30-Day Beginner Gym Challenge: 5-Day Strength Training Split for Results

Get in Shape in 30 Days and Build a Lasting Habit with Strength Training

By Will Duru, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, Award-winning Personal Trainer

Welcome to your 30-day beginner gym challenge! I’m Will Duru, and with over 10 years of experience in strength training, I’m here to guide you on this exciting journey. This program is designed to help you build a strong foundation, develop healthy habits, and see real results in just one month. We’ll focus on a 5-day workout split that’s perfect for beginners, along with essential nutrition and supplement advice to maximise your progress. The goal is not just to transform your body, but to create a sustainable fitness routine that you can stick with for the long haul.

This challenge is built around a structured 5-day workout split, a highly effective method for beginners to build muscle and strength. Research shows that both full-body and split-body routines are effective for beginners, but a split routine allows you to focus on specific muscle groups each day, which can be less overwhelming and more motivating when you’re just starting out [4]. We’ll be using a push/pull/legs format, with dedicated days for core and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to ensure a well-rounded program.

30-Day Beginner Gym Challenge: 5-Day Strength Training Split for Results

The 30-Day Beginner Challenge: A 5-Day Workout Split

This program is designed for one-hour workouts each day. Remember to warm up before each session with 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching, and cool down afterward with static stretching.

Day 1: Chest and Back (Push/Pull)

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Bench Press (Dumbbell or Barbell)

3

8-12

Start with a light weight to master the form

60-90 seconds

Bent-Over Row (Dumbbell or Barbell)

3

8-12

Start with a light weight to master the form

60-90 seconds

Incline Dumbbell Press

3

10-15

Choose a weight that challenges you

60 seconds

Lat Pulldown

3

10-15

Choose a weight that challenges you

60 seconds

Push-Ups (on knees if needed)

3

To failure

Bodyweight

60 seconds

Seated Cable Row

3

12-15

Choose a weight that challenges you

60 seconds

Day 2: Shoulders, Biceps, and Triceps (Push/Pull)

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Overhead Press (Dumbbell or Barbell)

3

8-12

Start with a light weight to master the form

60-90 seconds

Bicep Curls (Dumbbell or Barbell)

3

10-15

Choose a weight that challenges you

60 seconds

Tricep Dips (on bench)

3

10-15

Bodyweight

60 seconds

Lateral Raises (Dumbbell)

3

12-15

Choose a light weight to focus on form

60 seconds

Hammer Curls (Dumbbell)

3

12-15

Choose a weight that challenges you

60 seconds

Tricep Pushdowns (Cable Machine)

3

12-15

Choose a weight that challenges you

60 seconds

Day 3: Hamstrings, Quads, and Glutes (Legs)

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Squats (Bodyweight or Goblet Squat)

3

8-12

Start with bodyweight or a light dumbbell

60-90 seconds

Romanian Deadlifts (Dumbbell)

3

10-15

Start with a light weight to master the form

60-90 seconds

Lunges (Bodyweight or Dumbbell)

3

10-15 per leg

Start with bodyweight

60 seconds

Leg Press

3

12-15

Choose a weight that challenges you

60 seconds

Glute Bridges

3

15-20

Bodyweight

60 seconds

Calf Raises

3

15-20

Bodyweight or with dumbbells

60 seconds

30-Day Beginner Gym Challenge: 5-Day Strength Training Split for Results

Day 4: Cardio (Zone 2 and Zone 3)

This day is dedicated to cardiovascular health. Spend 60 minutes on a cardio machine of your choice (treadmill, elliptical, bike). Aim for 40 minutes in Zone 2 (a pace where you can hold a conversation) and 20 minutes in Zone 3 (a more challenging pace where conversation is difficult).

Day 5: HIIT Workout

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a fantastic way to burn calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness in a short amount of time. Perform each exercise for 30 seconds, followed by 30 seconds of rest. Repeat the circuit 4-5 times.

  • Jumping Jacks
  • High Knees
  • Burpees
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Bodyweight Squats

Nutrition for Success

Your efforts in the gym will only take you so far without proper nutrition. To build muscle and lose fat, you need to fuel your body with the right nutrients. Focus on a balanced diet of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Aim for a slight calorie surplus if your goal is muscle building, or a slight calorie deficit if your goal is fat loss. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Can Exercise Really Help with Mood Swings or Anxiety

Supplements to Boost Your Results

While not a replacement for a healthy diet, certain supplements can help you achieve your goals faster. For this 30-day challenge, I recommend two key supplements:

  • Clear Whey Protein: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Supplementing with whey protein, especially after a workout, can significantly enhance muscle hypertrophy and strength gains [1]. Clear whey is a lighter, more refreshing alternative to traditional milky protein shakes.
  • Creatine: Creatine is one of the most researched and effective supplements for increasing strength and power output. Taking 3-5 grams of creatine daily can help you lift heavier and perform more reps, leading to greater muscle growth over time [2].

