Workout Summary
- Main GoalLose Fat
- Workout TypeSplit
- Training LevelAdvanced
- Program Duration10 weeks
- Days Per Week6
- Time Per Workout30-45 minutes
- Equipment RequiredBarbell, Bodyweight, Dumbbells, Machines
- Target Gender Male & Female
- Recommended Supps
- Workout PDF Download Workout
Workout Description
You’re a dedicated lifter and have dreams of getting shredded this summer.
But you’re also worried about how long it will take and the lengths you’ll need to go to for the kind of head-turning shape that will make you a hit on the beach in record time.
If you want to get summer shredded fast, look no further.
This article will give you all the tools you need to cut-up without spending hours attached to the iron or at the cardio station.
And by keeping sessions short, intensity high, and training methods basic and productive 10 weeks is all you’ll need.
Let’s get to work!
Editor's Note: Make sure you’re doing all the right things you need to be doing to lose body fat. For those looking for a more in-depth resource to teach them how to lose fat, we’ve created a FREE 5 day Fat Loss Email Course.
The course will teach you how your body loses fat, how to utilize workout plans on our website to maximize fat loss, how to eat for fat loss, how to supplement to lose body fat and how to track your progress.
Sign up below today to learn and ensure you get the most out of this workout program.
Beauty in Simplicity
To promote lean muscle gains and a shredded appearance, you don’t need to dedicate excessive time to every conceivable training method.2, 3
Nor do you need to spend hours trying to uncover the next crazy and exotic diet plan. In fact, you’ll find that the most successful shredders are those who consistently apply the basics while staying on task for the long haul.
Keeping training and nutrition simple, effective, and consistent is the undisputed key to long-term shredding success.
The training program to follow is simple, but can also be extremely challenging. Unique intensity methods are used each session and a combination of cardio and weights are strategically employed to transform your physique.
The Program
Each of the following workouts should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
Do not be tempted to do more than is prescribed (each workout is specifically designed to create a prolonged afterburn effect, giving you maximum fat loss over a 24-hour period).
Following a warm up set, each set of each exercise should be taken to absolute failure. The stipulated intensity methods will, where applicable, ensure complete failure on the final rep of each work set. It’s important to select a weight that will allow complete failure on the 8-12th rep. Do not exceed 12 reps, this is the ideal range for advanced muscle hypertrophy.
Take 60 seconds rest between sets to further increase intensity.
Monday
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Close Grip Pull Downs | 1 | 15 (warm up) |
2a. Pull Ups | 2 | 8-12 |
2b. Reverse Grip Lat Pull Down | 2 | 8-12 |
3a. Bent Over Barbell Row | 2 | 8-12 |
3b. Seated Cable Rows | 2 | 8-12 |
4. Dumbbell Pullover | 2 | 8-12 (use rest-pause) |
5. Dumbbell Curls | 1 | 15 (warm up) |
6a. Incline Dumbbell Curls | 2 | 8-12 |
6b. Alternating Dumbbell Hammer Curls | 2 | 8-12 |
7. Barbell Preacher Curls | 2 | 8-12 |
- In the morning, perform 20 mins of HIIT on stationary bike.
- If you'd like to train abs on this day, superset swiss ball crunches with hanging leg raise for 3 sets of 20-30 reps.
- Post workout perform 10 mins of HIIT on a rower.
Tuesday
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Machine Chest Press | 1 | 15 (warm up) |
2. Close Grip Bench Press | 2 | 8-12 (drop sets) |
3. Dumbbell Bench Press | 2 | 8-12 (drop sets) |
4a. Incline Dumbbell Press | 2 | 8-12 |
4b. Chest Dips | 2 | 8-12 |
5a. Dumbbell Kickback | 2 | 8-12 |
5b. Rope Pressdown | 2 | 8-12 (rest pause) |
6. One Arm Overhead Extension | 2 | 8-12 (double drop sets) |
- Perform 10 min of HIIT on stationary bike post workout.
Wednesday
- Do 20 mins of HIIT on a stationary bike.
- If you'd like to train abs, superset swiss ball crunches with hanging leg raises for 3 sets of 20-30 reps.
Thursday
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Leg Press | 1 | 20 (warm up) |
2a. Wide Stance Squats | 2 | 12-15 |
2b. Narrow Stance Squats | 2 | 12-15 |
3. Leg Extensions | 2 | 8-12 (rest pause) |
4a. Leg Press | 2 | 12-15 |
4b. Hack Squats | 2 | 12-15 |
5. Lying Leg Curl | 2 | 8-12 |
6. Stiff-Legged Deadlifts | 2 | Failure (double drop sets) |
Friday
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Machine Shoulder Press | 1 | 15 (warm up) |
2a. Arnold Press | 2 | 8-12 |
2b. Bent Lateral Raise | 2 | 8-12 |
3. Side Lateral Raise | 2 | 8-12 |
4. Dumbbell Front Raise | 2 | 8-12 (double drop sets) |
5a. Barbell Shrugs | 2 | 8-12 |
5b. Dumbbell Shrugs | 2 | 8-12 |
5c. Upright Rows | 2 | 8-12 |
- In the morning, perform 20 mins of HIIT on stationary bike.
