Workout Summary
Main Goal:
Build Muscle
Workout Type:
Full Body
Training Level:
Beginner
Days Per Week:
2
Equipment Required:
Barbell, Bodyweight, Dumbbells
Target Gender:
Male & Female
Author:
Workout Description
This is a 2 day per week fullbody routine, designed by Steve from the Muscle and Strength forum and should be used by those looking to build muscle, gain strength and/or gain weight.
This workout can also be performed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, alternating between A and B workouts.
Your goal is to do as many reps as possible without training to failure on each set. Try for more reps on every set of every workout. When you can perform 25 total reps for all three sets on exercises that require 3 sets of 6-10 reps, add weight.
Additional exercises can be added on each day, but do not train longer then 60 minutes on any given day.
Daily Workout Schedule:
| Monday - Workout A | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full Body | ||
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
| Squat | 3 | 6-10 |
| Barbell Bench Press | 3 | 6-10 |
| Bent Over Row | 3 | 6-10 |
| Stiff Leg Deadlift | 2 | 10-15 |
| Ab Exercise (Pick your favorite) | 3 | 10-25 |
| Thursday - Workout B | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full Body | ||
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
| Deadlift | 3 | 6-10 |
| Seated Barbell Press Behind Neck | 3 | 6-10 |
| Close Grip Bench Press | 3 | 6-10 |
| Standing Barbell Curl (or Standing Dumbbell Curl) | 3 | 6-10 |
| Seated Calf Raise | 2 | 10-25 |
Comments (293)
Add a comment
Posted Sat, 07/16/2011 - 01:46
This workout looks very good. But for me personally my weekdays are usually full and do not have much time with the job I have currently and was woundering about doing on saturday and sunday until i get a little more time. I know given its a full body back to back and want to give my muscles time to rest. Would just like someones advice.
Posted Sat, 07/23/2011 - 18:32
I used to work out a lot during highschool for football we had a very intense workout that was mon-thurs and it worked everything within those four days. But since then i havnt done a whole lot of working out between college and work but i really want to get my body back to being at that level of physical activity. The only issue is i dnt know where to start. My old football self just wants to jump rite into it and pound out the weights but i know that if i did that i could potentially hurt myself pretty badly. Basically i want to know where to start i want something intense enough to lose weight first. Then tone after. Any help woukf b amazing please?
Posted Sun, 08/14/2011 - 06:55
Steve, could you write some instructions for the Deadlift and the Seated Barbell Press behind Neck?
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/deadlifts.html
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/seated-barbell-press-behind-n...
I am sure they would be appreciated. Thank you again
Posted Wed, 08/17/2011 - 13:23
Here you go:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-deadlift-proper-form-in...
Posted Thu, 08/18/2011 - 09:20
Hi Steve,
My gym doesnt have a squat rack but does have a smith machine. Could i do the squats using this machine?
Thanks
Colin
Posted Mon, 08/22/2011 - 16:41
Hi Colin,
No, I don't recommend Smith squats. They do not follow the natural lifting curve and are not a good choice.
Posted Thu, 08/18/2011 - 19:32
Hi there Steve, what would u reccomend for rest time in between each excercise?
Posted Mon, 08/22/2011 - 16:42
Hi Paul,
Rest about 90-120 seconds between most sets, and up to 3-5 minutes between heavy taxing sets of squats or deadlifts if need be.
Posted Wed, 09/28/2011 - 00:54
Hi Steve,
This workout is an answered prayer! Regarding rest, I choose to rest only 30 seconds between all sets and like to think that the workout is dual functioning as a mild cardio/ calorie burning routine. Do you have any thoughts on how many calories one might burn if they are executing the routine in around 30 minutes? I'm not looking to "lose weight" I'm just trying to keep my muscles engaged and trim some fat. I have cut out about 500 calories from my normal intake but I'm not "dieting" per say. Many thanks.
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 11:12
Hi Tracy,
Certainly. Any workout can function as cardio as long as you find a way to get the heart rate up.
