Jump to the routine

The no-cardio workout plan to build muscle and torch fat

Get your dream body—and never run a step—with this six-week plan.

Jump to the Routine
  • 60

  • 4

  • Yes

The no-cardio workout plan to build muscle and torch fat
The no-cardio workout plan to build muscle and torch fat

This is the year you’ll get the body you want.

No, really, this is it.

We’re holding you to it. And we’re getting you started with a six-week plan that’s simple to follow. No more wondering how many sets and reps to do, or what the most effective moves are. And, best of all, you don’t have to suffer long bouts of cardio. This program gives you the fat-torching benefit of cardio without the traditional means.

How it works

The goal is body recomposition—building as much muscle as possible while burning fat. Some exercises will be done heavy, while others will be done for high reps, so you hit both ends of the muscle-building spectrum. Rest periods will be short to encourage calorie burning.

Your heart will get a good workout from the fast pace of your weight training, so there’s no need to do cardio. (In fact, we insist you don’t do any, as it may negatively impact your recovery.)

However, the main reason cardio isn’t necessary in this case is your diet will be dialed in. Check out this 4-week fat-burning meal plan.

The truth is, studies have shown that training of any kind has little to no impact on your ability to lose fat unless you’re eating right, so divert any extra energy to making sure you’re eating correctly.

Directions

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

How to do it: Perform the paired exercises (marked “a” and “b”) as alternating sets, so you’ll complete one set of “a,” rest as directed, then one set of “b,” and repeat until all sets are completed. The remaining exercises are done as straight sets. 

Routine

Want a copy on the go?
Print

Day I

Workout I: Chest and Back

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 1 of 4

Dumbbell Bench Press

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
6-8
Rest
30 sec.
Exercise 2 of 4

One-Arm Dumbbell Row

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
4
Reps
12 (each side)
Rest
30 sec.
Exercise 3 of 4

Dumbbell Floor Press

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
4
Reps
12 (each side)
Rest
30 sec.
Exercise 4 of 4

Chest-Supported Row

Equipment
Sets
4
Reps
12
Rest
30 sec.

Day 2

Workout II: Legs and Core

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 5 of 4

Sumo Deadlift

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
3
Reps
6-8
Rest
60 sec.
Exercise 6 of 4

Dumbbell Front Squat

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
4
Reps
20
Rest
30 sec.
Exercise 7 of 4

Medicine Ball V-Up

Equipment
No Equipment
Sets
4
Reps
As many as possible
Rest
30 sec.
Exercise 8 of 4

Standing Calf Raise

Equipment
Box
Sets
4
Reps
20
Rest
30 sec.

Day 3

Workout III: Shoulders and Arms

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 9 of 4

Chinup

Equipment
Pullup Bar
Sets
3
Reps
6-8
Rest
60 sec.
Exercise 10 of 4

Dip

Equipment
Dip Station
Sets
4
Reps
As many as possible.
Rest
30 sec.
Use V-shaped dip bars and point your elbows out, not behind you.
Exercise 11 of 4

High Pull

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
4
Reps
12
Rest
30 sec.
Exercise 12 of 4

EZ-Curl Skull Crusher

Equipment
EZ-Bar
Sets
4
Reps
12
Rest
0
Exercise 13 of 4

Hammer Curl

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
4
Reps
12 (each side)
Rest
30 sec.

Day 4

Workout IV: Legs and Core

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 14 of 4

Bulgarian Split Squat

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
10 (each side)
Rest
60 sec.
Exercise 15 of 4

Swiss Ball Leg Curl

Equipment
Swiss Ball
Sets
3
Reps
As many as possible (each side)
Rest
--
Work one leg at a time, raising your non-working leg in the air.
Exercise 16 of 4

Single-Leg Glute Bridge

Equipment
Sets
3
Reps
As many as possible (each side)
Rest
30 sec.
Exercise 17 of 4

Plank

Equipment
No Equipment
Sets
3
Reps
Hold as long as possible
Rest
--
Exercise 18 of 4

Medicine Ball Woodchop

Equipment
Medicine Ball
Sets
2
Reps
20 (each side)
Rest
30 sec.
See all of our tutorials