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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthAdvancedFree routine

Legs · advanced strength and volume

Nine leg and trunk exercises with 19 sets of loaded patterns and accessories. This demanding session should replace another hard leg workout rather than add to it. The session includes preparation and supplementary low-load movements. You may split them up or shorten the session according to tolerance.

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Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
75 min
Level
Advanced
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Adjustable dumbbells with sufficient load, Firm support and Exercise mat; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
Before you choose
For regular trainees with established technique in every movement who can estimate remaining repetitions. Dumbbells must provide sufficient load: finishing with much more reserve makes this less than advanced for you. Learn new movements with supervision first.
Intensity
RIR 2 means finishing able to do about 2 more good repetitions. Main sets should be challenging without failure. Preserve posture and breathing in holds and carries; prioritise speed and quality in jumps.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 8 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Add 2–3 gradual warm-up sets for the first loaded exercise, well below fatigue, and one rehearsal of the first unfamiliar pattern. These are not work sets.

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. Supported side leg raise

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand holding a fixed support with both feet facing forward. Lift one leg slightly sideways without leaning your trunk. Lower slowly and complete the other side.

    What you train: Strengthens the side hip muscles and trains pelvic control.

    Watch video
  3. Toe and foot-arch control

    1 × 5 gentle shifts onto the toes

    Sit with feet grounded and toes relaxed, without loading the outer foot edge. Lift only the big toe, keeping the other four down. Lower it and lift the other toes; alternate slowly, using a hand if needed.

    What you train: Trains independent toe control and awareness of foot contact.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Goblet squat

    3 × 5–8 · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Hold the dumbbell close to your chest and keep both feet firmly on the floor.
    2. Bend your hips and knees to lower to a depth you can control.
    3. Push through the floor to rise without losing your range or torso position.

    What it trainsStrengthens the quadriceps and glutes while your trunk supports the weight.

    Rest
    Rest 180 s between sets. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold a dumbbell close to your chest with both feet firm. Lower between your hips to a depth you can control, then rise with your torso steady. Use a load that makes the final repetitions challenging without losing your range.

    Technique cueThe weight should make the final repetitions challenging without forcing you to shorten the lowering phase.

    Watch the demonstration for Goblet squatNASM · English · Opens a new tab
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    Explanation in SpanishCuídatePlus · Víctor Téllez · Spanish audio; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
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    Supplementary tutorial on foot positioning, grip, lowering and breathing. For this card's dumbbell variation, also consult the main demonstration and follow your session's prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Squat to a chair without added weight.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your heels or dropping without control.
    View exercise guide
  2. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift

    3 × 6–8 · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Hold two dumbbells close to your thighs and bend your knees slightly.
    2. Move your hips back and lower the weights close to your legs without rounding your back.
    3. Stop lowering before you lose hip control, then stand up by extending your hips.

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

    Rest
    Rest 180 s between sets. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold two dumbbells and bend your knees slightly, then move your hips back without rounding your back. Keep the weights close to your legs and return by extending your hips. Stop lowering when you can no longer move your hips with control.

    Technique cueYour range ends where you can still move from your hips with a stable back.

    Watch the demonstration for Dumbbell Romanian deadliftNASM · English · Opens a new tab
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Practise an unweighted hip hinge beside a wall.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rounding your back or trying to reach the floor at all costs.
    View exercise guide
  3. Split squat

    3 × 6–8 per side · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at each side and place one foot forward and one back, with a wide base.
    2. Lower your pelvis straight down by bending both knees, keeping your feet in place.
    3. Rise by pushing mainly through your front leg; complete one side before switching.

    What it trainsBuilds strength in each leg with a weight on both sides and your feet kept in place.

    Rest
    Rest 150 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold dumbbells on both sides and take a fixed split stance with enough width. Lower vertically and push mainly through your front leg. Complete one side, then the other, with the same number of repetitions.

    Technique cueDo the same number of repetitions on each leg and keep your pelvis facing forwards.

    Watch the demonstration for Split squatPureGym · English · Opens a new tab
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use one hand for support and reduce the range of movement.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using such a narrow stance that you lose your balance.
    View exercise guide
  4. Reverse lunge

    2 × 8–10 per side · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Hold the dumbbells at your sides and stand with a stable base.
    2. Step backwards, lower with control and return by pushing through your front leg.
    3. Complete that side before switching; if fatigue worsens your technique, end this accessory exercise.

