Workout Summary
- Main GoalLose Fat
- Workout TypeSplit
- Training LevelIntermediate
- Program Duration3 weeks
- Days Per Week4
- Time Per Workout45-60 minutes
- Equipment RequiredBarbell, Bodyweight, Cables, Dumbbells, EZ Bar, Machines
- Target Gender Male & Female
- Recommended Supps
- Workout PDF Download Workout
Workout Description
No, this article isn't a gimmick. It wasn't written to fool people into thinking they can get shredded in only 21 days. I call this program "fast and furious" because:
Fast - You are eating only 1/3rd of your daily calories before dinner. This will feel like fasting for most of you, and is only one step away from intermittent fasting.
Furious - Workouts are fast-paced, exhausting, exhilerating and calorie-burning.
This workout and eating plan is a fat loss cycle based around a 21 day schedule. It can be run once if you only need to knock off a quick 5-15 pounds, or multiple times if you have more weight to lose.
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21 Day Cycle Expectations
This cycle is designed to strip away fat while maintaining muscle tissue. It can help you achieve that ripped or toned look you are after.
During the first week of a reduced calorie and carbohydrate diet, you will flush a lot of excess water and lose weight rapidly. This is neither unhealthy, nor an indication of what your rate of weight loss will be like during weeks 2 and 3. With that said, men should expect to see an 8 to 12 pound loss during these 3 weeks, and women will likely lose 5 to 10 pounds.
If you continue to run this program, your rate of overall weight loss will slow during the second and third cycles. You have already flushed out quite a bit of excess water weight, so from this point forward the majority of your weight loss will be fat loss. Men should lose about 5 to 10 pounds during the second cycle, and women 3 to 6 pounds.
These 21 day cycles are perfect for individuals who gained extra weight during the past 6 months, and need to drop just a little fat to get back to a more normal weight. I don't recommend running these cycles more than twice, maybe three times max.
So, if you're ready to look better at the beach, let's get moving.
Learning the Basics
Here are the basics of each 21 day cycle:
- Limited Pre-Workout Meals - You will be eating lighter during the day, and consuming the bulk of your calories during a 4 hour window each night.
- Resistance Training - There will be 4 gym workouts per week, focusing on limited rest between sets.
- Cardio - Intense 15 minute cardio sessions will follow each resistance training workout. Additional cardio is optional, but examples are provided below.
This is not a beginner workout. If you do not have an understanding of the exercises used in this program, please take some time to learn them before attempting this plan. Also note that 2 eating plans are provided: a 2,100 calorie per day plan for men, and a 1,500 calorie per day plan for women.
Here is a sample workout schedule. You can play with the days anyway you want, as long as there are 2 days of rest in between upper body workouts, or 2 days of rest between lower body workouts.
- Monday - Upper Body Workout A
- Tuesday - Lower Body Workout A
- Thursday - Upper Body Workout B
- Friday - Lower Body Workout B
Rest between each set is exactly 30 seconds. Keep the same weight for each set of a given exercise. For example, when performing the dumbbell bench press, if you are using 50 pound dumbbells, use the same weight for each set.
Make sure to pick a starting weight that allows you to perform the stated sets and reps. If you are unable to perform all the reps for each listed set, lighten the weight load the next time you perform this exercise. On the other hand, if a weight doesn't feel challenging enough, add weight the next time you perform this exercise.
Optional Cardio
You can add in an optional cardio workouts:
- First thing in the morning.
- On off days.
- At least 4 hours before a resistance training workout, or at least 3 hours after resistance training.
These optional workouts don't have to be boring. You can go for a walk, go hiking, swimming, running, do hill sprints, etc.
21 Day Shredding Workout
Workout A - Upper Body
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
Dumbbell Bench Press | 8 | 8 |
Seated Cable Row | 8 | 8 |
Machine Overhead Press | 8 | 8 |
Cable Curl | 6 | 8 |
Skullcrushers | 6 | 8 |
Workout B - Upper Body
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
Machine Chest Press | 8 | 8 |
Lat Pull Down | 8 | 8 |
Seated Overhead Dumbbell Press | 8 | 8 |
EZ Bar Curl | 6 | 8 |
Cable Tricep Extensions | 6 | 8 |
Workout A - Lower Body
Reps
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
Leg Press | 8 | 8 |
Leg Curl | 8 | 8 |
Leg Extension | 6 | 8 |
Seated Calf Raise | 8 | 8 |
Planks | 6 | 30 sec |
Workout B - Lower Body
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
Hack Squat | 8 | 8 |
Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlift | 8 | 8 |
Goblet Squat | 6 | 8 |
Leg Press Calf Press | 8 | 8 |
Hanging Knee Raise | 6 | 15 |
Shredding Workout FAQ
Do I have to use the dumbbell bench press?