- If you'd like to train abs on this day, superset swiss ball crunches with hanging leg raise for 3 sets of 20-30 reps.
- Post workout perform 10 mins of HIIT on a rower.
Saturday
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1a. Standing Calf Raises | 2 | 15 |
1b. Seated Calf Raises | 2 | 15 |
2. Toe Raise on Leg Press | 2 | 15 |
3. Seated Wrist Curls | 2 | 15 (double drop sets) |
4. Reverse Curls | 2 | 8-12 |
- Perform 10 min of HIIT on stationary bike post workout.
Keys to Continuous Progress
While the 30 minute sessions outlined above varies from one workout to the next, two key variables will remain unchanged: Consistency and intensity.
The fact that many people train halfheartedly and with near-zero impact is seldom due to inherent laziness or an unwillingness to commit to the task at hand. In fact, poor training intensity and sloppy form is usually the result of having to juggle multiple movements, sets and reps across an hour or more of ‘intensive’ training.
To get the most from each workout, it’s best to include a smaller number of sets and exercises.5 By cramming more intensity into each set, half the work of a typical hour-long session is more than sufficient to stimulate a growth response.7
More intensity means more muscle, and more metabolically-active muscle means faster shredding. Shredding without an emphasis on muscle-building resistance can lead to frustration and a wavering enthusiasm for the shredding process.
With training intensity comes more fat-stripping testosterone.4, 8 Going to failure on each set and lifting as heavy as possible will ensure that the muscle protein synthesizing effects of our most potent anabolic hormone will remain on point.6, 7
As with weights, the same is true for cardio. Rather than plodding through hours and hours of steady state, lower intensity work, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) can be used to more effectively blast fat while preserving quality muscle.
Training consistency is arguably the most important of training prerequisites. Missed sessions and fluctuating intensity and motivation levels are responsible for more frustration among well-meaning trainees than all other factors combined.
Incentivized training is a superior means to ensuring full commitment. And what better way to incentivize your training than to enjoy tangible progress from session to session. Shorter sessions also make committed training more feasible, thus encouraging greater consistency and results!
So why not limit the time spent in the gym, double your training intensity and redirect your focus to doing only what is effective?
Do what you need to do with maximum effort, efficiency and effectiveness, get out of the gym, and grow!
Bonus Tips to Maximize your Shredding Success
1. Begin your 30 Minutes to Shred Program in Decent Shape
While the above program will ensure impressive fat loss regardless of your starting weight and physical condition, to achieve the super shredded look of a pro level fitness model requires an initial bodyfat percentage in the neighborhood of 12-15%.
2. Don’t Rush the Process
Like anything worth doing in life, achieving your best shape will require a long view toward eventual success.1 While the above program is ultra-effective and will produce results you’ll be happy with, don’t get caught up in thinking that you’ll be chasing Olympia gold following ten weeks of devoted effort.
Being the best you can be is what we are after. Follow the necessary steps and be patient.
3. Avoid Overtraining
Overtraining remains one of the biggest barriers to fat loss success. Doing more – both weights and cardio – can, in fact, halt, or even reverse, the shredding progress. While a state of gross overtraining is difficult to achieve, even small unnecessary increases in training volume and duration can have a harmful effect on muscle growth and fat loss.
The greater the degree of activity, the more likely it is that the body will turn to muscle tissue to sustain energy levels and the more likely it will be that the body will shut down its fat burning mechanisms to limit the excessive expenditure of calories. Do only what is prescribed above – no more, and no less.
4. Nutrition is Key
Because the above program is designed specifically to strip fat while further building lean muscle, a clean, nutrient-dense diet is vital. In fact, it’s almost certain that a failure to achieve your desired look via the processes outlined in this article will occur only in the presence of poor dietary habits.
Keep your nutrition sound, avoid junk foods and make sure you do not over-consume calories, regardless of the sources they are derived from.
5. Supplement for Success
Targeted supplementation has become synonymous with advanced training progress. The best nutrient-dense diet in the world will not compensate for the hidden fats, sugars and toxins found in even the most nutritious foods. Sufficient quality protein is also difficult to obtain through whole foods alone.
Thus, vitamin/mineral supplementation combined with a reputable whey shake, pre-workout, creatine product4 and general health formula (like green foods) will give you maximum return on your investment of time and effort in the gym.
