Using the principles I’ve laid out in my “ how to build a workout routine ” article, here’s a three-day routine I’ve created for myself recently: Monday: Squats, Benchpress, Wide Grip Pull-Ups, Planks Wednesday: Deadlift, Overhead Press, Inverted Rows, Hanging Knee Raises Friday: Weighted Lunges, Weighted Dips, Weighted Chin-Ups, Reverse Crunches.

According to a 2016 research review, strength training at least 2 days a week is ideal to grow your muscles. So start with 2 or 3 days of full-body weight training, 2 days of cardio, and 2 days of rest. As you get stronger, you can add a fourth weight day and try splitting the days between upper- and lower-body workouts.