel and oEmbed response checked. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Demonstrates the variation with the stated equipment; follow the app's prescription and 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
    Bending your back to reach the wall.
    View exercise guide
  9. Supported calf raise

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet.
    2. Slowly raise both heels without shifting forward.
    3. Lower with control until your whole feet are grounded.

    What it trainsStrengthens the calves and trains ankle control when rising onto your 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 a firm support within reach, lift both heels and lower slowly until your whole foot rests on the floor.

    Technique cueKeep your ankles aligned and weight away from the edges of your feet.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported calf raiseBromley 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
    Reduce the range of movement and use both hands for support.
    To progress
    Do the movement on one leg with support.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing or losing control of your ankle.
    View exercise guide
  10. Calm standing breathing

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand with feet firm, knees relaxed and shoulders down.
    2. Breathe in comfortably without shrugging or maximally filling your lungs.
    3. 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.

    Watch the demonstration for Calm standing breathingNHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Long Covid: Film 3.3 - Retrain your breathing while standing; channel: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    The resource teaches standing breathing technique; the card does not prescribe treatment for COVID or a respiratory disorder.

    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 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.