Conclusion
Shredding up for summer doesn’t need to be a grueling mission fraught with frustration and poor results. A good basic plan of attack combined with proper eating, advanced supplementation, patience and positivity will give you the results you desire.
There’s no magic pill for stripping bodyfat and building impressive muscularity. However, the fact that well-meaning lifters continue to pay outrageous sums for ‘designer’ programs on Instagram suggests that many are still searching for that elusive key to shredding success. The key you are looking for is outlined above.
By applying consistency and intensity and never losing focus of your shredding mission, you will undoubtedly achieve the best shape of your life. Tell us about your results in the comments section below!
references
- Abe, T. et al. Time course for strength and muscle thickness changes following upper and lower body resistance training in men and women. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2000;81:174–180
- Burt, J. et al A comparison of once versus twice per week training on leg press strength in women. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2007 Mar;47(1):13–7
- Graves, J., E. et al. Effect of reduced training frequency on muscular strength. Int J Sports Med. 1988 Oct;9(5):316–9
- Helms, E., R. et al. Evidence-based recommendations for natural bodybuilding contest preparation: nutrition and supplementation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014; 11: 20.
- Krieger, J.,W. Single versus multiple sets of resistance exercise for muscle hypertrophy: a meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Apr;24(4):1150–9
- Kraemer, W., J. Hormonal and growth factor responses to heavy resistance exercise protocols. J. Appl. Physiol. 1990;69:1442–1450
- Mangine, G., T. et al. The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men. Physiol Rep. 2015 Aug; 3(8)
- Schwab, R. et al. Acute effects of different intensities of weight lifting on serum testosterone. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 1993;25:1381–1385
154 Comments
All exercises are listed as 2x8-12 until failure. Assuming you can do 12 reps for each set, should you increase the weight next week?
And still not clear on the double drop set.
Set 1: 50lbs x 12
Set 2: 50lbs x 12 (increase weight next week), 40lbs x 12, 30lbs x 12
Is that correct - are drop sets only on the second set or both? That means anything with a drop set/rest-pause/negative is really 3x8-12 with 3rd set being the adjusted set. Double drop set would be 4x8-12. If these were performed on both sets it would be 4x8-12 and 6x8-12, respectively.
Thanks!
Wherever you see the drops, RP, or negatives are for both sets, SM. So the way you have set 2 would also be applied to set 1. Make sense?
Yes thanks for clarifying.
Hi im a bit confused with the numbering on the exercises
what do the "a" and "b" after the numbers mean. Is it like i can either do this or that?
Also this workout looks great and all but can u give me an alternative to pullups.Im obese and I really cant do a set of pullups, i can barely manage doing one or two.
Hello, Uzair.
a and b are representative of supersets. So, you would perform exercise A, then exercise B before taking a rest. You would repeat that for the listed number of sets.
If you have access to a gym, you can do pulldowns. If not, you can do dumbbell pullovers. Are you training in a gym or at home?
I’m doing a fitness photoshoot in 9 weeks time, I have been training for a long time towards and now looking to loose fat. I am also a runner and run 2-3 times a week. Would this be the best program for me in the weeks leading up to the shoot if I am running aswell.
Thanks J
I think it could help you out, Jane. If you do it, let us know how it goes. Thanks for reading M&S!
What diet should be used for this particular workout? Low fat? Low carb? High protein? Thanks in advance
Depends on what the goal is specifically for you. High protein is definitely recommended, but the carbs and fat would be based on what you want to do. If fat loss is the goal, then moderate fat with low to moderate carbs would work. If you want to build muscle, then the carbs should be higher. Regardless of the goal, the carbs should be slow-digesting such as oats, sweet potatotes, and brown rice.
Sir i want making men's physique type body.
I completed Brandon Hendrickson Inspired Workout Routine.... Suggest me a men's physique training program.
I need more than that to make a suggestion. It's not like I can see you and what you look like now.
Do you need to get leaner or bigger? Don't say both. Pick a lane, and I will put you in the right direction.
This is the one I think you should go with for 8 weeks. If you have questions, ask them in the comments there, and I will help as best as I can.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/8-week-hypertrophy-workout
Sir i need to build muscle because last time when i loss weight that time i also loss my uper Chest muscle.Now i am 90 kg and my hight is 5 f 10 inch.i want to build my full body muscles.
Hello, I'm doing indoor cycling (2 a week) then boxing plus conditioning ( 3 a week) before lifting weights, I would like to know if is okay to do this program, or like to rearrange the days that is convenient for my workout days?
Yes, you can still do this program and rearrange as needed. Just monitor your recovery. Once it feels like you're not recovering enough or struggling to get through training, it's time to choose something to alter or give up. Hope this helps!
Hi
Now I am in forth month of gyming and when 8 started I was 100kg and my height is 5,7 and last 3 months I have lossed 8 kg with your 12 week mass building program, now that program is over and I want to loose low belly fat.Which program I should choose.