Posted Sun, 09/04/2011 - 12:23
Completed this workout for the first time today. Because of a weak lower back I go light but really did feel the pump. I am sure I will be sore tomorrow. thank you for posting this workout.
Posted Sat, 09/10/2011 - 10:45
Steve,
I am a 46 yr old semi beginner. I have been inconsistently lifting for the past 2 years. Would you recommend this routine or another more suited to my age. I plan on a three day a week routine. My goal is to get stronger, loose fat and build some muscle.
Thanks,
Don
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 11:24
Hi Don,
This workout is a great place to start. Give yourself several weeks to get a feel for the demands of this program before getting aggressive with adding weight.
Posted Tue, 09/13/2011 - 22:35
Hi Steve,
Would it be an issue if I replaced the seated calf raise with a standing calf raise, using the machine that has those massive pads that go on top of your shoulders?
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 11:27
That's a great swap.
Posted Sat, 09/24/2011 - 12:49
Hi Steve, Just getting back into shape after about 5 or 6 years. Excellent workout, thank you for sharing it!. I just completed my first 6 weeks and was considering substituting chinups for the bicep curls, dips for the close grip bench, and lunges for the stiff leg deadlift. Would this work into the balance of the routine that you have designed?
Thanks again, Steve HH
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 11:32
That should work well.
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 12:16
Thanks Steve, Appreciate the response. I'm Loving this routine. 6 weeks in and already getting noticable results.
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 14:50
Awesome. keep pushing hard!
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 07:27
Hi Steve..
Wow... finally the site I've been looking for :)
Thanks for all the help.
I'm just starting out now, well it's been 2 months and looking good. I'm not a fan of supplements. I have a post protein shake after my workout though but nothing more.
I love working out my I experience DOMS all the time. Will it get better in time? because If I do "Workout A" I have to wait almost a week to do "B" because my muscles will be aching.
Would love any advise thanks!
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 11:33
Hi Jenson,
DOMS get slightly better, but I still have soreness 25 years later.
Don't wait until you feel perfect to perform workout B.
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 14:24
Hi Steve, I have been working out a number of years and I feel a bit burned out. Although I am experienced, would this be a good workout out to taper back a bit while still working out effectively. I am 42 years old and I incorporate cardio 2-3 times a week as well and I just don' t want to take a step back by scaling back my workload for a period. How long would you suggest I do the split if recommended.
Thanks, Steven
Posted Thu, 09/29/2011 - 14:42
Hi Steven,
You could do this split for years if it's to your liking. Trainer John Christy uses a similar workout and trainees have been able to make great gains on it for a very long period of time.
Posted Sat, 10/01/2011 - 05:41
Hi, I'm new on the forum and have two questions about this workout:
-I'm looking at starting the Wendler 5-3-1 boring but big routine next year when I change jobs and my work schedule normalizes a bit. Will this be a good workout to ease into that?
-Currently I travel a lot for work so this negatively affects my workout consistency, my diet, my sleeping schedules and my body's internal clock. I understand these are less than ideal conditions, so I am looking for a simple fullbody routine that will allow me growth in spite of this. Will this qualify?
Thanks,
Mike
Posted Sat, 10/01/2011 - 10:46
Hi Mike,
Absolutely. This workout will serve you well. Workout when you can and don't be afraid to move the days around each week to fit your schedule.
Trainee John Christy used a program like this for many, many people and they got great results.
Posted Wed, 10/05/2011 - 12:13
Steve what weight gainer do u suggest taking to gain the most muscle with this routine?I'm about ready for a 4day routine an seeing great results,thanks for this work out its made it easy to start back getting into shape.
Posted Wed, 10/05/2011 - 16:53
Hi Jacob,
Check out the reviews for weight gainers below. Most all of the popular brands are a good choice.
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/store/category/weight-gainers.html?dir=...
Posted Tue, 10/11/2011 - 23:36
Hey Steve. I have a question.
What happens if a begginer jumps to intermediate level? I mean without starting by begger routine.
