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Exercise library

Find the right exercise.

Every exercise and stretch on InjuryAtlas, browsable by body region, type and difficulty — each one linked to the anatomy and injury it was designed for.

Find an exercise

Find your next movement.

Build muscle

Train by muscle group

Choose a major muscle group to open the exercise library with a focused search.

Recover & move better

Rehab and mobility work

Injury-linked, lower-load exercises and stretches with pain-friendly progressions.

76 exercises & stretches →
Build muscle & strength

Real lifts, real progression

Compound movements, muscle-group training and progressive overload.

32 exercises & stretches →
Path
Region
Type
Difficulty

100 of 100 exercises & stretches

Exercise

Ankle Eversion with a Band

Use banded ankle eversion to strengthen the peroneal muscles on the outside of the lower leg.

Foot & Ankle · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

45-Degree Back Extension

Learn 45-degree back extension form, muscles worked, benefits and how to progress it safely.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Band Triceps Press-Down

Learn a controlled resistance-band triceps press-down with gradual elbow loading guidance.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Barbell Back Squat

Learn barbell back squat setup, form, muscles worked, benefits, common mistakes and practical progressions.

Knee · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Barbell Bench Press

Learn barbell bench press setup, form cues, muscles worked, common mistakes and safe progressions.

Chest & Pecs · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Barbell Good Morning

How to perform the barbell good morning safely — a hamstring- and glute-focused hip-hinge exercise that also strengthens the lower back.

Hip · Advanced
Open exercise →
Exercise

Barbell Reverse Lunge

How to perform the barbell reverse lunge with correct form — a single-leg compound exercise for building quad, glute and hamstring strength and balance.

Knee · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Barbell Row

Learn barbell row form, muscles worked, benefits, common mistakes and practical progression for back strength.

Lower Back · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Bird Dog

Learn how to do the bird dog exercise for trunk control and back conditioning, including form cues, easier versions and progressions.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Bulgarian Split Squat

Learn Bulgarian split squat setup, form cues, muscles worked, benefits and practical progressions.

Knee · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Cable Lateral Raise

Learn cable lateral raise form for side-delt strength, with setup, benefits, common mistakes and progressions.

Shoulder · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Calf Raise

Learn the calf raise — a simple lower-leg strengthening exercise that supports walking, running and knee health, with progressions and safety notes.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Chest-Supported Row

Learn the chest-supported dumbbell row for upper-back strength with reduced demand on the lower back.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Chin Tucks

Learn how to do the chin tuck exercise for deep neck flexor strength and neck conditioning, including form cues, easier versions and progressions.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Clamshell

Learn the clamshell, a beginner-friendly side-lying exercise that strengthens the gluteus medius and helps with hip and outer-hip pain.

Hip · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Controlled Biceps Curl

Learn how to use a light, controlled biceps curl to rebuild elbow-flexion strength and progress resistance gradually.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Conventional Deadlift

How to perform the conventional deadlift with correct form — a full posterior-chain compound lift for building glute, hamstring and back strength.

Hip · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Dead Bug

Learn the dead bug, a beginner core-stability exercise that keeps the back still while the arms and legs move. Includes form cues, easier versions and progressions.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Parallel-Bar Dip

Learn parallel-bar dip form, muscles worked, progression options and when to choose another pressing exercise.

Chest & Pecs · Advanced
Open exercise →
Exercise

Doorway Pec Stretch

Learn a controlled doorway pectoral stretch for the front of the chest and shoulder.

Chest & Pecs · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Dumbbell Floor Press

Learn a controlled dumbbell floor press with a floor-limited range and gradual loading guidance.

Chest & Pecs · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Learn dumbbell shoulder press form, muscles worked, benefits, common mistakes and safe progressions.

Shoulder · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Eccentric Wrist Extension

Learn slow eccentric wrist extension for progressive loading of the wrist extensor tendons.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Empty Can Raise

The empty can raise strengthens the supraspinatus but is clinically debated. Learn safe technique, who should avoid it, and the full can alternative.

