His

Published

March 30, 2026

Modified

April 1, 2026

At-Home Strength & Conditioning Plan (12 Weeks)

Overview

Goal: Improve strength, build muscle (“tone”), and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Schedule

Day Type Activity Duration
Mon Strength Workout A.1 or A.2 40-45 min
Tue Cardio HIIT + Core 20-25 min
Wed Strength Workout B 35-45 min
Thu Cardio Zone 2 30-45 min
Fri Strength Workout A.1 or A.2 40-45 min
Sat/Sun Rest - -

Equipment

  • Dumbbells
  • Jump rope

Strength Training

Warmup (5-7 min)

Exercise Reps
Bodyweight squats 10
Arm circles 15 each direction
Hip hinges 10
Pushups 8
Light cardio 1 min

Workout A

Variants: Alternate between A.1 and A.2 weekly for varied stimuli.

Workout A.1 (Strength Focus)

Flow: Standing exercises first, then floor exercises. Transition to floor once and complete all ground work.

Exercise Sets Reps Position
Goblet Squat 4 8-10 Standing
DB Romanian Deadlift 4 8-10 Standing
DB Shoulder Press 3 8-12 Standing
DB Floor Press 4 6-8 Floor
DB Fly 3 12-15 Floor
Plank 3 30-40 sec Floor

Format: Complete all sets for one exercise before moving to the next.

Rest Target
Compounds (squat, RDL, press) 90-120 sec
Floor compounds (floor press) 90-120 sec
Isolations (fly) 60-90 sec
Plank 60-90 sec

Note: Heavier weights, longer rest, lower reps for strength. Target: ~40-45 min with warmup/cooldown.

Workout A.2 (Hypertrophy/Flow Focus)

Flow: Standing exercises first, then floor exercises. Transition to floor once and complete all ground work.

Exercise Sets Reps Position
Goblet Squat 3 12-15 Standing
DB Romanian Deadlift 3 12-15 Standing
DB Shoulder Press 3 12-15 Standing
DB Upright Row 3 12-15 Standing
DB Floor Press 3 10-12 Floor
DB Fly 3 15-20 Floor
Plank 3 30-45 sec Floor

Format: Complete all sets for one exercise before moving to the next.

Rest Target
Compounds (squat, RDL, press, upright row) 45-60 sec
Floor compounds (floor press) 45-60 sec
Isolations (fly) 45 sec
Plank 45 sec

Upright Row Tip: Lead with elbows “sky-high” and drag bells close to torso. If shoulders complain, swap to lateral raises.

Note: Moderate weights, shorter rest, higher reps for hypertrophy. Target: ~40-45 min with warmup/cooldown.

Weekly Alternation

Week Monday Friday
Week 1, 3, 5… A.1 (Strength) A.2 (Hypertrophy)
Week 2, 4, 6… A.2 (Hypertrophy) A.1 (Strength)

Workout B

Exercise Sets Reps
Reverse Lunges 3 8-10/leg
DB Romanian Deadlift + Row 3 10-12
DB Lateral Raise 3 12-15
DB Triceps Extension 2 10-12
DB Face Pull 2-3 12-15

RDL Tip: “Chest up, knees back” to load the hamstrings. Hold the hinge as you row to belly button without losing back position. Put bells “in your pockets” at top, reach forward for stretch, then row. See YouTube for clarity.

Lateral Raise Tip: Lead with elbows “sky-high” to target side delts. If shoulders complain, reduce weight.

Format: Complete all sets for one exercise before moving to the next.

Rest Target
Compounds (lunges, RDL+row) 60-90 sec
Isolations (lateral raise, extension, face pull) 45-60 sec

Cardio

Tuesday HIIT (20-25 min)

Warmup (2-3 min)

Exercise Duration
Choose 2-3: Jumping jacks, Marching in place, Jump rope (easy), Leg swings, Arm circles, Hip circles 2-3 min total

Main Circuit

Round Hard Effort Easy
6 rounds 20 sec 1:40 easy (light marching or walking)

Hard Effort Options

Option
Jump rope
Jumping jacks
Mountain climbers
Step-ups
Shadow boxing
High knees

Cooldown (2-3 min)

Activity
Walking
Stretching
Deep breathing

Thursday Zone 2 (30-45 min)

Format: Continuous moderate pace

Options
Walking
Marching
Step-ups
Light rope
Dancing

12-Week Progression Plan

Weeks Focus Progression
1-2 Adaptation 2 sets, learn form
3-4 Volume 3 sets, increase reps
5-6 Intensity Reach top rep range
7-8 Load Increase to 20 lb
9-10 Volume+ Add sets if needed
11-12 Peak Push close to failure

Key Principles

Principle Description
Progressive overload Gradually increase weight/reps over time
2-3 reps in reserve (RIR) Stop 2-3 reps before failure
Consistency over intensity Show up regularly

Nutrition Guidelines

Nutrient Amount
Protein 0.8-1.0 g per lb bodyweight (1.8-2.2 g/kg)
Hydration High priority

Acronyms

Acronym Definition
AMRAP As Many Reps As Possible (within good form)
DB Dumbbell
HIIT High-Intensity Interval Training
RIR Reps In Reserve

Sources / References

  • Schoenfeld, B. (Hypertrophy Research)
  • Israetel, M. (Volume & Fatigue)
  • Gibala, M. (HIIT)
  • Attia, P. (Zone 2 Cardio)
  • Norton, L. (Nutrition & Strength)
  • Phillips, S. (Protein Metabolism)