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Constant Tension

56 min
 · 
8 exercises

Get ready for a lot of constant tension on your back musculature. This workout might seem quite tough, but the rewa

Barbell Deadlifts exercise illustration
Barbell Deadlifts
4 sets
12 reps
60 sec rest
Complete these reps as fast as you can, with minimum rest. Watch that form!
1:00 rest
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns exercise illustration
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
3 sets
60
60 sec rest
Constant Tension: 3 sets of constant movement for 60 seconds. Find a light weight for this! Aim for 30 - 40 reps!
1:00 rest
Low Cable Back Rows exercise illustration
Low Cable Back Rows
3 sets
60
60 sec rest
Constant Tension: 3 sets of constant movement for 60 seconds. Find a light weight for this! Aim for 30 - 40 reps!
1:00 rest
Dumbbell Bent Over Lateral Rear Delt Raises exercise illustration
Constant Tension: 3 sets of constant movement for 60 seconds. Find a light weight for this! Aim for 30 - 40 reps!
1:00 rest
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raises exercise illustration
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raises
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Standard lifting! Higher reps with lighter weight!
1:00 rest
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls exercise illustration
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls
3 sets
60
60 sec rest
1:00 rest
Lying Leg Raises exercise illustration
Lying Leg Raises
3 sets
30 reps
30 sec rest
Lower ab work, if too easy feel free to put a dumbbell between your feet!
1:00 rest
Crunches exercise illustration
Crunches
3 sets
30 reps
30 sec rest
Make sure those shoulder blades lift off the ground!

About this workout

Constant Tension is a free 56 min workout plan with 8 illustrated exercises for your abs, arms, back and legs. Follow the workout online, save it to your WorkoutLabs Fit account or download it as a printable PDF.

Tap any exercise in the workout to see the muscles worked, clear exercise illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Each workout includes sets, reps, rest times and notes so you can follow the plan without guessing.

Workout details

  • Duration: 56 min
  • Exercises: 8
  • Training focus: Abs, arms, back and legs
  • Format: Interactive workout and printable PDF

For more ready-made training plans, try WorkoutLabs Fit. You can follow visual workouts, build your own routines, manage your training calendar and track your progress. Sign up today to claim your free week.

Questions about this workout

How long does the Constant Tension take?

The full workout takes about 56 minutes, covering 8 exercises with prescribed sets, reps and rest periods. Using the built-in timers and auto-advance keeps you on pace from start to finish.

What muscles does this workout target?

This routine primarily works your lower back, middle back / lats, shoulders, calves, biceps, abs. Tap any exercise in the workout to see a muscle diagram showing exactly which primary and secondary muscles it activates.

How often should I do this workout?

For best results, do this workout 2–3 times per week with at least one rest day in between, and pair it with sessions that target other muscle groups.

Can I download or save this workout?

Yes – you can download this workout as a free printable PDF using the download button, or save it to a free WorkoutLabs Fit account to follow it on your phone, customize the exercises and track your progress.

Constant Tension
56 min
 · 
8 exercises
Get ready for a lot of constant tension on your back musculature. This workout might seem quite tough, but the rewa
Auto-advance Start exercises automatically
after a 5-second delay
Start workout Cancel workout
Barbell Deadlifts
Barbell Deadlifts exercise illustration
4 sets
12 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 4
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Complete these reps as fast as you can, with minimum rest. Watch that form!
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Forearms, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Place a barbell in a clear space on the floor. (Make sure there are no obstructions in your way.
  2. Stand facing the barbell with your legs about 4-6 inches from the bar.
  3. Place your feet shoulder width apart.Your feet can be pointed straight ahead or turned outwards slightly.
  4. Squat down, keeping your back straight and grip the bar with an overhand grip at shoulder width.
  5. Keep your arms fully extended and stand up with the barbell.
  6. As you lift the barbell, your hips and shoulders should rise together and your back should be straight.
  7. As you reach the top of the lift and are standing straight, rotate your shoulders back slightly until you feel a slight stretch in them.
  8. Lower the barbell back to the floor in the same squatting motion you used to lift it.

This exercise can be very dangerous if performed incorrectly. If you are a novice, only perform this exercise with an experienced trainer's supervision.

Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings, Quadriceps
  1. Place two dumbbells on the floor.
  2. Stand facing the dumbbells with your feet shoulder width apart.
  3. Bend knees and hips to lower your torso in a squatting movement,keep your back straight.
  4. At the bottom of the squat grip the dumbbells with an overhand grip,keeping your arms fully extended.
  5. Return to an upright position holding the dumbbells with your palms facing towards your body and extending your hips forward. Do not round your back.
  6. Return the dumbbells to the floor in the same manner you picked them up.
  7. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Holding the handles of the resistance band, step on to the middle. Place your feet at shoulder-width with toes pointing forward. Tighten your core and keep your chest up.
  2. Bend your knees slightly and drive your hips back but NOT lower than your knees. Again, keep the chest up. This is the starting position.
  3. Forcefully contract your glutes, driving them forward. Do not just lean back. Your glutes should be fully contracted. Pause then return to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
Next
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns exercise illustration
3 sets
60
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Constant Tension: 3 sets of constant movement for 60 seconds. Find a light weight for this! Aim for 30 - 40 reps!
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attached to the top pulley.
  2. Sit on the seat facing the station. Keep your feet flat and planted firmly on the floor.
  3. Using an overhand grip, hold the bar as wide as comfortable. (Your hands should be about 1 1/2 – 2 times body width apart.)
  4. Lean back slightly without arching your back.
  5. Pull the bar towards the top of your chest using your shoulders while arcing your elbows out to the sides of your body.
  6. At the end of the movement squeeze you shoulders together slightly and hold for a count of one.
  7. Return to the start position by arcing your elbows forward while relaxing your shoulders.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders
  1. Standing under a pull-up bar, reach up and hold onto the bar with an overhand grip. Make sure your hands are about twice your shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your arms straight and hang from the bar so that your arms are taking all of your weight.
  3. Keeping your body straight and not swinging your weight, pull your body up towards the bar by pulling your elbows down towards your torso at an angle.
  4. Continue lifting until your chest is nearly touching the bar. You should feel a “squeeze” at the base of your lats (about midway down your back and to the side) as they contract.
  5.  Once your lats have completely contracted at the top of the movement, slowly lower your body to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

By using a wide grip, your lats are doing most of the lift, rather than your biceps. It doesn't matter if you keep your legs straight or bent at the knees with your feet crossed. The important thing is that you do not use your legs to assist in lifting your body weight. As your strength increases, you can add weight by using a weight belt.

Rest
0:00
next up
Low Cable Back Rows
Next
Low Cable Back Rows
Low Cable Back Rows exercise illustration
3 sets
60
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Constant Tension: 3 sets of constant movement for 60 seconds. Find a light weight for this! Aim for 30 - 40 reps!
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Biceps, Shoulders, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Connect a V-bar attachment to the low pulley on a cable station or cable rowing machine.
  2.  Sit down at the station and place your feet on the foot pads or crossbar provided, while keeping your knees slightly bent.
  3. Lean forward, keeping your back straight and grip the V-bar handles with both hands.
  4. Keeping your arms fully extended pull back until your torso is at a 90-degree angle from your legs.
  5. Your back should be slightly arched, with your chest should be pushed out. This is the start position.
  6. Keeping your torso stationary, pull the handles back towards you while squeezing your back muscles.
  7. Keep your arms close to your sides until your hands reach your abdomen. Exhale as you perform this movement.
  8. Hold for a count of one.
  9. Inhale as you return to the start position in a smooth movement.
  10. Repeat.

Do not swing or rock back and forth as you perform this exercise. Doing so can cause lower back injury. <strong></strong> You can perform this exercise using a straight bar instead of a V-Bar. You can use an underhand or overhand grip.

Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of dumbbells at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the dumbbells up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the dumbbells to the starting point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of water bottles at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the water bottles up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the water bottles to the starting point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Bend slightly at the knees and forward at the hips. Maintain a braced core and flat back throughout.
  3. Leading with your elbows, pull the handles of the resistance band back, bringing your shoulder blades closer together. Hold this contraction and slowly release to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Dumbbell Bent Over Lateral Rear Delt Raises
Next
Dumbbell Bent Over Lateral Rear Delt Raises
Dumbbell Bent Over Lateral Rear Delt Raises exercise illustration
3 sets
60
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Constant Tension: 3 sets of constant movement for 60 seconds. Find a light weight for this! Aim for 30 - 40 reps!
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
  1. Begin by holding a pair of dumbbells and standing with a braced core. Bend at the knees slightly and lean forward from the hips. Maintain a flat back throughout.
  2. Keeping your elbows slightly bent throughout the movement, lift the dumbbells up and out to the side. Be sure to focus the contraction in the back of the shoulders.
  3. Pause at the top of the movement then slowly bring the dumbbells to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Shoulders
  1. Begin by holding a pair of water bottles and standing with a braced core. Bend at the knees slightly and lean forward from the hips. Maintain a flat back throughout.
  2. Keeping your elbows slightly bent throughout the movement, lift the water bottles up and out to the side. Be sure to focus the contraction in the back of the shoulders.
  3. Pause at the top of the movement then slowly bring the water bottles to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Middle Back / Lats
  1. Adjust the cables so that the handles sit at chest height.
  2. Grip the handle, across your body in a neutral grip, with both hands.
  3. Keeping only a slight bend at your elbow, pull the cable back across your body using the muscles in your back.
  4. Hold the flexed position for a full second before allowing the cable to pull you slowly back to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raises
Next
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raises
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raises exercise illustration
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Standard lifting! Higher reps with lighter weight!
Primary muscle group(s):
Calves
  1. Place an exercise step or something similar on the floor in front of you. It should be two or three inches high.
  2. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, place your toes and the balls of your feet on the step. Make sure the arches of your feet are not on the step and your heels are on the floor.
  3. Raise your heels as high as possible by pushing through the balls of your feet and toes while extending your ankles. Hold for a count of one.
  4. Return to the starting position by bending your ankles until you feel a stretch in your calves.
  5. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Sit down on a leg press machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at shoulder width.
  2. Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform  and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you bot do NOT lock your knees. Your torso and legs should be at a 90degree angle to each other. This is the start position.
  3. Inhaling, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs form a 90-degree angle. Pause for a count of one,
  4. Return to the starting position by pushing through the heels of your feet, engaging your quadriceps. Exhale as you do so.
  5. Repeat.
  6. After completing the desired number of repetitions, make sure you lock the safety pins of the machine before alighting.

Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.

Primary muscle group(s):
Calves
  1. Sitting on a calf raise machine, position your upper thighs under the top pad. The pad should be resting just above your knees.
  2. Place the balls of your feet on the foot plate.
  3. Keeping the balls of your feet in position, lower your heels as far as possible.
  4. Slowly raise your heels as if standing on your toes. Continue as far as possible until you feel a stretch in your lower calves. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Slowly lower your heels back to the starting position and repeat.

If the machine isn't equipped with foot plates, you can use barbell plates placed under the machine to increase your range of motion. Don't

Primary muscle group(s):
Calves
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Set up two weight plates on the ground next to each other. Position a loaded barbell across your trap muscles. Step on to the weight plates with the balls of your feet.
  2. With a tight core and flat back, raise yourself up with your feet only. Pause at the top of the raise.
  3. Slowly lower yourself down but do not touch the ground. Raise yourself back up.
  4. Repeat.
Rest
0:00
next up
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls
Next
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls exercise illustration
3 sets
60
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Let your arms hang by your side with your palms facing in to the side of your body.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
  5. Continue raising the dumbbells until they are level with your shoulders with your palms facing in. Your forearm should be in a vertical position.
  6. Squeeze or flex your bicep and hold for a count of one.
  7. Slowly lower the dumbbells to the starting position.
  8. Repeat.

