Jump to the routine

The best weight-loss workout plan for tall, heavyset guys

If you're naturally a mountain, these routines and diet tips will have you dropping fat and adding muscle without any of that extra body weight.

Jump to the Routine
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Man pulling tire
Tim Tadder / Getty
Man pulling tire
Tim Tadder / Getty

So you’re on the bigger side of the scale and looking to drop some pounds, but you’re having a tough time getting started? We’re here to help.

One thing we’ll say: Your problem is (probably) your diet. We know that’s the last thing you want to hear, but it’s the first thing you need to fix. We’ll say this loud and clear: It doesn’t matter what kind of training you do, or how much—if you’re eating too many calories or the wrong foods, you will not lose fat. Derek Peruo, a celebrity trainer at Peak Performance gym in New York City, has a fat-loss plan that will take care of the exercise side of the equation—plus diet and nutrition tips to shed fat. 

Directions

Frequency: Perform each workout (Day I, II, and III) once per week, resting at least a day between each session.

How to do it: Perform the exercises marked with letters as a circuit. Do one set of A, one set of B, then one of C before resting. Repeat until all the prescribed sets are completed for the circuit. You’ll do 3 sets for each exercise every week, but the reps will vary like so: week 1, 8 reps per set; week 2, 10 reps per set; week 3, 12 reps per set; week 4, repeat the cycle with heavier weights.

Expect to have lost about 4 pounds after one month. If you haven’t, you may need to reduce your intake of starchy carbs. 

3 strategies for big guys to lose more weight

1. Cheat only once per week

You should be strict about your diet every day, but you get one meal a week to eat whatever you want. If your discipline wavers in any department, don’t let it be your nutrition. Eat protein at every meal. It supports muscle growth, helps keep you full, and increases your metabolism. Lean meat, fish, eggs, and protein powders are the best sources.

2. Drink water

Start the day with at least 16 ounces. Water is filling, and more of it will help you recover from training.

3. Do more work

To maximize fat loss in training, “you need to do a lot of work in a short amount of time,” Peruo says. Blitzkrieg-style workouts keep your heart racing and burn more calories than conventional weight training. In the sessions that follow, you’ll add reps to the exercises each week, accomplishing more work while being sure to keep your total workout length the same (use a stopwatch to record your time). Rest only as long as you absolutely need between sets. You’ll find you have to rest less over time, even as the reps add up. On days you don’t lift, perform high intensity interval cardio. Try 60 seconds of hard work (jumping rope, fast running, intense cycling) followed by 30 seconds of light activity or rest. Continue this for 15–20 minutes.

Routine

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Day I

Workout I

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 1 of 17

Front Squat

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
With cross grip—arms crossed over chest.
Exercise 2 of 17

Neutral-Grip Pullup

Equipment
Pullup Bar
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 3 of 17

Triceps Pushdown

Equipment
Elastic Band
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 4 of 17

Dumbbell Flye

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 5 of 17

Back Extension

Equipment
Bench
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed

Day II

Workout II

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 6 of 17

Incline Bench Press

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 7 of 17

Romanian Deadlift

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Hold the bar with an overhand grip as wide as you can.
Exercise 8 of 17

Standing Calf Raise

Equipment
Box
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 9 of 17

Goblet Squat

Equipment
Kettlebells
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 10 of 17

Reverse Lunge

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 11 of 17

Crunch

Equipment
Swiss Ball
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Perform on an adjustable bench set to a 20-degree decline.

Day III

Workout III

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 12 of 17

Suitcase Deadlift

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
--
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 13 of 17

Dumbbell Bench Press

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 14 of 17

Dumbbell Biceps Curl

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 15 of 17

Seated Cable Row

Equipment
Lat Pulldown Bar
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 16 of 17

One-Arm, Elbow-in Dumbbell Overhead Press

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
Exercise 17 of 17

Swiss Ball Rollout

Equipment
Swiss Ball
Sets
3
Reps
8-12
Rest
As needed
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