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Four simple lifts

Squat, hinge, push, carry. Two sessions a week. No maxes. This is not medical advice.

Stills and voiceover are generated.

Sit-to-stand

Chair squat. No gym. Three sets of eight to twelve.

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Sit on the front half of a chair. Feet flat. Stand by pushing the floor away. Sit with control. If twelve is easy, hold a jug at your chest.

Hip hinge

Romanian deadlift. Dumbbells, kettlebells, or a backpack. Three sets of eight to twelve.

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Soft knees. Hips back. Long spine. Stop at a hamstring stretch, not a round low back. Stand and squeeze.

Incline push-up

Hands on a bench, counter, or wall. Higher is easier. Three sets of eight to twelve.

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Body in one line. Elbows about 45 degrees. When twelve is easy, lower the surface. Floor last.

Farmer carry

Walk with two even weights. Thirty to forty-five seconds. Three rounds.

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Shoulders packed down. Short quiet steps. One bag is a suitcase carry — switch hands next set.

See also Strength, Walking, and Joints.