Load
easy, level 4 to 5; conversational pace
Checks the knee before loading and starts the session without impact.
- Keep the first 3 minutes very easy; only add resistance if the knee feels normal.
- Then do one light warm-up set before each main strength exercise.
Swap option
Same slot, different setup.
Use only if walking feels smoother than cycling today.
Load
start at 55 kg after yesterday's hill walk; use 60 kg only if set 1 is fully smooth
Restarts the proven knee-dominant pattern below the prior successful baseline because yesterday added 5 km of hilly walking.
- Use a comfortable stance and a controlled 3-second lower.
- Stop before any painful depth; do not lock out or grind reps.
Swap option
Same slot, different setup.
Load
12 kg; box target if needed
Use a high box and a pain-free range if the leg press does not feel right.
Load
start at 14 kg each; use 16 kg each only if set 1 is easy and stable
Returns to the more controlled press variation after barbell bench was hard in the latest upper session.
- Keep palms facing each other and shoulder blades set on the bench.
- Leave two clean reps in reserve on every set.
Swap option
Same slot, different setup.
Use this if the bench is busy or shoulder position feels better on the floor.
Load
start at 12 kg each; use 14 kg each only if all reps stay smooth
Gives a supported pull after recent cable-row swaps and avoids extra knee or lower-back demand.
- Set the bench to a low incline, keep the chest supported, and pause for one second at the top.
- Stop the set if you start shrugging or twisting.
Swap option
Same slot, different setup.
Load
one plate lighter than your hard 10-rep load
Use this if the incline bench area is busy.
Load
start at a load you could do for 13 clean reps
A practical machine hamstring option that has been completed successfully before.
- Use a 2-second lower and a short squeeze at the curl.
- Keep hips against the pad; do not chase the stack today.
Swap option
Same slot, different setup.
Load
start at a load you could do for 13 clean reps
Use this if the seated machine is unavailable.
Load
bodyweight; 6 each side
A brief, no-setup trunk slot because recent core work has often been skipped.
- Exhale as the opposite arm and leg extend; keep the lower back gently pressed into the floor.
- Six slow reps each side is enough today.
Swap option
Same slot, different setup.
Use this if you want a seated, faster setup.
Load
easy steady effort; aim for a pace clearly easier than 2:12/500m
Rowing was hard but enjoyable; a shorter steady close keeps that positive habit without testing conditioning.
- Use a smooth stroke and keep the damper moderate.
- If the knee feels worse during the drive, stop and walk slowly for 5 minutes instead.
Swap option
Same slot, different setup.
Load
easy to moderate, level 5 to 6
Use this if the rower is busy or the knee prefers the bike today.