
Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, lose fat, increase strength, or boost endurance, having the right workout routine is essential. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best plan. That’s why we’ve compiled the 10 best workout routines for men, designed to fit various fitness goals and experience levels.
These routines combine strength training, cardio, and functional movements to help you get the most out of your efforts.
1. Full-Body Strength Training (3 Days a Week)
Best for: Beginners and time-crunched individuals
Goal: Build overall muscle and strength
This classic full-body routine targets all major muscle groups. Perform it 3 non-consecutive days per week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
Sample Exercises:
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Squats – 3 sets of 8–10 reps
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Bench Press – 3 sets of 8–10 reps
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Bent-Over Rows – 3 sets of 10 reps
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Plank – 3 rounds of 30–60 seconds
Why it works: Balanced muscle development, faster recovery, and ideal for beginners.
2. Push-Pull-Legs Split (6 Days a Week)
Best for: Intermediate to advanced lifters
Goal: Muscle hypertrophy and strength
The Push-Pull-Legs (PPL) split separates workouts by movement patterns. This method increases training volume while giving muscle groups adequate rest.
Weekly Split Example:
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Mon: Push (chest, shoulders, triceps)
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Tue: Pull (back, biceps)
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Wed: Legs
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Thu-Sat: Repeat
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Sun: Rest
Why it works: High frequency and volume to maximize muscle gains.
3. Upper-Lower Body Split (4 Days a Week)
Best for: Intermediate lifters
Goal: Balanced development and strength
Alternating upper and lower body days helps ensure each area gets focused attention.
Weekly Plan:
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Mon: Upper
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Tue: Lower
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Thu: Upper
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Fri: Lower
Benefits: Allows for more focused workouts, great for strength and hypertrophy.
4. Bodyweight Circuit Training
Best for: Fat loss and conditioning
Goal: Burn fat, increase endurance, no equipment needed
Perfect for those working out at home or on the go.
Sample Circuit (Repeat 3-5 Rounds):
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Push-ups – 15 reps
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Air Squats – 20 reps
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Pull-ups or Rows – 10 reps
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Plank – 60 seconds
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Jumping Jacks – 30 seconds
Why it works: Keeps heart rate elevated while building lean muscle.
5. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
Best for: Time efficiency and fat loss
Goal: Burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness
Short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest or low-intensity movement.
Sample 20-Minute HIIT:
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30 seconds Sprint / 60 seconds Walk (repeat 10–12 times)
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OR
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40 seconds Burpees / 20 seconds rest x 4 rounds
Why it works: Increases calorie burn even after your workout ends (EPOC effect).
6. Powerbuilding Routine
Best for: Lifters who want both size and strength
Goal: Blend of powerlifting and bodybuilding
Combines heavy compound lifts with hypertrophy work.
Example Day (Push Day):
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Bench Press – 4 sets of 3–5 reps
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Overhead Press – 4 sets of 8 reps
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Dumbbell Flys – 3 sets of 12 reps
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Triceps Pushdown – 3 sets of 15 reps
Why it works: Strength in compound lifts + size from isolation work.
7. CrossFit-Style Functional Training
Best for: Full-body conditioning and athleticism
Goal: Improve strength, endurance, and mobility
Workouts change daily (WODs), often combining weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises.
Sample WOD:
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21-15-9 Reps: Kettlebell Swings, Push-ups, Box Jumps
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For time
Why it works: Builds strength and real-world functionality.
8. Bro Split (Body Part Split)
Best for: Traditional bodybuilding
Goal: Maximize muscle isolation
Each day targets a specific muscle group.
Example:
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Mon: Chest
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Tue: Back
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Wed: Shoulders
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Thu: Legs
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Fri: Arms
Why it works: Allows focused muscle training, good for aesthetics.
9. Athletic Training Routine
Best for: Sports performance and agility
Goal: Explosiveness, coordination, and speed
Incorporates sprinting, jumping, mobility drills, and compound lifts.
Sample Workout:
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Box Jumps – 3×5
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Power Cleans – 4×3
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Agility Ladder Drills
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Sprint Intervals
Why it works: Develops functional power and movement efficiency.
10. Hybrid Training (Strength + Cardio)
Best for: All-around fitness
Goal: Strength, conditioning, and longevity
Combine weightlifting and cardio in the same session or alternate days.
Weekly Example:
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Mon: Strength
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Tue: Cardio (HIIT or running)
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Wed: Rest
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Thu: Strength
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Fri: Cardio
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Sat: Active Recovery
Why it works: Promotes both muscle gain and cardiovascular health.
Final Tips for Success
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Warm Up and Cool Down: Always start with 5–10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching. Cool down with static stretches.
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Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to log sets, reps, and weight.
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Prioritize Nutrition: Fuel your workouts with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
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Stay Consistent: Results come from long-term commitment, not perfection.
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Adjust as You Improve: As you get stronger, increase intensity or switch routines to prevent plateaus.
Conclusion
These 10 workout routines provide a versatile foundation for men of all fitness levels. Whether your goal is to build muscle, shred fat, or boost performance, there’s a program here that fits your needs. Pick the one that matches your lifestyle and goals, commit to it, and watch your body transform.