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Beginner · Workout Plan

Beginner Full-Body Plan

If you're new, this is where to start. Two simple full-body workouts (A and B) alternated three times a week build the movement patterns and base every advanced program is built on. Focus on form and steady progression, not intensity — leave 2–3 reps in the tank while you learn the lifts.

3 days/weekBeginnerFull Body A/B

Workout A

Full body
Exercise Sets Reps RIR
Goblet Squat 3 8–10 2–3
Dumbbell Bench Press (or Push-Up) 3 8–10 2–3
Lat Pulldown 3 10–12 2–3
Dumbbell Shoulder Press 2 10–12 2–3
Plank 3 30–45s

Workout B

Full body
Exercise Sets Reps RIR
Romanian Deadlift 3 8–10 2–3
Leg Press 3 10–12 2–3
Seated Cable Row 3 10–12 2–3
Incline Dumbbell Press 2 10–12 2–3
Dumbbell Curl 2 12–15 2–3

How to run it

  • Alternate A and B across three days: week 1 = A/B/A, week 2 = B/A/B.
  • Form first. Add a small amount of weight only once you can hit the top of the rep range with clean technique.
  • 2–3 reps in reserve is plenty as a beginner — you'll grow fast without grinding to failure.

Evidence base: Morton et al. (2018) · Schoenfeld et al. (2016)

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