Shoulder · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

External Rotation with Resistance Band

Step-by-step guide to the external rotation with band exercise for strengthening the rotator cuff. Includes mistakes to avoid and who should skip it.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

EZ-Bar Curl

Learn EZ-bar curl form, muscles worked, benefits and how to avoid common biceps-curl mistakes.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Finger Tendon Glides

A gentle finger tendon-gliding drill for comfortable hand motion. Learn the positions, dosage and when to stop.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Forearm Pronation and Supination

Learn a controlled palm-up and palm-down forearm rotation exercise, with options for mobility and resistance.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Front Squat

Learn front squat setup, muscles worked, benefits, common mistakes and progression for stronger quads and legs.

Knee · Advanced
Open exercise →
Exercise

Glute Bridge

Learn how to do the glute bridge for hip strength and back support, including form cues, easier versions and progressions.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Hamstring Bridge

Learn the long-lever hamstring bridge for controlled hamstring and posterior-chain loading.

Hip · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Heel Slide

Learn the supine heel slide for gentle, controlled knee bending and straightening.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Hip Hinge

Learn the hip hinge, the hip-driven bending pattern that protects the back during lifting and builds glute and hamstring strength.

Hip · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Hip Thrust

Learn the hip thrust, one of the most effective glute-strengthening exercises, with setup, form cues, easier versions and how to progress.

Hip · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Incline Dumbbell Curl

Learn incline dumbbell curl form, biceps muscles worked, benefits, errors to avoid and progression.

Arms · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Incline Dumbbell Press

Learn the incline dumbbell press with setup, form cues, muscles worked, benefits and safer progressions.

Chest & Pecs · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Incline Push-Up

Learn the incline push-up, a scalable chest exercise that bridges the gap between wall and floor push-ups.

Chest & Pecs · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Internal Rotation with Resistance Band

Learn the internal rotation with band exercise for shoulder strength and rotator cuff rehab, including step-by-step form, common mistakes, and who should avoid it.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Isometric Shoulder Holds

Learn how to do isometric shoulder holds — a gentle, pain-friendly way to build early strength after a shoulder injury. Steps, mistakes, and progressions.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Lat Pulldown

Learn lat pulldown form, muscles worked, benefits, common mistakes and progressions for back strength.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Levator Scapulae Stretch

Learn a gentle seated levator-scapulae stretch aimed toward the back and side of the neck.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Low Step-Up

Learn how to use a low step to rebuild knee and hip strength with adjustable height, support and repetition range.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Machine Pec Fly

Learn machine pec fly setup, chest muscles worked, benefits and form cues for controlled training.

Chest & Pecs · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Gentle Median Nerve Glide

A low-intensity median nerve glide that may be used in a clinician-guided carpal tunnel plan. Learn how to keep it gentle and when not to use it.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Neck Isometrics

Learn isometric neck exercises — pushing the head against gentle resistance without movement — for neck pain and whiplash recovery.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Neck Rotation

Learn a gentle seated neck rotation exercise to practise comfortable left and right cervical movement.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Neck Side Bending

Learn gentle neck side bending to practise comfortable cervical mobility without lifting or turning the shoulders.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Overhead Squat

Learn overhead squat form, mobility demands, muscles worked and practical progressions.

Knee · Advanced
Open exercise →
Exercise

Pec Isometric Press

Learn a gentle pec isometric press that creates chest-muscle tension without moving through a deep pressing range.

Chest & Pecs · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Pendulum Exercise (Codman Exercise) for the Shoulder

Learn how to do the pendulum (Codman) exercise safely for shoulder stiffness, pain, or early rehab. Step-by-step instructions, mistakes to avoid, and who should skip it.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Prone Y-T Raise

How to perform the prone Y-T raise to strengthen your shoulder blade stabilizers and rotator cuff. Steps, common mistakes, and progressions included.

