Today’s Workout 136: The ultimate quick-hit circuit to combine weight training and cardio

The cardio vs. weights debate has been raging ever since one surly cavedude figured out how to chuck rocks, and some other cavedude figured it was easier to run cross-country than test the toughness of his own skull. Fortunately, with this circuit you won’t have to choose.

That’s because this five-move combination utilizes weight-training classics (the stiff-leg deadlift and barbell shrug) with heart-pounding fat-burners (high knees, jumping jacks, and pushups) to develop lean, impossible-to-miss muscle mass. Bring on the saber-toothed tigers.

Directions

You’ll do this workout as a circuit, meaning you’ll complete each exercise consecutively without rest. Once you’ve finished all exercises, rest for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat the entire circuit for 5–10 rounds.

Depending upon your ability, you may shorten or lengthen the rest periods between circuits. You may also complete more or fewer rounds.

For more work that builds lean muscle:

Check out our favorite 30-minute dumbbell workout program to build muscle, our total-body workout to burn fat and build lean muscle, and our 10 at-home workouts to build muscle in under 20 minutes.

For a complete archive of our daily quick-hit routines, go to mensfitness.com/todaysworkout.