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Sergio DolzTRAIN
StrengthIntermediateFree routine

Upper body and arms · 35 min

Upper-body strength with enough rest to preserve technique. 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
45 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Dumbbells, Support and Exercise mat; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
Before you choose
Choose a variation and load you can control. Match the range to your ability.
Intensity
Keep 2–3 reps in reserve and extend rest if needed.
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. Unloaded neck mobility

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Sit or stand, shoulders relaxed, looking forward with chin at a natural height. Slowly turn your head comfortably to one side without moving your trunk. Return to centre and turn the other way without circling.

    What you train: Trains controlled neck rotation within a comfortable range.

    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

9 exercises
  1. Dumbbell floor press

    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 about 75 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    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
  2. Supported dumbbell row

    2 × 8 each side

    How to do it
    1. Rest one hand on a firm surface and hinge forward from your hips.
    2. Pull the dumbbell towards your hip, bringing your elbow back close to your body.
    3. Slowly straighten your arm without rotating your trunk.

    What it trainsStrengthens the back and arms with additional support for your trunk.

    Rest
    Rest about 60 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Place one hand on a firm surface and lean forwards. Pull the dumbbell towards your hip, then lower slowly.

    Technique cueKeep your shoulders and hips facing the same way.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported dumbbell rowPureGym · 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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    Supplementary explanationHSN · with PowerExplosive · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Author, title, description and automatic Spanish subtitles checked. Original audio, support and full playback not checked. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

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    Supplementary posture and range guide. Retain the support and prescription in this card; the main demonstration shows the reference variation. YouTube offers automatic Spanish subtitles.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the weight and range of movement.
    To progress
    Pause for one second as you pull the dumbbell towards you.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using momentum from your torso on every repetition.
    View exercise guide
  3. Dumbbell shoulder press

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Stand or sit steadily with a light dumbbell beside each shoulder.
    2. Press overhead through a comfortable range.
    3. Bend your elbows and slowly return the weights to shoulder height.

    What it trainsStrengthens the shoulders and triceps through overhead pressing.

    Rest
    Rest about 60 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    From a stable position, press two light dumbbells overhead and lower slowly.

    Technique cueKeep your ribs stacked above your pelvis.

    Watch the demonstration for Dumbbell shoulder 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
    Reduce the weight and range of movement to a comfortable level.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the weight while keeping your torso stable.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back to complete the repetition.
    View exercise guide
  4. Biceps curl

    2 × 10

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your elbows close to your body.
    2. Bend both elbows to bring the weights towards your shoulders.
    3. Lower slowly to straighten your arms without moving your shoulders.

    What it trainsStrengthens the muscles that bend the elbow, especially the biceps.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    With your elbows close to your body, bend both arms and lower slowly. Keep your shoulders relaxed.

    Technique cueKeep your upper arms beside your trunk; move through the elbows.

    Watch the demonstration for Biceps curlPureGym · 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:

    The video uses dumbbells; you may also use two tightly closed bottles of equal weight.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use light bottles.
    To progress
    Extend the lowering phase to three seconds.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving your back to lift the weight.
    View exercise guide
  5. Incline push-up

    2 × 6

    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 about 60 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    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
  6. Forearm plank

    2 × 20 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 about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    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
    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
    Do it against a wall or with your knees on the floor.
    To progress
    Move your elbows slightly further away while maintaining control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your lower back sag or raising your hips too high.
    View exercise guide
  7. Suitcase carry

    2 × 25 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 about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    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
  8. 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
    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
  9. Supported ankle mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    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 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

    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

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FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Finish with 3 minutes of gentle movement. Duration is approximate: extend breaks when needed and review recovery.

How to progress

First complete repetitions with good technique. In another session increase only reps, range or a small amount of load. Reduce work if recovery worsens.

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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.