Shoulder · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Pull-Up

Learn pull-up form, muscles worked, regressions, progressions and the common mistakes that waste reps.

Lower Back · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Resistance-Band Chest Press

Learn the resistance-band chest press for scalable chest, shoulder and triceps strengthening.

Chest & Pecs · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Romanian Deadlift

Learn the Romanian deadlift with hamstring-focused hip-hinge form, muscles worked, benefits and progressions.

Lower Back · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Rope Triceps Press-Down

Learn rope triceps press-down form, muscles worked, benefits, errors to avoid and progressions.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Scapular Retraction Row

How to perform the scapular retraction row to strengthen your mid-back and improve shoulder posture. Includes steps, common mistakes, and progressions.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Seated Cable Row

Learn seated cable row form, muscles worked, benefits, common mistakes and progressions for back strength.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Seated Calf Raise

Use seated calf raises to build soleus and calf strength with the knee bent.

Foot & Ankle · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Seated Thoracic Rotation

Learn a gentle seated thoracic rotation drill while keeping the pelvis stable.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Serratus Anterior Punch

Learn the serratus anterior punch to strengthen shoulder blade control and support healthy overhead movement. Includes steps, mistakes, and progressions.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Side-Lying Hip Abduction

Learn side-lying hip abduction for controlled lateral-hip and gluteal strengthening.

Hip · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Side Plank

Learn the side plank for core and hip stability, with hold times, easier versions on the knees and progressions for a stronger midsection.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Single-Leg Balance

Learn the single-leg balance exercise to improve knee and ankle stability, with progressions from stable surfaces to eyes-closed balance.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Single-Leg Deadlift

Learn the single-leg deadlift for glute, hamstring and balance strength, with form cues, easier versions and progressions.

Hip · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Sit-to-Stand

Learn how to use chair height, control and gradual progression to make the sit-to-stand a practical knee-strengthening exercise.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

EZ-Bar Skull Crusher

Learn EZ-bar skull crusher form, triceps muscles worked, common mistakes and safer progressions.

Arms · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Exercise

Standing Hamstring Curl

Learn a supported standing hamstring curl for controlled knee-flexion strengthening.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Standing Hip Abduction

Learn standing hip abduction for gluteus medius strength and outer-hip pain, with a banded version, form cues and progressions.

Hip · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Standing Overhead Barbell Press

Learn standing overhead barbell press form, muscles worked, benefits, carryover and safety cues.

Shoulder · Advanced
Open exercise →
Exercise

Step-Down

Learn the step-down exercise — controlled lowering from a step to build single-leg strength and knee control, with progressions and safety notes.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Terminal Knee Extension

Learn the terminal knee extension — a simple quadriceps exercise that improves the last part of knee straightening, with progressions and safety notes.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Upper Trapezius Stretch

Learn a gentle seated upper-trapezius stretch for the side of the neck and upper shoulder.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Wall Push-Up

Learn a wall push-up, a low-load pressing exercise that builds chest and shoulder-blade control without heavy loading.

Chest & Pecs · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Wall-Sit Isometric

Learn how to adjust wall-sit depth, hold time and effort for controlled knee loading without forcing a painful position.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Wall Slides for Shoulder Mobility and Control

Step-by-step guide to wall slides for improving shoulder blade movement and overhead mobility. Includes common mistakes and progressions.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Wrist-Extension Isometric

Learn a simple wrist-extension isometric used to begin loading the wrist extensor muscles without moving the elbow.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Exercise

Wrist Flexion Strengthening

Learn supported wrist flexion with a light dumbbell for controlled forearm strengthening.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Adductor (Groin) Stretch

Learn a comfortable adductor (groin) stretch for a tight inner thigh, with hold times, easier versions and when to stop after a groin injury.

