Workout Summary
- Main GoalBuild Muscle
- Workout TypeFull Body
- Training LevelIntermediate
- Program Duration8 weeks
- Days Per Week3
- Time Per Workout75-90 minutes
- Equipment RequiredBarbell, Bodyweight, Cables, Dumbbells
- Target Gender Male & Female
- Recommended Supps
- Workout PDF Download Workout
Workout Description
As Shakespeare so beautifully put it, “to be or not to be, that is the question”.
However, for lifters it looks more like this:
“To train for strength or to train for hypertrophy, that is the question.”
It’s a dilemma we all face too often. But, who’s to say we can’t have it all? When I recently took a second to dissect my workout, I decided going forward I’ll always have a split that has it all and by sharing it, you’ll have it too. The next time you decide you want to build up your strength, without sacrificing your striations, return to this workout. It’s the total package, a 3-day full body workout.
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Breaking Down The 3 Day Full Body Workout
The total package workout is a simple concept, really.
You want gains.
You’re told to get muscle gains, you have to train in an 8-12 rep range for muscle hypertrophy.
Related: Fast Mass Program - The 4 Day Superset Split Workout
But you’re also told you need to be functional. You need to be strong. And to accomplish this you have to train in the 1-5 rep range to increase your central nervous systems capabilities to elicit force output, aka strength gains.
Seems like a lot of confusing and conflicting circumstance. However, you can accomplish both.
How? I’m glad you asked.
The Frequency of the Total Package
We’re going to start off by switching from your traditional bodybuilding or strength split to full body workouts three days a week. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But, Josh! Full-body workouts are so… are so… beginner level!”
Stop right there, my friend. Sure, a lot of coaches and personal trainers put their clients through an initial full-body program to ensure they fix any muscular imbalances a client may have, but there are so many benefits to full-body workouts that we can all benefit from.
Instead of hitting the gym 5 times a week, we narrow it down to just 3 days. You’ll be thanking me when you start seeing gains in your social life to go along with the gains you’ll earn through this workout.
Plus, those three days are packed with two huge components (I’ll get to them shortly) that will leave you jacked! Not only that, the more often you can stimulate the muscle (especially true for natty lifters), recover fully, and repeat that muscle protein synthesis, the more gains you’re going to see!
So, now that you’re sold on working out 3 days a week, let’s move on to the two major components that make this program the total package.
The Strength Component
Each day begins with a 5x5 rep scheme of one of the big three lifts (squat, bench, and deadlift). The 5x5 rep scheme is used in a lot of programs and is seen as one of the key foundations of a strength-based workout.
We’re going to split up each day to be paired with its own big lift. On Mondays, you’re going to come in and hit some squats.
I’m a big fan of squatting on Mondays; usually you tend to be the strongest you’ll be coming off dual rest days from the weekend and you tend to be more energized due to the extra calorie consumption most of us are guilty of on the weekends. Also, the squat racks tend to be free as everyone else is participating in international chest day.
Wednesday is your bench press day. Nothing like getting your #pumpday swole from some heavy bench pressing. It also will give you some extra time to allow your legs to recover from squats before we hit deadlifts on Friday.
The strength portion of the Total Package Workout ends with deadlifts on Friday. Deadlifts, for most, are a lifter’s strongest lift. So, by doing them on Friday you can burn some extra calories before going into the weekend.
The Hypertrophy Component
While we split up the big three lifts, we also hit each muscle group with just the right amount of volume to elicit a hypertrophic response.
This is where the full-body component comes in and also where you’re going to see most of your physical gains. You’ll be doing a 4x10 rep scheme for all of the large muscle groups, with a 3x10 rep scheme hitting the smaller groups.
It’s certainly no easy task. You’re going to be dog-tired from performing the strength component of this workout. So, make sure you go lighter on the weight, focus on the range of motion while you’re lifting, and really try to create a pump in each muscle group.
Rest Days
Some people still think there shouldn’t be such a thing as a rest day. I kind of sit on both sides of that fence. I don’t like to lift weights every day, but I like to keep my body in motion.
On your rest days for this program, you’re going to refrain from touching the weights (you’re probably going to be too sore to want to anyway). Instead, go for a very light jog and/or walk. Keep the pace slow and really try to benefit from the active recovery.
Shoot for about 30-45 minutes of low-intensity cardio on your off days and also be sure to hit the foam roller afterward to further promote your recovery.
3 Day Full Body Split FAQs
How long should I take for rest periods in between sets?
You’ll want to be sure to take 2-3 minutes of rest in between your 5x5 sets. For the rest of the hypertrophy workout, try to limit rest to 45-60 seconds. At the end of the day, if you need to take a longer rest, it’s better safe than sorry.
How should I progress the weight used for these workouts?
You can do this in a number of ways and it really depends on your level of fitness. Personally, I like to add 5lbs for each set on the strength component. Each week, I’ll begin my working sets with the second lightest set from the previous week.
However, you can do sets where the weight remains the same throughout and try to increase by 5lbs each week too. This is how I prefer to progress with the hypertrophy sets of this workout.