Track Your Progress with the 12Reps App

To get the most out of this 30-day challenge, I highly recommend using a workout tracker like the 12Reps app. You can build this entire routine in the app, track your sets, reps, and weights, and monitor your progress over time. The app also features over 1,500 exercise demos to ensure you’re performing each movement correctly and safely. You can even pre-plan your workouts and share your personal bests with friends on social media. Download the app for a free trial and take your strength training to the next level.

The Importance of Consistency

Remember, consistency is key. Sticking to this program for 30 days will not only produce visible results but also help you build a lasting habit. Resistance training is medicine; it can increase lean muscle mass, boost your metabolism, and improve your overall health in numerous ways [3]. So, commit to the challenge, stay consistent, and get ready to transform your body and your life.

strength training app for women and man

References

[1] Park, Y., Park, H. Y., Kim, J., Hwang, H., Jung, Y., Kreider, R., & Lim, K. (2019). Effects of whey protein supplementation prior to, and following, resistance exercise on body composition and training responses: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry, 23(2), 34–44. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6651693/

[2] Mills, S., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Neary, J. P., Ormsbee, M. J., & Antonio, J. (2020). Effects of Creatine Supplementation during Resistance Training Sessions in Physically Active Young Adults. Nutrients, 12(6), 1880. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7353308/

[3] Westcott, W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Current sports medicine reports, 11(4), 209–216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22777332/

[4] Pedersen, H., Fimland, M. S., Schoenfeld, B. J., Iversen, V. M., Cumming, K. T., Jensen, S., Saeterbakken, A. H., & Andersen, V. (2022). A randomized trial on the efficacy of split-body versus full-body resistance training in non-resistance trained women. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 14(1), 87. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9107721/

Build Muscle with Push/Pull/Legs: Complete 5-Day Training System | 12Reps

Strength Training at 49: It’s Not About Turning Back the Clock, It’s About Winding It Better

 

By Will Duru, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, Award-winning Personal Trainer with over 10 years of experience in strength training and optimising recovery.

Build Muscle with Push/Pull/Legs and Core: The Complete 5-Day Training System

If you want to build muscle and get in great shape, the push/pull/legs split combined with core work is the perfect way to do it. This method lets you train 5 days a week with a smart structure that builds muscle while keeping your body fresh. As a personal trainer with over 10 years of experience, I have seen this approach work time and time again for people who want real results.

The push/pull/legs system groups muscles that work together. Push days train your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Pull days work your back and biceps. Leg days build your lower body with functional movements. When you add interval cardio to this mix, you get that lean, defined look with a shaped face. The cardio burns fat while the weights build muscle. But training is only part of the equation. Your nutrition makes or breaks your results.

Nutrition: The Foundation of Muscle Growth

To build muscle, you need to eat right. Your body needs three main nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Protein builds and repairs your muscles. When you lift weights, you break down muscle fibers. Protein fixes them and makes them bigger and stronger. You need about 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight each day. If you weigh 70kg, that is 112 to 154 grams of protein daily. Good sources are chicken, fish, eggs, and lean beef.

Carbohydrates give you energy for your workouts. Without enough carbs, you will feel weak and tired in the gym. Eat oats, rice, sweet potatoes, and fruits. Carbs should make up 35-40% of your daily calories.

Fats help your hormones work properly. Hormones like testosterone are key for building muscle. Get your fats from avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fish. Fats should be 25-30% of your daily calories.