Hip · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Calf Stretch

Learn the standing calf stretch for the gastrocnemius and soleus, with straight- and bent-knee versions, hold times and safety notes.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Cat-Cow Stretch

Learn the cat-cow stretch, a slow spinal mobility movement that helps ease stiffness in the back and neck, with form cues and gentler options.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Child's Pose Stretch

Learn child's pose, a gentle resting stretch that lengthens the lower back and hips, with modifications for knees and how to make it comfortable.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch

Learn the cross-body shoulder stretch to ease tightness in the back of the shoulder. Includes hold times, reps, common mistakes, and who should avoid it.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Doorway Pec Stretch

Learn the doorway pec stretch to loosen tight chest muscles that pull the shoulder forward. Includes hold times, steps, and who should avoid it.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Golfer's Elbow Stretch

Learn the golfer's elbow stretch for inner elbow and forearm tightness, with step-by-step instructions, easier versions and when to stop.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Hamstring Stretch

Learn a comfortable seated hamstring stretch, with hold times, easier alternatives and when to stop — especially if you feel nerve-type symptoms.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Hip Flexor Stretch

Learn the kneeling hip flexor stretch for a tight front of hip, with hold times, easier versions and when to avoid it after injury.

Hip · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

IT Band Stretch

Learn a standing IT band stretch for the outside of the thigh, plus tissue-release options, hold times and why strengthening matters more than stretching alone.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Knee Heel Slide

Learn a gentle heel-slide movement for practising knee bending without forcing a painful range.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Knee-to-Chest Stretch

Learn the knee-to-chest stretch, a gentle lying stretch for a stiff lower back, with hold times, easier versions and when to stop.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Levator Scapulae Stretch

Learn the levator scapulae stretch for a tight neck where it meets the shoulder, with step-by-step instructions and safer alternatives.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Neck Rotation Stretch

Learn the neck rotation stretch for stiffness when turning your head, with step-by-step instructions and when to stop.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Overhead Triceps and Shoulder Stretch

Learn the overhead triceps and shoulder stretch to ease tightness in the back of the upper arm and top of the shoulder. Steps, hold times, and cautions.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Piriformis Stretch

Learn the figure-4 piriformis stretch for deep buttock and outer-hip tightness, with hold times, easier versions and nerve-symptom safety rules.

Hip · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Posterior Capsule Stretch

Learn the posterior capsule stretch to ease tightness deep in the back of the shoulder joint. Steps, hold times, and who should avoid it.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Quadriceps Stretch

Learn a safe standing quadriceps stretch, with support options, hold times and when to avoid it — including after knee surgery.

Knee · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Sciatic Nerve Glide

Learn the sciatic nerve glide (slider), a gentle nerve-mobility exercise for nerve-related leg pain, with safety rules and when not to do it.

Lower Back · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Sleeper Stretch

Learn how to do the sleeper stretch to improve internal shoulder rotation and ease posterior capsule tightness, common in throwing athletes.

Shoulder · Intermediate
Open exercise →
Stretch

Tennis Elbow Stretch

Learn the standard tennis elbow stretch for the outer elbow and forearm, with step-by-step instructions, easier versions and when to stop.

Arms · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Towel Stretch for Internal Rotation

Learn the towel stretch to improve your ability to reach behind your back. Steps, hold times, common mistakes, and who should avoid this stretch.

Shoulder · Beginner
Open exercise →
Stretch

Upper Trapezius Stretch

Learn the upper trapezius stretch for a tight neck and shoulder, with hold times, easier versions and when to stop.

Neck · Beginner
Open exercise →

Rehabilitation guides

20
Knee · Rehabilitation

ACL Rehabilitation Guide

Follow a practical, milestone-based ACL rehabilitation guide covering swelling, motion, strength, running, jumping and return-to-sport testing.

Read the guide →
Shoulder · Rehabilitation

Frozen Shoulder Rehab Guide

A phase-by-phase rehabilitation guide for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), including exercises, stretches, and what to expect at each stage.