Can I substitute (body part specific lift) with (lift in the program)?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t swap out any of the main lifts unless you have a legitimate reason to do so, but for the hypertrophy lifts, you can swap out whichever exercise for an exercise targeting the same body part that you want to. You know your body’s weaknesses better than I do, so by all means swap away.
One thing that I’d like to note, no two lifts are the same day each day. If you decide to make alterations, try to make each exercise that you are doing on each day different, and consistently do them week in and week out so you can track improvements.
Related: Muscle & Strength Full Body Workout Routine
Can I add in additional lifts?
I wouldn’t recommend it. This program is pretty serious as is and you’re going to want to limit taking the rep count any higher. If you want to do a lift bad enough, sub it in for one and do it. Your gains will thank you in the long run.
Can I do HIIT Cardio/additional cardio than what is recommended on rest days?
Again, I wouldn’t recommend it. But if you feel like you can and still recover efficiently enough to where it won’t affect your performance doing these lifts, give it a go!
Is this program good for someone looking to lose fat/build muscle?
This program is perfect for both of those scenarios. Your ability to lose fat and build muscle is going to be highly dependent on what you do outside of the gym. You’ve got to make sure your diet is aligned with your goals, you're getting enough sleep each night, and you're doing everything possible to allow your muscles to recover.
The Total Package 3 Day Full Body Workout
Day 1
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Squat | 5 | 5 |
2. Dumbbell Bench | 4 | 10 |
3. Dumbbell Row | 4 | 10 |
4. Seated Dumbbell Press | 4 | 10 |
5. Lunge | 4 | 10 |
6. Dumbbell Curl | 3 | 10 |
7. Standing Barbell Tricep Extension | 3 | 10 |
8. Calf Raise | 3 | 12 |
9. Plank | 5 | 20 secs |
Day 2
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Bench Press | 5 | 5 |
2. Machine Pec Deck | 3 | 12 |
3. Leg Extension | 4 | 10 |
4. Leg Curl | 4 | 10 |
5. Pullup | 4 | 10 |
6. Seated Lateral Raise | 4 | 10 |
7. Dumbbell Hammer Curls | 3 | 10 |
8. Rope Extension | 3 | 10 |
9. Plank | 5 | 20 secs |
Day 3
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Deadlift | 5 | 5 |
2. Incline Dumbbell Press | 4 | 10 |
3. Lateral Raise | 4 | 10 |
4. Pulldown | 4 | 10 |
5. Leg Press | 4 | 10 |
6. EZ Bar Curl | 3 | 10 |
7. Skullcrushers | 3 | 10 |
8. Dumbbell Shrugs | 3 | 12 |
9. Plank | 5 | 20 secs |
Conclusion
The Total Package Workout is the perfect workout if you’re looking to get the most out of your workouts without spending every day in the gym.
It targets both strength and hypertrophy by utilizing a 5x5 rep scheme followed by a full body routine three days a week. It also allows you to work on your cardiovascular health during your low-intensity recovery days.
While I certainly didn’t come up with these principles, I like putting them together. Strength, size, and health, what more could you ask for?
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
1.2K Comments
This workout is a three day a week split but can I run it every other day so some weeks I would train 3 days a week and some weeks 4 days a week
(Mon Wed Fri Sun Tue Thu Sat Mon) etc etc
I see no issues with that, James. Go for it. Hope this helps!
This ill thought through program is overly long, mixes body parts that shouldnt and relies on outdated methods of strength building.
What a good warm up to start
If you're talking about before you train at all, a few minutes on an elliptical or treadmill followed by stretching and contracting muscles would be effective.
If you're talking about warmup weights, go with 50% of what you think you can do before you start your work sets.
Hi I had a heart attack 1 year ago I’m 55 I have a sitting job so as well as getting stronger i really need to get fit to be able to walk a few miles and build stamina will this help as only doing bits on rest days .thank you for the work you’ve put it to help others with there goals
Hi! I hope this isnt a stupid question but I just started this program and was wondering if one of the lateral raises could be switched with an overhead press?
I know its training the muscles differently but not sure if it would be worse or not.
Thanks in advance!
Not a stupid question, Michael, but let me answer with a question of my own. Why are you wanting to swap them? I ask so I can provide the best answer possible for you.
Started this routine this week and am loving it. Thanks! My back is one of my weakest lifts and this routine doesn’t have a big compound strength move for the back pull. Any supplement you’d advise to target the back more with this routine?
Hey Brent, the deadlift is as good as you can find for the lower back as well as the entire posterior chain. However, reverse hypers, rack pulls, and barbell rows off the floor are also good additions to include if you want.
My biggest fear is my legs and triceps not growing. How does doing these workouts make your legs grow along with triceps cause it feels like I'm not doing it. But this is my second week.
Hey Josh, thanks for reading M&S. If this is only your second week, then you need to give it more time. You should see some positive results in a couple of months. Keep in mind that since you're trying to make them grow, then you're literally trying to build muscle that you don't have yet. That takes time, consistency, and commitment.
Hi, do I have to do the workouts in the order listed for the three-day full-body workout program?
It's suggested, but it's not like we're going to be there to stop you if you don't. LOL.