Check this out, and it should help you decide your next program.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-choose-your-next-train...
Great article and love the details, thank YOU!
Question, you caution over-training…would daily swimming of 20-30 minutes suffice for the HIIT portions? Could it be done in addition to this workout and not be considered over-training? I’ve been swimming daily for almost a year and want to keep it as part of my program.
Thank you,
Mark
Swimming would be fine, Mark. Swimming would actually be better for the joints and tendons, so I say go for it.
Thanks for the workout plan! Is this too much HIIT to be doing on back to back days, though?
Hi, Lindsey. If that is too much for you, do a standard session the next day.
Hi there ive used the 12 week fat destryoer and ive gained some muscle and i currently weight 110KG and im 6ft2 tall and you cannot really tell that im fat but all i wanna know is that if you have any workout that will help me to gain muscle and lose weight at the same time. Please and thank you
Hi, Frenki. This one has an emphasis on fat loss, but you could notice some muscle building benefits as well. Give this one a go, and track your progress weekly to make sure you're working towards your goal.
Great work out and well written guidelines. I've had to change my sets to x 5 otherwise I don't feel like I've smashed each workout
Completely unfeasible workout for anyone who trains in a reasonably busy gym. How can you superset exercises that use two different machines?
I had the exact thoughts. I could never do these supersets at the gym. Even if it weren't that busy. Some of the equipment is nowhere near each other.
Hello guys. One simple question. Will i lose muscle mass doing this program?
As long as you support your training with proper nutrition, supplementation, and rest, you shouldn't lose any muscle mass. If you do, it would be minimal.
can i change the rower to a different HIIT training ?
Hey Aouhanis - yes you can
Hey What would you do if your gym is to crowded to do supersets. It’s almost impossible to do supersets at my gym. Suggestions? Thanks
Hey Steve - No worries! While it's not ideal, you can perform this program without supersets. You'd complete all sets of A before moving on to exercise B. I'd recommend keeping your rest times as short as possible 30-45 seconds max in between sets.
I'm on week 3, my weights and reps are going down on the big compound exercises. I thought they would progress as I went, but it's the opposite. Is this to be expected being in a calorie deficit and all?
Sticking pretty good to the 60 sec rests, should I rest more or just keep the intensity up at the loss of performance on paper?
Thanks for the workout!
Hey Semper
A small amount of strength loss is expected while in a calorie deficit. Your body is learning to run on less fuel. If you feel like you're losing a severe amount of strength though refer to Bonus Tip #3 about over training. If you feel that is the case, check out this article on how to move forward.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/overtraining101-what-you-need...
Hello. I hope the topic is still active.. I am wondering if i can't do 6 days per week and i only do 3 days or 4days but continue the workouts on the program will it have same effect? Although it won't be 10 weeks but maybe 12 to 15 weeks.
I am currently at 17% of body fat.
I have a leg muscle imbalance
Can i use single leg exercises instead of barbells?
Greetings, the workout doesn’t specify WHEN to do HIIT. Do I do them in my off days or start my day with 20 mins of HIIT AND THEN hit the weights?
Read the small fine print at the bottom of DAY 1 & pretty much all the other days, it’s at the bottom of the day highlighted in grey. It’ll tell you everything in there, Day 1 says “Do 20 mins of Hiit cardio on a stationary bike. If you also want to do abs here’s an abs workout etc... Everything’s in the PDF file homie.
Hi! I was wondering if doing cardio for like 50 mins one time at a day and then following up with this workout routine at another time of the day would be beneficial?
Can I do this program and run 10 miles a week?
As for lifting speed what would you recommend? 5 seconds travel 1 second pause at the top and bottom? Or more of quick reps as fast as possible? Or quick up pause for 1 and 5 seconds down? Or something different?
What do you mean by double drop sets? Does this mean that I have to drop the weight two times in a set (and perform max 8-12 reps?). And by normal drop sets I have to drop the weight just 1 time? (and perform max 8-12 reps?)
Yes, As you understood.
Does this workout plan ,work without consuming supplements. I have a major liver issue and do not want to tamper it with supplements.
Hi Anoop,
Sure, you can exercise without supplements - but given your liver issues, I'd recommend consulting with your physician prior to starting any workout program.
The majority of fat I have is around my legs...is it really enough to do lifting for legs once a week to see good progress? Will I lose glute muscle mass?
Hi Abigail,
You can't spot reduce or select where you lose fat. That being said, with what you've mentioned in your comment, one of our newer women's programs might be more to your liking:
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/women
I really felt the afterburn effect
Is kicking off the chest routine with close grip correct? Never seen that
Hi Ryan,
Yep - what is listed is what was provided for the program. It is only for a phase during the program. You might benefit from the slight switch in exercise order if it's something you're not used to.