Read the guide →
Lower Back · Rehabilitation

General Back Loading Principles

Learn how to adjust back load, movement and exercise volume, judge your symptom response, and know when back pain needs assessment.

Read the guide →
Arms · Rehabilitation

General Upper Arm and Elbow Loading Principles

Learn how to adjust grip, range, resistance and training volume when rebuilding an irritated upper arm or elbow.

Read the guide →
Hip · Rehabilitation

General Hip Loading Principles

Learn how to adjust hip load, movement and exercise volume, use symptoms as feedback, and know when hip pain needs assessment.

Read the guide →
Knee · Rehabilitation

General Knee Loading Principles

Learn how to adjust knee range, load and exercise volume, judge your symptom response, and know when knee pain needs an assessment.

Read the guide →
Neck · Rehabilitation

General Neck Loading Principles

Learn how to adjust neck load, movement and exercise volume, judge your symptom response, and know when neck pain needs assessment.

Read the guide →
Shoulder · Rehabilitation

General Shoulder Rehabilitation Principles

Core principles behind shoulder rehabilitation that apply across most shoulder injuries, including phased progression, exercise selection, and when to seek help.

Read the guide →
Hip · Rehabilitation

Hip Replacement Rehabilitation Guide

A phase-by-phase hip replacement rehabilitation guide — hospital day, hip precautions, walking, strength and return to activity. Includes red flags and clinician questions.

Read the guide →
Knee · Rehabilitation

Knee Replacement Rehabilitation Guide

A phase-by-phase knee replacement rehabilitation guide — from the first days of ankle pumps and extension to walking, stairs and strength. Includes precautions and when to see someone.

Read the guide →
Knee · Rehabilitation

MCL Rehabilitation Guide

Follow a practical MCL rehabilitation guide covering early protection, motion, strength, running, cutting and safe return-to-sport milestones.

Read the guide →
Knee · Rehabilitation

Meniscus Rehabilitation Guide

Follow a practical meniscus rehabilitation guide for non-operative care, meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy, with exercises and progression milestones.

Read the guide →
Knee · Rehabilitation

Patellar Tendinopathy Rehabilitation Guide

Follow a practical patellar tendinopathy rehabilitation guide progressing from pain-tolerable isometrics to strength, jumping, running and sport.

Read the guide →
Knee · Rehabilitation

PCL Rehabilitation Guide

Learn how PCL rehabilitation works for isolated injuries, why quadriceps strength comes first, and what return to running and sport looks like.

Read the guide →
Shoulder · Rehabilitation

Post-Dislocation Shoulder Rehab Guide

A phase-by-phase rehabilitation guide for recovering after a shoulder dislocation, covering protection, strengthening, and safe return to sport or activity.

Read the guide →
Chest & Pecs · Rehabilitation

Return to Pressing After a Pec Injury

Learn a cautious framework for rebuilding range, strength and pressing tolerance after a pec strain while recognizing signs of a tear.

Read the guide →
Whole Body · Rehabilitation

Return to Sport: Readiness Guide

How do you know when you're ready to return to sport after an injury? A plain-language readiness guide covering strength, pain response, confidence and phased return.

Read the guide →
Shoulder · Rehabilitation

Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation Guide

A phase-by-phase rotator cuff repair rehabilitation guide — sling protection, passive range, strengthening and return to sport. Includes precautions and red flags.

Read the guide →
Shoulder · Rehabilitation

Rotator Cuff Tear Rehab Guide

A clear, phase-by-phase rehabilitation guide for rotator cuff tears, covering early protection through return to full activity, with exercises and progression criteria.

Read the guide →
Shoulder · Rehabilitation

Shoulder Impingement Rehab Guide

A step-by-step rehabilitation guide for shoulder impingement syndrome, with exercises, stretches, and progression criteria for each recovery phase.

Read the guide →
Pick the level, not just the exercise.

Exercises are marked beginner, intermediate or advanced as a guide. Start easier than you think you need to — control beats load, and progression should follow comfort, not the calendar.