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Sergio DolzTRAIN
GymIntermediateFree routine

Chest at the gym · supplementary strength

Main focus: chest, 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 bench, dumbbells and strength equipment in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
A bench, dumbbells and strength equipment in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
46 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Dumbbells, Wall, Fixed table and Exercise mat; Clear gym space
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. 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
  3. Wall push-up

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Place your hands on the wall at chest height and step slightly back. Bend your elbows to bring your chest towards the wall, keeping your body aligned. Push away to straighten your arms and return.

    What you train: Strengthens the chest, triceps and shoulders with less load than floor push-ups.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. 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

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

    Date checked:

    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
  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. Dumbbell floor press

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back, knees bent, with dumbbells beside your chest.
    2. Press the dumbbells upward over your chest.
    3. Bend your elbows and lower until your upper arms lightly touch the floor.

    What it trainsStrengthens the chest and triceps; the floor limits how far you lower.

    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 knees bent and hold the dumbbells. Press them above your chest, then lower until your arms gently touch the floor.

    Technique cueChoose weights you can get into and out of position safely.

    Watch the demonstration for Dumbbell floor 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
    Practise with very light dumbbells.
    To progress
    Increase the weight slightly without losing control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Hitting the floor with your elbows or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  4. Dumbbell squeeze floor press

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie with knees bent and dumbbells touching over your chest.
    2. Bend elbows until the backs of your upper arms lightly touch the floor.
    3. Press upward to straighten arms, keeping weights together.

    What it trainsWorks chest and triceps with the floor limiting depth.

    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 dumbbells together over your chest. Lower until your upper arms lightly touch the floor, then press vertically.

    Technique cueKeep the dumbbells touching without excessive squeezing.

    Watch the demonstration for Dumbbell squeeze floor pressTotal Body Training · 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.

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    Follow your app card's equipment, range 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
    Dropping the weights or pressing them together too hard.
    View exercise guide
  5. Kneeling push-up

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Rest hands and knees on a mat, body aligned from knees to head.
    2. Bend elbows to lower chest with hips and trunk aligned.
    3. Push through the floor without jutting your head.

    What it trainsWorks chest and triceps with less load than a full push-up.

    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 hands and knees with a straight line from knees to head. Bend elbows to lower your chest, then push back.

    Technique cueLower chest and hips together with comfortable elbow positioning.

    Watch the demonstration for Kneeling push-upPhysitrack · 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
    Bending only at the hips or jutting your head forward.
    View exercise guide
  6. Incline push-up

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Place your hands on a fixed, firm bench and extend your legs behind you.
    2. Bend your elbows to lower your chest without dropping your hips.
    3. Push through your hands to straighten your arms.

    What it trainsStrengthens the chest and triceps while training trunk control during pushing.

    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

    Place your hands on a fixed, sturdy surface. Lower your chest towards it, then push up while keeping your body aligned.

    Technique cueKeep your head, trunk and hips aligned throughout.

    Watch the demonstration for Incline push-upNASM · 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 higher support.
    To progress
    Gradually lower the height of the support.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your hips drop or flaring your elbows too far out.
    View exercise guide
  7. Wall shoulder-blade control

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Place hands on a wall at shoulder height with elbows straight.
    2. Let your chest move slightly towards the wall as shoulder blades approach.
    3. Push the wall away to spread shoulder blades without bending elbows.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder-blade control as the chest approaches and leaves the wall.

    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

    Place hands on a wall at shoulder height. With elbows straight, let the chest move slightly closer, then push away to spread your shoulder blades.

    Technique cueMove your shoulder blades with straight arms and a stable waist.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall shoulder-blade 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
    Sagging through your waist.
    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. 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

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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.