Day 4 · Fri
Upper Circuit
Full Upper · Core · Conditioning
A Waterson-style athletic circuit — strength, carries and a 45s burst every round.
- Warm-up
Prep & Activate
1 roundRaise your temperature, move the spine gently, and switch on the core and glutes before any load.
- 1
3 min›Bike (Air / Upright)Easy pace, 4/10
- 2
8 slow cycles›Cat–CamelGentle spinal motion to 'floss' the back before loading it. Not a stretch — just easy movement.
- 35 / side, 8s holds›Bird Dog
Classic back-rehab core drill. Trains your trunk to stay still while arms and legs move.
- 4
6 / side›Dead BugAnti-extension core work lying on your back — builds stability with zero spinal load.
- 5
12›Glute BridgeWakes up the glutes so they (not your lower back) do the work later.
- Circuit
A · Athletic Circuit
4 roundsRest 90sMove from station to station with minimal rest. Rest fully between rounds.
- A18 / side›Half-Kneeling Single-Arm DB Press
Overhead press from a kneeling lunge. Locks the pelvis so you can't lean back — overhead work plus core.
- A2
10›Chest-Supported Dumbbell RowYour #1 row. The bench holds your torso, so your lower back does nothing.
- A3
10›Dumbbell Floor PressPressing from the floor — your back is fully supported and the range is shoulder-friendly.
- A4
40s›Farmer CarryPick up heavy dumbbells and walk tall. Builds grip, posture and a rock-solid trunk.
- ⚡45s›45s Cardio Burst
Bike (Air / Upright) · 45s at 8/10 effort
- A1
- Superset
B · Arms
3 roundsRest 45s - Superset
C · Shoulder Health
2 roundsRest 30s - Core
McGill Core Pillar
2 roundsRest 30s- 1
10 / side›Pallof PressAnti-rotation core — you resist the cable pulling you sideways. Core strength that protects the spine.
- 25 × 10s holds›McGill Curl-Up
An ab exercise that avoids the repeated spine bending of crunches and sit-ups.
- 35 / side›Bird Dog
Classic back-rehab core drill. Trains your trunk to stay still while arms and legs move.
- Finisher
45 / 15 Finisher
4 roundsRest 15sSkipped in gentle modeFour 45-second bursts with 15 seconds rest. Short, sharp conditioning to finish.
- Cool-down
Down-Regulate
1 roundBring your heart rate down and let a guarded back relax.




