Ultimate Guide to Full Body Workouts for Beginners: Your First 4 Weeks
Ultimate Guide to Full Body Workouts for Beginners: Your First 4 Weeks
Are you a busy professional feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting a fitness routine? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with finding the time and confidence to hit the gym, especially when it comes to strength training. The good news? You can achieve great results from the comfort of your home with a structured full-body workout plan designed specifically for beginners.
Quick Stats Box
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes including warm-up and cool-down
- Equipment Needed: Yoga mat required, light dumbbells (5-10 lbs) optional
- Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
- Calories Burned: Approximately 150-250 calories depending on intensity
Week 1-4 Overview
This 4-week plan features full-body workouts, three times a week, with rest days in between. Each session is designed to build your strength, improve your endurance, and boost your confidence. Let’s dive in!
Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Perform each exercise for 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest between exercises.
- Arm Circles - Stand tall and make small circles with your arms, gradually increasing the size.
- Bodyweight Squats - Feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body as if sitting back into a chair.
- High Knees - Jog in place, bringing knees up to hip level.
- Torso Twists - Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, twist your torso gently from side to side.
- Leg Swings - Hold onto a wall for balance and swing one leg forward and backward.
Full Body Workout Routine
| Exercise Name | Reps/Duration | Sets | Rest | Tempo | Form Cue | Modification | |----------------------------------|-----------------|---------|---------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Bodyweight Squats | 12 reps | 3 sets | 45 seconds between sets | 2 seconds down, 1 second pause, 2 seconds up | Keep your chest up and knees behind your toes | Reduce depth of squat | | Push-Ups (Knee or Standard) | 10 reps | 3 sets | 45 seconds between sets | 2 seconds down, 1 second pause, 2 seconds up | Keep your body in a straight line | Do on knees if needed | | Bent-Over Dumbbell Rows | 12 reps | 3 sets | 45 seconds between sets | 2 seconds down, 1 second pause, 2 seconds up | Squeeze shoulder blades at the top | Use water bottles if no dumbbells | | Plank | 30 seconds | 3 sets | 45 seconds between sets | Hold steady | Keep hips level with shoulders | Drop to knees if needed | | Glute Bridges | 15 reps | 3 sets | 45 seconds between sets | 2 seconds up, 1 second pause, 2 seconds down | Squeeze glutes at the top | Hold at the top for 3 seconds |
Cool-Down (3-5 minutes)
Hold each stretch for 30 seconds, focusing on deep breathing.
- Standing Quad Stretch - Pull one foot towards your glutes.
- Seated Hamstring Stretch - Extend one leg and reach toward your toes.
- Child’s Pose - Kneel and sit back on your heels, stretching your arms forward.
Complete in: 30 minutes
Progression Plan
- Week 1: Focus on form and mastering the movements.
- Week 2: Increase reps by 2 for each exercise.
- Week 3: Add an additional set to each exercise.
- Week 4: Try to decrease rest time to 30 seconds between sets.
Conclusion
Starting your fitness journey doesn’t have to be intimidating. By committing to this 4-week full-body workout plan, you will not only build strength but also enhance your overall health and well-being. Remember, consistency is key. After completing the four weeks, you can continue to progress by increasing weights or trying more challenging variations of these exercises.
For personalized coaching and real-time feedback, consider taking advantage of HipTrain’s live 1-on-1 video training with certified trainers. It’s HSA/FSA approved, making it an affordable option for busy schedules.
Get Personalized Coaching with Real-Time Feedback
Live 1-on-1 sessions with certified trainers. HSA/FSA eligible. Try your first session free.