    What it trainsWorks your legs and glutes with added weight, completing each side separately and managing fatigue.

    Rest
    Rest 120 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold dumbbells at your sides, step backwards, lower with control and return by pushing through your front leg. Complete one side before switching. If fatigue reduces your technique, finish this accessory exercise rather than adding repetitions.

    Technique cueDo not add repetitions once movement quality is declining.

    Watch the demonstration for Reverse lungePureGym · English · Opens a new tab
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Do a supported split squat.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rushing the movement or letting your knee collapse inwards.
    View exercise guide
  5. Single-leg calf raise

    2 × 10–15 per side · RIR 1

    How to do it
    1. Hold a fixed support with one hand and a dumbbell in the other; shift your weight onto one leg.
    2. Raise the heel of your supporting leg and pause at the top without swaying.
    3. Lower slowly until your heel rests on the floor, using a range you can control.

    What it trainsWorks one calf with added weight and hand support to control your balance.

    Rest
    Rest 90 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 1: finish with about 1 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold a fixed support with one hand and a dumbbell in the other, then raise the heel of the working leg. Pause at the top and lower slowly until your heel is supported. Use a range you can control, without bouncing.

    Technique cueKeep your hand on the support throughout each repetition.

    Watch the demonstration for Single-leg calf raisePeak Physio · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
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    Individual demonstration of the single-leg variation. Lower slowly and retain support.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use both feet.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing to complete the final repetitions.
    View exercise guide
  6. Single-leg bridge

    2 × 10–15 per side · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your back with one knee bent and its foot planted.
    2. Unweight the other leg and push through the planted foot to raise your pelvis.
    3. Lower slowly without rotating your hips; complete the other side.

    What it trainsStrengthens the supporting leg's glutes and trains a level pelvis.

    Rest
    Rest 90 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · 2 s at the top
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    From a bridge, take the weight off one leg and lift your pelvis with the other foot planted. Lower slowly and switch sides.

    Technique cueKeep both hips at the same height as you rise.

    Watch the demonstration for Single-leg bridgePureGym · 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.

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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Return to a bridge with both feet planted.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rotating your pelvis or straining your neck.
    View exercise guide
  7. Suitcase carry

    2 × 30–45 s each side

    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 90 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides.
    Tempo
    Continuous breathing · steady posture · no swaying
    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
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the weight and distance.
    To progress
    After reaching the upper time limit in all sets across two sessions, slightly increase the load or lever while returning to the initial duration.
    Avoid this mistake
    Leaning your body to compensate for the weight.
    View exercise guide
  8. Forearm plank

    2 × 25–40 s

    How to do it
    1. Support yourself on forearms and toes, with elbows below shoulders.
    2. Raise your body, aligning head, trunk and hips without sagging.
    3. Breathe for the prescribed time, then lower your knees with control.

    What it trainsTrains abdominal endurance to hold the body aligned.

    Rest
    Rest 75 s between sets.
    Tempo
    Continuous breathing · steady posture · no swaying
    The movement, step by step

    Rest on your forearms and toes. Keep your torso stable for a short hold and breathe normally.

    Technique cueEnd the hold when you can no longer maintain a stable position.

    Watch the demonstration for Forearm plankNASM · English · Opens a new tab
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Do it against a wall or with your knees on the floor.
    To progress
    After reaching the upper time limit in all sets across two sessions, slightly increase the load or lever while returning to the initial duration.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your lower back sag or raising your hips too high.
    View exercise guide
  9. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    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 30 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
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    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

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FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Walk or cycle gently for 3–5 minutes. Duration includes warm-up, sets and suggested rest; allow longer if needed. Let the muscles recover before another similar hard session.

How to progress

Record weight, reps and effort reserve. Keep the load until you reach the top of the range in every set with the intended RIR for two sessions. Then add the smallest available increment and return to the lower end. Reduce load if you miss the minimum or lose technique. Do not add this on top of another hard session for the same muscles.

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TRAIN CONSISTENTLY

This routine is part of…

Sets and effort can change from week to week in a program. Open the session from the program to follow its stage’s guidance.

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.