The #1 Full Body Routine to Build Muscle and Lose Fat (2025)

If you want to build every major muscle with just 6 exercises, a full body split is the way to go. Full body workout plans not only boost growth by training each muscle multiple times a week, but new research suggests they might also enhance fat loss. Five years ago, I shared a full body workout routine. But new research and hands-on experience have shown me how to make it even better. Today, I’m bringing you the upgraded version: a full body workout plan that includes 3 workouts per week — with as few as 6 key exercises per workout. I’ll walk you through all 3 workouts in the full body workout program, breaking down each exercise with science-backed tips. And the best part? You can try this entire routine for free on my new app.

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Timestamps:
0:00 - Full Body Routine Overview
0:42 - Full Body Workout A
8:10 - Full Body Workout B
12:12 - Full Body Workout C
17:36 - Download The Routine

To kick off Workout 1 of our full body workout plan, we’ll target the upper chest with the incline dumbbell press for 3 sets of 8-12 reps. The incline dumbbell press is one of the best all-around chest builders. Next, we’re moving to the lower body with squats for 3 sets of 6-8 reps. Research shows they don’t just grow the glutes as effectively as glute-focused exercises like hip thrusts, they also strengthen and grow the quads, adductors, and even your lower back. Next we’re focusing on the mid and upper back muscles with the dumbbell chest-supported row for 3 sets of 8-12 reps. To squeeze out extra growth: once you’ve hit failure on your last set, try to get at least 3-5 more half reps in that bottom position. Next, the hamstrings. You'll want both a leg curl movement and a deadlift-type movement in your workout plan. Today, we’ll focus on the leg curl. And to finish off this full body workout, you have 2 options. If you're using dumbbells, perform a superset of lying incline dumbbell curls for the biceps, then go right into dumbbell overhead extensions shortly after. Repeat that for a total of 3 times. If you're using cables, you can do behind the body cable curls superset with overhead rope extensions.

Time for Workout 2 in our full body split. First up, the barbell bench press for 3 sets of 4-6 reps. Next, hamstrings with Romanian deadlifts for 3 sets of 6-8 reps. Then, lat pulldowns for 3 sets of 8-12 reps. Don’t forget: on your last set, push past failure by doing as many full reps as you can, then extend your set with 3-5 half reps in the stretched position to squeeze out extra growth. Next, 3 sets of walking lunges, aiming for about 6-10 reps per leg. To finish up Workout 2, we’ve got another isolation exercise superset with the side delts and abs. For the side delts, I’d recommend behind the body cable lateral raise with the cables set up 3-4 notches up from the bottom. After you’re done, we’ll immediately go into an ab exercise: reverse crunches. Repeat for a total of 3 times. 

Alright, that wraps out Workout 2 of our full body workout routine. Time for Workout 3. First, we have the seated dumbbell shoulder press for 3 sets of 8-12 reps. Next up, the dumbbell row, with 3 sets of 8-12 reps. Don’t forget. On your last set, push past failure by doing as many half-reps as you can in the stretched position to maximize growth. Next up, 3 sets of 10-15 reps of hip thrusts. An effective swap are dumbbell step-ups on a bench or platform. To finish off the quads for the week, we’re doing 3 sets of 10-15 reps of leg extensions. Next, we’re working the chest with 3 sets of 10-15 reps of flyes to compliment the pressing we’ve done earlier in the week. My preferred setup is a seated cable fly with a pad or foam roller between my back and the bench for a deeper stretch in the chest. Alright, to finish off the week, we’ve got our final isolation superset, starting with calf raises. For maximum growth, standing calf raises are the way to go. Once you’re done, move straight into reverse cable flyes to target the rear delts.

Repeat this superset for a total of 3 sets to wrap up your week of training (and week of full body workout routine).

Now, if you’re wondering how to track all of this or remember the form for each move in the full body workout program, BuiltWithScience+, my new app, is designed to do all the heavy lifting for you — except the actual weights, of course. It’s super simple. Just click on the exercise, and you’ve got the form video right there. You can even swap exercises if you’re missing equipment or have an injury, and the app will still make sure you’re still working the right muscles. Plus, it tracks your sets and even starts coaching you after the first week. It’s just like having me with you at the gym. You can try 2 weeks of it for free by simply heading to https://builtwithscience.com/app.