A simple split for building muscle and losing fat:

  • Protein: 30-35%
  • Carbohydrates: 35-40%
  • Fats: 25-30%

The 5-Day Training Week

Here is how your week looks:

  • Day 1: Push Workout
  • Day 2: Pull Workout
  • Day 3: Legs & Functional Workout
  • Day 4: Interval Cardio (30 mins) + Core
  • Day 5: Long-Distance Cardio (45 mins) + Core
  • Day 6: Rest
  • Day 7: Rest

 

Warm-Up: Get Your Body Ready

Start every workout with a 10-minute warm-up. Walk on an incline on the treadmill or row for 10 minutes. Then do these mobility stretches:

Stretch

Reps/Duration

Sets

Cat-Cow

10 reps

2

World’s Greatest Stretch

5 reps/side

2

Hamstring Stretch

30 sec/side

2

Thoracic Spine Rotations

10 reps/side

2

The 12-Week Program

This program runs for 12 weeks. Each workout has 2 phases. Phase 1 has 5 exercises with 3-4 sets each. Phase 2 has 5 exercises with 1 warm-up set before your working sets. You can build these workouts in the 12Reps app by going to “Build Your Routine” and selecting the exercises. Use the app’s stopwatch to track your rest periods.

Day 1: Push Workout

Phase 1

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Barbell Bench Press

4

8-10

70-80%

90s

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

4

8-10

70-80%

90s

Incline Dumbbell Press

3

10-12

65-75%

75s

Machine Chest Fly

3

12-15

60-70%

60s

Kettlebell Overhead Press

3

10-12

65-75%

60s

Phase 2 (1 warm-up set for each exercise)

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Cable Tricep Pushdown

3

12-15

60-70%

60s

Dumbbell Lateral Raises

3

12-15

60-70%

60s

TRX Tricep Extension

3

12-15

Bodyweight

45s

Dumbbell Front Raises

3

10-12

60-70%

60s

Close Grip Bench Press

3

8-10

70-80%

75s

Day 2: Pull Workout

Phase 1

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Barbell Rows

4

8-10

70-80%

90s

Lat Pulldown Machine

4

8-10

70-80%

90s

Seated Cable Row

3

10-12

65-75%

75s

Pull-Ups (or Assisted)

3

6-10

Bodyweight

90s

T-Bar Rows

3

8-10

70-80%

75s

 

Phase 2 (1 warm-up set for each exercise)

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Face Pulls

3

15-20

60-70%

60s

Dumbbell Bicep Curls

3

10-12

65-75%

60s

Hammer Curls

3

10-12

65-75%

60s

TRX Rows

3

12-15

Bodyweight

60s

Cable Bicep Curls

3

12-15

60-70%

60s

4-Day Push Pull Legs Program for Muscle Gain and Fat Loss | 12Reps app

Day 3: Legs & Functional Workout

Phase 1

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Barbell Squats

4

8-10

70-80%

120s

Romanian Deadlifts

4

8-10

70-80%

120s

Bulgarian Split Squats

3

10-12/leg

Mod DBs

90s

Leg Press

3

10-12

70-80%

90s

Box Jumps

3

8-10

Bodyweight

90s

 

Phase 2 (1 warm-up set for each exercise)

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Weight

Rest Period

Single-Leg RDL

3

10-12/leg

Light-Mod DBs

75s

Sled Push

3

20m

Heavy

90s

Sled Pull (with TRX)

3

20m

Heavy

90s

Glute Bridges

3

15-20

Bodyweight/Barbell

60s

Kettlebell Swings

3

15-20

Mod-Heavy KB

60s

 

Day 4: Interval Cardio + Core

Interval Cardio (30 minutes)

Choose one cardio machine:

  • Treadmill: 2 mins jog, 1 min sprint (repeat 10 times)
  • Watt Bike: 2 mins moderate, 1 min hard (repeat 10 times)
  • StairMaster: 2 mins steady, 1 min fast (repeat 10 times)
  • Elliptical: 2 mins easy, 1 min hard (repeat 10 times)

Core Finisher

Exercise

Sets

Duration/Reps

Rest Period

Plank

3

45 seconds

30s

Flutter Kicks

3

45 seconds

30s

Decline Sit-Ups

3

10 reps

45s

 

Day 5: Long-Distance Cardio + Core

Long-Distance Cardio (45 minutes)

Choose one cardio machine and maintain a steady Zone 3 pace:

  • Treadmill: Incline walk or jog
  • Watt Bike: Steady cycling
  • StairMaster: Consistent climbing
  • Elliptical: Moderate pace

Core Finisher

Exercise

Sets

Duration/Reps

Rest Period

Plank

3

45 seconds

30s

Flutter Kicks

3

45 seconds

30s

Decline Sit-Ups

3

10 reps

45s

Cool-Down

After each strength workout, cool down for 10 minutes on the StairMaster or with an incline walk on the treadmill. This helps your body recover and gets you ready for the next session.

Start Building Muscle Today

This 5-day push/pull/legs program is your complete system for building muscle and getting lean. The combination of strength training, interval cardio, and proper nutrition will transform your body. Stay consistent, work hard, and the results will come.

