A successful weight loss training program combines strength training, cardio, and rest. A sample weekly schedule could include upper body, lower body, and full-body strength days, alternating with cardio sessions like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or steady-state cardio, and incorporating active recovery or rest days. For example, on Monday you could do upper body strength, Tuesday cardio, Wednesday lower body, Thursday rest, Friday full-body, Saturday HIIT, and Sunday rest.

Sample weekly workout schedule

Monday: Upper body strength training (e.g., push-ups, dumbbell presses)

Tuesday: Cardio session (e.g., 30-minute jog, cycling, or elliptical)

Wednesday: Lower body strength training (e.g., squats, lunges)

Thursday: Active rest day (e.g., light yoga, walking, or swimming)

Friday: Full-body strength training

Saturday: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or another cardio session

Sunday: Rest day

Key workout components

Strength Training: Focus on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and lunges to build muscle and boost your metabolism. Other effective exercises include push-ups, bent-over rows, and kettlebell swings.

Cardiovascular Exercise: Aim for both high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and lower-intensity steady state (LISS) cardio.

HIIT: Short, intense bursts of exercise followed by brief recovery periods. It’s a very efficient way to burn calories.

LISS: Activities like walking or cycling at a moderate pace for a longer duration. LISS can be very sustainable and helps keep you in a fat-burning zone.

Warm-up and Cool-down: Start each workout with a dynamic warm-up and end with a cool-down to prepare your body and aid recovery.

Rest and Recovery: Allow your body to rest and recover. Active recovery, like light walking, can improve blood flow and reduce soreness without overstressing your muscles.