Posted Thu, 10/13/2011 - 15:00
Don't jump to a complex workout without first learning how to build muscle and eat properly.
Posted Thu, 10/13/2011 - 23:50
Ok. thanks. I asked this question because my friend want to follow me what im doing. but he is a beginner.
Posted Fri, 10/21/2011 - 14:33
wat do you recomend for me as a work out routine im 20yrs waight 225 lbs 5.9 ft tall i got no acces to a gym but i got bench press w/220 lbs totat an dumbbells 25 lbs total i want to loose waight but at the same time get toned bild muscle wat kind of work out would it be good for me and is it ok if i add creatineX3 elite serries?
Posted Mon, 10/24/2011 - 10:38
This workout is a good choice but you will eventually need more weight. You want to focus on two things to maximize results:
1) Pushing yourself in the gym. Using good form, always push yourself on every set. When you can perform the recommended number of reps for a set, add weight.
2) Eat to maximize muscle gains. Here are some articles that can help:
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-create-a-bodybuilding-...
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/building-muscle-eating-like-a-...
Creatine is a solid choice as long as you are training hard and eating properly.
Posted Mon, 10/24/2011 - 15:53
Steve can these workouts be performed as effectivley using the weight machines often found in modern sport and fitness centres thanks for your advice
Posted Tue, 10/25/2011 - 15:25
Barbells and dumbbells are a better choice and should be used when possible.
Posted Thu, 10/27/2011 - 15:44
Hi
Will this work for a u19 rugby workout plan ??
Benn
Posted Mon, 10/31/2011 - 12:52
If you are looking for strength and muscle, yes.
Posted Mon, 11/07/2011 - 19:20
hey steve im 32 and have dropped from 89kgs to 64kgs in 8 months can you recommend a diet to work alongside this program to bulk back up im really struggling and would love to be back to 89Kgs i bet you dont get many people asking you how to put weight on lol
Posted Fri, 11/25/2011 - 12:36
Here are some articles that can help:
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-create-a-bodybuilding-...
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/building-muscle-eating-like-a-...
Posted Thu, 11/10/2011 - 10:05
Can I add the bear barbell complex on another day? When do you suggest?
Posted Fri, 11/25/2011 - 12:36
Sure. You could use it as active recovery up to 3 days per week.
Posted Thu, 11/10/2011 - 11:04
hi steve
i ve been hitting the gym for quite a long time now and trying to get a workout which would just help me maintain ,if not make better of my muscles that i already have.since i dont have much time to train these days,would you recommend this training to someone who has already been used to lifting weights.thanks in advance
Posted Fri, 11/25/2011 - 12:37
Absolutely. This would be a great option for you.
Posted Fri, 11/18/2011 - 14:36
How long doing this 3 days a week before you see results, also if have a slight gut is there anything extra I can add to the routine.
Would you recommend protein shakes, if so what time would you take them in regards to training.
thanks.
Posted Fri, 11/25/2011 - 12:39
You can make solid progress in 6 to 12 month's time.
As fat as fat loss, that is all about diet.
Posted Fri, 11/18/2011 - 22:28
Is this workout recommended for an ectomorph??
Posted Fri, 11/25/2011 - 12:40
Absolutely.
Posted Thu, 11/24/2011 - 00:58
hey steve, is their a corresponding diet that comes to this kind of routine? I just thinking to start this kind of routine exercise.
thanks!.
Mark
Posted Fri, 11/25/2011 - 12:41
Hi Mark,
Here are some articles that can help:
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-create-a-bodybuilding-...
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/building-muscle-eating-like-a-...
Posted Fri, 11/25/2011 - 19:45
do you have to eat that amount if you simple want to tone up to a muscly body and not so much a bodybuilder?
Posted Thu, 11/24/2011 - 06:25
Hi Steve, great workout. I don't go to the gym from Monday - Friday because Iam working and my workiing hours are too tight. If I do this workout on Saturday and Sunday, is is effective?
Cheers.
Pages
Add new comment