Build your workouts in the 12Reps app by navigating to “Build Your Routine.” Select all the exercises from this program and use the stopwatch to monitor your rest periods. You can save your workouts and plan ahead with friends. Download the 12Reps app for a free trial and start your strength training journey today. This workout tracker will help you with muscle building every step of the way.

 

 

References

[1] Hartford Hospital. (2025). How Much Protein Do I Need to Build Muscle? https://hartfordhospital.org/services/bone-joint-institute/news/news-detail?articleid=65418

[2] Healthline. Body Recomposition: How to Lose Fat and Gain Muscle. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/body-recomposition

[3] Garage Gym Reviews. (2024). Tips From an RD for Macros for Fat Loss and Muscle Gain. https://www.garagegymreviews.com/macros-for-fat-loss-and-muscle-gain

The Ultimate 5-Day Muscle-Building Split: My Proven Path to 8kg of Muscle

The Ultimate 5-Day Muscle-Building Split: My Proven Path to 8kg of Muscle

Hi, I’m Will Duru, a personal trainer with over a decade of experience in helping people like you achieve their fitness goals. I hold a degree in Sport and Exercise Science, and I’m passionate about using my knowledge to create effective and sustainable training programs. Today, I’m excited to share with you the exact 5-day training split that helped me gain 8kg of lean muscle. This isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about a holistic approach that combines smart training, proper nutrition, and consistent effort.

The Foundation: Progressive Overload Explained

If there’s one principle that has been the cornerstone of my success and the success of my clients, it’s progressive overload. In simple terms, progressive overload means continually increasing the demands on your muscles to stimulate growth. You can’t expect to get stronger or build muscle if you’re always lifting the same weight for the same number of reps. Your body is smart; it adapts. To keep making progress, you have to give it a reason to adapt.

This doesn’t mean you have to go to failure on every set, but it does mean you need to challenge yourself. Whether it’s adding a little more weight, doing one more rep, or reducing your rest time, the key is to consistently push your limits. This is a principle I’ve applied with great success, not just for myself but also for my female clients. I’ve seen firsthand how lifting heavy weights can transform a woman’s body, helping them build lean muscle, burn fat, and sculpt a strong, confident physique. It’s a myth that lifting heavy weights will make women bulky. The truth is, it’s the most effective way to achieve that toned, athletic look that so many desire. You can read more about how I apply this in my article on The Science of Progressive Overload.

The Ultimate 5-Day Muscle-Building Split: My Proven Path to 8kg of Muscle

Fueling Your Gains: The Nutrition Blueprint

Training is only half the battle. To truly maximise your muscle-building potential, you need to fuel your body with the right nutrients. Think of your body as a high-performance car; you can have the best engine in the world, but if you put in low-quality fuel, it’s not going to perform at its best. The same goes for your body. Here’s a breakdown of the macronutrients you need to focus on:

Protein: The Building Block

Protein is the most important macronutrient for muscle growth and repair. When you lift weights, you create microscopic tears in your muscle fibres. Protein provides the amino acids your body needs to repair these tears and build your muscles back stronger. I recommend consuming around 1.6-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For an 80kg individual, that’s about 128-176 grams of protein per day.

Good sources of protein include:

  • Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef)
  • Fish (salmon, tuna, cod)
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese)
  • Protein supplements (whey, casein)

Carbohydrates: Energy for Performance

Carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of energy. They fuel your workouts and replenish your glycogen stores after training. Don’t be afraid of carbs; they are essential for performance and recovery. I recommend consuming around 4-6 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight. For an 80kg individual, that’s about 320-480 grams of carbohydrates per day.

Good sources of carbohydrates include:

  • Oats
  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables

Fats: Essential for Health and Hormones

Fats often get a bad rap, but they are essential for overall health and hormone production. Healthy fats help regulate your hormones, including testosterone, which plays a crucial role in muscle growth. I recommend consuming around 0.8-1.2 grams of fat per kilogram of body weight. For an 80kg individual, that’s about 64-96 grams of fat per day.

Good sources of healthy fats include:

  • Avocados
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Olive oil
  • Fatty fish (salmon)

To make tracking your nutrition easier, I highly recommend using the 12Reps app. It takes the guesswork out of nutrition and helps you stay on track with your goals. And for my female clients, I have a specific guide on how to build strength and confidence with a proper weight training routine, which you can find here: Woman’s Weight Training Routine Guide for Beginners.

