Program

Full body beginner workout: 3 days a week

A full body plan trains every major muscle group in each session, three times a week with a rest day between. It is the simplest way to practise the lifts often enough to get better at them.

The schedule

  • Three non-consecutive days a week, for example Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
  • Alternate Workout A and Workout B.
  • Warm up with two lighter sets of your first lift.

How to progress

Use double progression. Stay at one weight until you complete the top of the rep range on every set, then add the smallest weight jump next session and start at the bottom of the range again. Finish most sets with one to three reps left in the tank.

Workout A

ExerciseSets × reps
Goblet or back squat3 × 8–10
Dumbbell or barbell bench press3 × 8–10
Seated cable row or dumbbell row3 × 8–12
Romanian deadlift2 × 8–10
Plank3 × 30–45 s

Workout B

ExerciseSets × reps
Leg press or split squat3 × 8–12
Overhead dumbbell press3 × 8–10
Lat pulldown or assisted pull-up3 × 8–12
Hip thrust or glute bridge3 × 8–12
Hanging knee raise or dead bug3 × 10–15

Save both workouts as a plan and start Monday.

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Frequently asked questions

How long until I should change programs?

Most beginners can run something like this for several months. Move on when progress stalls on multiple lifts despite good sleep and food.

Can I do it at home?

Yes, with dumbbells and a bench or floor press. Swap machine work for dumbbell versions.

Is three days enough?

For beginners, yes. See the training frequency post for why.