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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthBeginnerFree routine

Lower back at home · foundations and control

Main focus: lower back, 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
41 min
Level
Beginner
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Wall, 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. 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
  2. Unloaded arm opening

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Sit or stand with your arms in front at a comfortable height. Gently open them sideways without moving your trunk. Slowly bring your arms back together in front.

    What you train: Trains shoulder movement and arm coordination without added load.

    Watch video
  3. Side-lying thoracic rotation

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Lie on your side with knees bent and arms in front. Open the upper arm backwards with a gentle rotation of your chest. Close the arm slowly; complete both sides.

    What you train: Trains upper-back rotation while your pelvis remains supported.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Wall-touch hip hinge

    Train

    2 × 8

    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
  4. Quadruped single-arm raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Place hands below shoulders and knees below hips on a mat.
    2. Slide one hand forward and lift slightly if your torso stays still.
    3. Return it below your shoulder with control and alternate.

    What it trainsTrains trunk stability when one hand leaves the floor.

    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 hands below shoulders and knees below hips, slide one hand forward and lift slightly if your trunk stays still. Return and alternate.

    Technique cueKeep chest and pelvis facing the floor.

    Watch the demonstration for Quadruped single-arm raisePhysitrack · 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 source raises the arm to shoulder height; start with a small lift here, keeping your trunk still.

    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
    Arching your back or rotating your trunk.
    View exercise guide
  5. Bird dog

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Start on hands and knees, with hands below shoulders.
    2. Reach one arm forward and the opposite leg back without rotating your pelvis.
    3. Return your hand and knee with control, then change sides.

    What it trainsTrains trunk stability and opposite arm-leg coordination.

    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, extend your opposite arm and leg without rotating your torso. Return and alternate sides.

    Technique cueReach long rather than lifting your leg above your trunk.

    Watch the demonstration for Bird dogNASM · 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
    Slide just one leg along the floor.
    To progress
    Hold the position for two or three seconds.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your leg too high and arching your back.
    View exercise guide
  6. Quadruped leg slide

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Start on hands and knees, with hands below shoulders.
    2. Slide one leg back, keeping its toes on the floor.
    3. Slide the foot back until your knee rests, then change sides.

    What it trainsTrains trunk and pelvic control as one leg slides along the floor.

    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

    Start on your hands and knees. Slide one leg backwards, keeping your toes on the floor, then return. Alternate without rotating your hips.

    Technique cueKeep your hips level and pad your knees.

    Watch the demonstration for Quadruped leg slideBody Works Sports Physiotherapy · Dana Ranahan · 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:

    Individual tutorial. Keep your foot touching the floor and follow your session's prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use a shorter sliding movement.
    To progress
    Lift your foot a few centimetres only if you can keep your torso stable.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your leg too high or rotating your pelvis.
    View exercise guide
  7. Glute bridge

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back with knees bent and both feet grounded.
    2. Push through your feet and raise your pelvis, gently squeezing your glutes.
    3. Lower your pelvis with control onto the mat.

    What it trainsStrengthens the glutes through hip extension from the floor.

    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 with your feet on the floor and knees bent. Lift your pelvis and lower with control.

    Technique cueStop rising when your hips and trunk are aligned.

    Watch the demonstration for Glute bridgeNASM · 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
    Use a smaller range of movement.
    To progress
    Add a two-second pause at the top.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your pelvis by overextending your back.
    View exercise guide
  8. Knee raise with trunk control

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a fixed support with one hand nearby.
    2. Slowly raise one knee as far as your trunk remains upright.
    3. Lower with control and alternate without swaying.

    What it trainsTrains single-leg balance and trunk 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

    With one hand near a stable support, slowly raise one knee and lower without leaning your torso. Alternate legs.

    Technique cueLift lower if you need to lean or lose stability.

    Watch the demonstration for Knee raise with trunk controlPhysitrack · 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
    Arching your back or swaying.
    View exercise guide
  9. Arms-only dead bug

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet grounded and arms towards the ceiling.
    2. Move one arm back towards your head while gently breathing out.
    3. Return upward and alternate, preserving your natural back position.

    What it trainsTrains trunk control while moving an arm with feet supported.

    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 with knees bent and feet grounded. Exhale while moving one arm back within a comfortable range; return and alternate.

    Technique cueShorten the arm range if ribs lift or your back moves.

    Watch the demonstration for Arms-only dead bugHawkes Physiotherapy · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    URL, title, channel and oEmbed response checked; variation identified in the author's title or instructions. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    The demonstration keeps feet grounded; it is not the raised-leg variation. Follow the app's prescription rather than the original website's fatigue-based proposals.

    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
    Forcefully pressing your back into the floor or holding your breath.
    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

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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.