You can also perform this exercise by alternating between left and right arms or one arm at a time.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Stand straight holding a barbell with an underhand grip, your hands shoulder width apart and your arms fully extended towards the floor.
  2. Keep your elbows close to your sides.Your palms should be facing away from you. This is the start position.
  3. Keeping your upper arms stationary, curl the barbell forward and up in a smooth arcing motion while exhaling. Only your forearms should move.
  4. Continue upwards until  the bar is at shoulder level with your biceps fully contracted. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps.
  5. Inhale as you return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using a cable station, with a straight bar attachment connected to the lower pulley.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Sit on a flat bench holding a dumbbell in each hand  with an underhand grip.
  2. Keep your back straight and shoulders back.
  3. Keep your arms fully extended with your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Rotate your palms so that they are facing in towards you. This is the start position.
  5. Keeping your upper arms upper arm stationary, start to curl the dumbbells upwards in a smooth arc.
  6. As you curl the dumbbells upwards rotate your wrists, so that your palms  face in towards you at the end of the movement.
  7. Continue the movement until  the dumbbells are at shoulder level and your biceps are fully contracted.
  8. Hold for a count of one as you squeeze your biceps.
  9. return to the start position, rotating your wrists back to an underhand grip position.
  10. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed by alternating between arms.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attachment connected to the low pulley.
  2. Stand close to the station, feet shoulder width apart either side of the pulley.
  3. Grip the bar with a shoulder width underhand grip.
  4. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  5. Curls your arms upward from the elbows in a smooth arc.
  6. Continue until your forearms are vertical with your palms facing your shoulders. Hold for a count of one while flexing your biceps.
  7. Lower the bar back to the starting position in a smooth motion.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Holding a water bottle in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Let your arms hang by your side with your palms facing in to the side of your body.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Curl the water bottles up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
  5. Continue raising the water bottles until they are level with your shoulders with your palms facing in. Your forearm should be in a vertical position.
  6. Squeeze or flex your bicep and hold for a count of one.
  7. Slowly lower the water bottles to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Holding the handles of the band in each hand, tighten your abdominals and straighten your lower back. Keep your chest up and gaze forward.
  3. Using an underhand grip or hammer fist grip, slowly pull the band towards your shoulders. Keep your upper arm in place, moving only your forearms.
  4. Once you reach the top of the movement, pause, and slowly lower the band to the starting position. Do not lock out your elbows.
Rest
0:00
next up
Lying Leg Raises
Next
Lying Leg Raises
Lying Leg Raises exercise illustration
3 sets
30 reps
30 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Lower ab work, if too easy feel free to put a dumbbell between your feet!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Lie on your back on a mat with hands under your lower buttocks on either side to support your pelvis.
  2. Legs straight out in front of you, ankles together and feet slightly off the floor.
  3. Keep your knees straight and raise your legs by flexing the hips until they are completely flexed.
  4. Return to starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Lie on a mat with your hands under your buttocks and raise your legs slightly, keeping knees straight and ankles together.
  2. Keep abs engaged and perform short kicks in an alternating fashion.
  3. Repeat as needed and then lower legs to the ground.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Lie flat with hands under your buttocks.
  2. Keep your knees together and pull them in towards you while moving your torso towards them (lift your head, neck and shoulders up).
  3. Hold and then slowly return to starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Crunches
Next
Crunches
Crunches exercise illustration
3 sets
30 reps
30 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Make sure those shoulder blades lift off the ground!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lie flat on your back with your feet flat on the ground, with your knees bent at 90 degrees. Alternatively, you can place your feet up on a bench a few inches apart with your toes turned inwards and touching.
  2. Place your hands lightly on either side of your head.
  3. Keep your elbows in  so that they are parallel to your body.
  4. Push your back down flat into the floor to isolate your abdominal muscles.
  5. Gently curl your shoulders forward and up off the floor.
  6. Continue to push down into the floor with your lower back.
  7. Raise your shoulders about four to six inches only.
  8. Hold and squeeze your abdominal muscles for a count of one.
  9. Return to the start position in a smooth movement.
Primary muscle group(s):
Obliques
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Lie on an exercise mat, with your back flat, knees bent and your feet flat on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Fully extend your arms down the side of your body, palms facing in. This is the start position.
  3. Exhaling, crunch your torso forward and to the right until you can touch your right heel with your right hand. Hold for a count of one.
  4. Return to the starting position smooth motion, inhaling as you do so.
  5. Repeat the movement, this time to your left side.
  6. When you have completed the movement on both sides, you have done one repetition.
  7. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lay on a yoga/exercise mat or towel with your back flat on the floor and your legs straight and in the air with the soles of your feet facing up.
  2. Outstretch your arms above your chest so that they run parallel to your legs.
  3. Lifting your shoulders off the floor, reach up and touch your toes with your fingertips.
  4. Lower your shoulders back to the floor to complete one rep.
Workout done!
Exercises done
of 8
Total time
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