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The perfect workout for shorter men

Don't let your height stop you from maximizing your gains—stocky guys have some major advantages in the shred department.

Jump to the Routine
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Turkish Getup
ilbusca / Getty
Turkish Getup
ilbusca / Getty

Size matters, especially when it comes to lifting weights. But while your tall, lanky buddies might have an advantage on the basketball court, shorter guys can definitely even the odds in the weight room.

If you’re looking to pack some muscle onto your stocky, compact frame, look no further. Here’s an exercise plan that suits your needs.

Directions

Exercises marked A and B are alternated—so you’ll do one set of A, rest as needed, then one set of B, rest, and repeat as necessary until all sets for the pair are completed.

Routine

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The short-man workout

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 1 of 7

Deadlift

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
4
Reps
10
Rest
As needed
Use a weight plate to stand on.
Exercise 2 of 7

Dip

Equipment
Dip Station
Sets
4
Reps
10
Rest
As needed
Attach a weighted belt to your waist.
Exercise 3 of 7

Bulgarian Split Squat

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
4
Reps
10 (each side)
Rest
As needed
Exercise 4 of 7

TRX Pushup

Equipment
TRX
Sets
4
Reps
10
Rest
As needed
Exercise 5 of 7

Ab-Wheel Rollout

Equipment
Ab Wheel
Sets
4
Reps
8
Rest
As needed
Exercise 6 of 7

Feet-On-Ball Hip Thrust

Equipment
Swiss Ball
Sets
4
Reps
12-15
Rest
As needed
Exercise 7 of 7

Turkish Getup

Equipment
Kettlebells
Sets
1
Reps
5 min.
Rest
As needed
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