The Ultimate 5-Day Muscle-Building Split: My Proven Path to 8kg of Muscle

My 5-Day Muscle-Building Split: The Workout

This 5-day split is designed to effectively target each major muscle group, allowing for adequate recovery while maximising growth. Remember, the key is progressive overload – aim to improve each session by adding weight, increasing reps, or refining form. Each exercise includes a warm-up set, followed by 4 working sets with reps between 8-12. The intensity should be challenging, meaning the last few reps of each set should feel difficult to complete.

Monday: Chest & Back

Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio (e.g., cycling, elliptical) followed by dynamic stretches for the chest and back.

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Rest Period (seconds)

Intensity (RPE)

Barbell Bench Press

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Dumbbell Incline Press

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Lat Pulldown (Machine)

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Seated Cable Row (Machine)

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Dumbbell Pullover

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

TRX Rows

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Alternative Exercises:

  • Machine Chest Press
  • Dumbbell Row
  • TRX Chest Press

Tuesday: Shoulders, Biceps & Triceps

Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches for the shoulders, biceps, and triceps.

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Rest Period (seconds)

Intensity (RPE)

Barbell Overhead Press

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Dumbbell Lateral Raises

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Machine Shoulder Press

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Barbell Bicep Curls

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Dumbbell Hammer Curls

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Triceps Pushdown (Machine)

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Alternative Exercises:

  • Dumbbell Front Raises
  • Machine Bicep Curl
  • Overhead Dumbbell Extension

Wednesday: Legs, Abs & Calves

Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches for the legs, hips, and core.

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Rest Period (seconds)

Intensity (RPE)

Barbell Squats

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Dumbbell Lunges

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Leg Press (Machine)

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Plank (Bodyweight)

4

30-60 sec

30-60

7-9

Machine Crunches

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Standing Calf Raises (Machine)

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Alternative Exercises:

  • Kettlebell Goblet Squat
  • TRX Squats
  • Dumbbell Calf Raises

Thursday: Rest & Recovery

This day is crucial for muscle repair and growth. Focus on active recovery like light walking or stretching, and ensure you get adequate sleep.

Friday: Chest, Biceps & Triceps

Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches for the chest, biceps, and triceps.

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Rest Period (seconds)

Intensity (RPE)

Dumbbell Flat Press

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Machine Pec Fly

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Dumbbell Concentration Curls

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Cable Triceps Extension

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

TRX Bicep Curls

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Alternative Exercises:

  • Kettlebell Floor Press
  • Machine Triceps Extension
  • Dumbbell Bicep Curls

Saturday: Back & Hamstrings

Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches for the back and hamstrings.

Exercise

Sets

Reps

Rest Period (seconds)

Intensity (RPE)

Barbell Deadlifts

4

6-10

90-120

8-10

Kettlebell Swings

4

10-15

60-90

7-9

Machine Leg Curls

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Barbell Rows

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Machine Back Extension

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

TRX Face Pulls

4

8-12

60-90

7-9

Alternative Exercises:

  • Dumbbell Romanian Deadlifts
  • Good Mornings (Barbell)
  • Machine Seated Row

Sunday: Active Recovery (Steam & Cold Shower)

This day is dedicated to enhancing recovery and overall well-being. A 20-minute session of steam and cold showers can significantly aid in muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and improve circulation. It’s a great way to prepare your body for the next week of training

Consistency and tracking are paramount to long-term success in your fitness journey. The 12Reps app is designed to be your ultimate training partner, helping you implement progressive overload seamlessly. It allows you to log your workouts, track your progress, and visualise your gains over time. This data-driven approach ensures you’re always challenging yourself and making measurable improvements. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket, guiding you every step of the way and making sure you never plateau. You can learn more about how the 12Reps app can elevate your strength training program here: Why the 12Reps App Will Elevate Your Strength Training Program.

 

The Ultimate 5-Day Muscle-Building Split: My Proven Path to 8kg of Muscle

Conclusion: Your Path to a Stronger You

Gaining 8kg of muscle was a journey, not a destination, and this 5-day training split, combined with a focus on nutrition and recovery, was my roadmap. Remember, building muscle is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, be consistent, and trust the process. By applying the principles of progressive overload, fueling your body correctly, and utilising tools like the 12Reps app, you too can achieve significant muscle gains and transform your physique. Start today, and embark on your own path to a stronger, more confident you.

References

The Power of Compound Lifts: Your Blueprint for Full-Body Strength and Muscle with 12Reps