Mind if I ask why you want to switch things up and what you have in mind? I'd like to provide the best suggestions possible if needed.
Thank you for your quick response! My gym is usually crowded and sometimes the equipment is not available to use in the order the exercises are listed.
Makes sense. Do the first exercise first, but do the rest as you need to. Let us know how it goes.
This may sound like a stupid question but could I do barbell rows instead of dumbbell rows?
No stupid questions here, Josh. Glad you're a part of the M&S community.
Yep, go with BB rows. Mind if I ask why? Your answer may help me with other questions from other folks.
Is this workout good for somebody doing martial arts 4 days per week?
It looks good and I want to improve my muscle and strength.
I believe it would serve you very well. The only suggestion I have is to make sure you take at least one complete day off a week. Hope this helps.
I have completed the programme now having a week off as I am over 50yrs and it tired me out what program should I do next or could I do the same for another 8 weeks.
You can do it either way, Mark. If you want something new, this guide may help.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-choose-your-next-train...
Thank you for reading M&S!
Can't wait to start this next week I'll let you know how I get on
Hello!
I've been trying this programme for a bit now and I like it. It feels easy to progress the weights.
I'm far from new to the gym and I just got off a year of coaching with a world champion lifter, but something I am not sure of myself is how to schedule deload-weeks. I really neel like I need one after this week since I've been going pretty hard the past 4-5 weeks. What would you recommend I do when running this programme? Just take off some weight? Remove exercises?
Thanks in advance!
Hey Elias, thanks for reading M&S!
When you feel like you need to deload, then deload. Take as much of a week off if you need to. If you really want to keep training but feel the toll is too much, then reduce weight instead of exercises. Hope this helps!
This looks great - thank you! Where could I best incorporate some glute focussed fav exercises such as hip thrust and RDL by taking out a couple of upper body exercises?
Hi Laura, I would add hip thrusts after squats on Day 1 and replace deadlifts on Day 3 with RDL's. Don't take any upper body movements out. Hope this helps.
Can I do this workout 1 day off 2 days on? At the moment I can only hit the gym on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
If it helps you stay consistent, then go for it, James. Let us know your results on this one.
Hey, great program, but I don't see overhead barbell press anywhere. Which exercise is suitable to swap for it? I would like to continue doing both barbell and dumbbell shoulder presses
Hello Vitali, the dumbbell version is in Day 1, and you can swap the Incline Bench on Day 3 for the barbell overhead press. I hope this helps!
Hi! Great article! Thanks for that, I'm gonna use it after my Old 3 Day fbw 5x5 for strength. I have a weak shoulders and want to build them stronger. I'd like to do 1 5x5 excersise for them. Think about OHP or military press. I'd put this excersise before or after Deadlift because IMO it wouldnt interfere with shoulder mouscles(if done before DL). Can you advice?
What's good, Andrew? If this is a top priority, do it first when you have the most energy. You can't go wrong with either version of the press. Just stay consistent with the one you choose. Thanks for reading M&S!
Which routine is better this one or the other one that Steve Shaw made
Hard to knock either one. It really is based on the user and their goals.
hi guys , im new to lifting . when doing these exercises do i do 1 set of each until all exercises are done then move onto set 2 of all exercises etc or do i do 5 sets of first exercise before moving on to 5 sets of 2 etc
Hi, Sean. You should do all five sets of an exercise before doing the next. Just make sure you rest for around one minute between each set.
Would these workouts be possible to complete in 60 minutes as I’m pushed for time in the mornings to get to work.
Hey Craig, you would have to cut the rest down to 45 seconds, and even then you may have to cut a set out of the last few exercises. That may keep it under an hour. If you try this, let us know how it works. Thanks for reading M&S!
Thank you for this workout. It's exactly what I need with my hectic schedule. I had a four day split but kept missing one every week... I know my life allows me to lift three days a week consistently and this plan seems to maximize that time.
Let us know how it goes for you, Jessica. Happy New Year, and thanks for reading M&S!
What can I replace the machine exercises with? I have a squad rack and dumbbells at home.
This page should help you find all the replacements you need, Jay.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises
Hey Roger,
This is a great program!what's your thoughts on adding an extra day and repeating one of the workouts ?
I will pass your comments onto Josh England, Joshua. If you feel the extra day would help and your recovery isn't altered, go for it!
Thanks for reading M&S!
What should our RPE be set for each exercises.
And how should we gradually change RPE As we progress.
Last sets should be RPE 9 or 10. Start lighter as you feel you can with the beginning sets. If it was a three set exercise, I would go RPE 8, 9, 10 myself.
Hi, just wondering if you can please help with what can be alternated for;
Machine pec deck
Leg extension
Leg curl
Rope extension
Leg press
Thank you!
We have a full exercise section here that can help you find alternatives. As long as they work the same muscle groups, you should be fine.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises
Hello,
Thank you for this package. It is awesome!!!
I feel like I’m doing something wrong. The 5x5 seems easy. I’m not following the 2-3 minutes rules for resting, though. Are these sets for warming? Or should I increase the weight for these ? Please advise. Thank you