ES EspañolEN English
Skip to content
Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthIntermediateFree routine

Obliques at home · strength with equipment

Main focus: obliques, 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.

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

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
Dumbbell, 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. 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. Quadruped single-arm raise

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

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

    What you train: Trains trunk stability when one hand leaves the floor.

    Watch video
  3. Quadruped leg slide

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Start on hands and knees, with hands below shoulders. Slide one leg back, keeping its toes on the floor. Slide the foot back until your knee rests, then change sides.

    What you train: Trains trunk and pelvic control as one leg slides along the floor.

    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. 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. Side plank

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your side, supported on your forearm and the sides of your feet.
    2. Raise your pelvis to align shoulders, hips and feet without twisting.
    3. Breathe as you hold; lower with control to finish.

    What it trainsTrains side abdominal endurance and pelvic control with a narrow support base.

    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 on your forearm and the sides of your feet. Lift your pelvis to form a comfortable straight line, and breathe without rotating.

    Technique cuePlace your elbow below your shoulder; stop if alignment is lost.

    Watch the demonstration for Side plankNASM · 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
    Rest on your knees.
    To progress
    Add a few seconds before changing the variation.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rotating your torso or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  4. Suitcase carry

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at one side in a clear space.
    2. Walk slowly with regular steps and an upright trunk.
    3. Stop with control and change hands.

    What it trainsStrengthens grip and trains the trunk to resist an uneven load while walking.

    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

    Walk slowly through a clear area holding a dumbbell at one side. Switch hands when you finish.

    Technique cueKeep your shoulders level even though only one side carries weight.

    Watch the demonstration for Suitcase carryE3 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 weight and distance.
    To progress
    Increase the time a little while maintaining a natural walking pattern.
    Avoid this mistake
    Leaning your body to compensate for the weight.
    View exercise guide
  5. Single-sided load hold

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Stand holding a closed backpack or light dumbbell beside your body.
    2. Keep your trunk upright and shoulders level for 15 seconds while breathing.
    3. Put the load down with control and change hands.

    What it trainsTrains grip and trunk resistance to sideways bending.

    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 with a light load at one side and keep your trunk upright for 15 seconds. Put the load down and change sides.

    Technique cueAvoid leaning towards or away from the weight.

    Watch the demonstration for Single-sided load holdProgramme · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Page and instructions checked; public HTML includes an actual video source. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    The demonstration uses a kettlebell. Follow your card's prescription and load without leaning 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
    Holding your breath or choosing excessive weight.
    View exercise guide
  6. Alternating dead bug

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back with arms towards the ceiling and knees bent.
    2. Slowly extend one arm and the opposite leg without moving your pelvis.
    3. Return with control and repeat on the opposite side.

    What it trainsTrains abdominal control while the arms and legs move.

    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 arms raised and knees bent. Slowly reach your opposite arm and leg away, then return.

    Technique cueShorten the range if your back cannot stay comfortable.

    Watch the demonstration for Alternating dead bugNASM · 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 only one leg or slide your heel.
    To progress
    Extend your limbs a little further without losing control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Holding your breath or moving 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. Heel slide

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back with knees bent and both feet grounded.
    2. Slide one heel away without moving your pelvis.
    3. Bring it back with control and alternate legs.

    What it trainsTrains abdominal control while one leg moves and your pelvis stays steady.

    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 back with your knees bent and both feet on the floor. Slide one heel away and bring it back without moving your pelvis. Alternate sides.

    Technique cueExhale gently as the foot slides away; shorten the range if your back arches.

    Watch the demonstration for Heel slideNHS Fife · 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 your foot a shorter distance.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the range of movement while maintaining control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back or holding your breath to reach further.
    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
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.