No. You can use any dumbbell or barbell bench press variation.
Do I have to use machine exercises?
No. You can use any suitable dumbbell or barbell exercise replacement.
Can I use pull ups instead of lat pull downs?
Yes.
Can I use barbell rows instead of seated cable rows?
Yes.
Can I use squats instead of leg press?
You could, but the muscle soreness will be unbearable. This is a rest-pause workout. Squats might leave you in pain for a week to come.
Isn't this a lot of sets?
Yes, but it's a rest-pause workout. Because you are restricting rest in between sets, the amount of weight you will be using for each exercise will drop slightly. So while the volume is increasing, the intensity is decreasing.
21 Day Cycle Cardio Workout
Perform the following cardio workout after each resistance training session. If you are pressed for time (or the gym is packed), you can also perform this session later in the day or first thing in the morning on your training days.
For this cardio workout you will need:
- A treadmill or aerobics step
- A 10x10 space to safely knock out bodyweight exercises
This cardio session should take you around 15 minutes, or maybe longer. Perform the following sequence 5 to 6 times through using no rest between exercises and treadmill work.
Cardio Workout
Exercise | Reps |
---|---|
Push Ups | 10 |
Jumping Jacks | 20 |
Burpees | 10 |
Treadmill walking - slow & steady pace | 30 seconds |
Lying Floor Knee Raise | 20 |
Jump Squats | 10 |
Mountain Climbers | 20 each leg |
Treadmill walking - slow & steady pace | 30 seconds |
Diet Plan For Men
This eating plan restricts food consumption prior to 5 pm. You will focus on low carb, high fat, high protein eating. Dinner (your main meal) should be eaten around 5-6 pm, and your pre-bed snack around 8-9 pm.
Here is the meal plan schedule for men:
- 8 am - 3 scrambled eggs (large) cooked in 2 pats of butter, with any veggies you prefer such as peppers, diced onion, mushrooms, spinach, etc. This meal contains about 330 calories and 20-22 grams of protein.
- 11 am - Whey protein shake, 3 fish oil softgels and 3 ounces of strawberries or blueberries. This meal contains about 157 calories and 22-25 grams of protein.
- 2 pm - 2 pieces of regular fat string cheese and one ounce of almonds. This meal contains about 324 calories and 22 grams of protein.
- Dinner (post-workout) - Pick from one of the 3 dinner choices below.
- Pre-bed Snack - Casein protein shake, 3 fish oil softgels and a medium apple. This meal contains about 213 calories and 25 grams of protein.
Dinner - Meal 1
- 10 ounces of baked, boneless and skinless chicken breast. (312 calories and 65 grams of protein)
- Sour cream and salsa topping for chicken breast. Combine 2 ounces of full-fat, natural sour cream with 2 ounces of salsa. (141 calories and 2 grams of protein)
- Spinach salad. 2 cups of spinach, 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with 4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (dressing), salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 diced onion, 10 halved cherry tomatoes, 3 ounces of diced mozzarella (full-fat) cheese, one ounce of diced black olives. (631 calories and 23.2 grams of protein)
Dinner - Meal 2
- 8 ounces of 70% lean ground beef mixed with 1/2 packet of taco seasoning mix, and topped with 2 ounces of guacamole. (743 calories and 60 grams of protein)
- Place the beef over a bed of: 2 cups of shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup fresh salsa, 1/2 cup shredded (full-fat) cheddar cheese, and one ounce of sour cream. (343 calories and 15.6 grams of protein)
Dinner - Meal 3
- 8 ounces of salmon. (466 calories, 50 grams of protein)
- Lemon butter sauce for salmon: 3 melted pats of butter combined with the juice of one lemon and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. (112 calories)
- Spinach salad. 2 cups of spinach tossed with a dressing of 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 ounce of walnuts, and 1 ounce of dried cranberries. (518 calories and 3.6 grams of protein)
Diet Plan For Women
Here is the meal plan schedule for women:
- 8 am - 2 scrambled eggs (large) cooked in 2 pats of butter, with any veggies you prefer such as peppers, diced onion, mushrooms, spinach, etc. This meal contains about 260 calories and 14-16 grams of protein.
- 11 am - Whey protein shake, 3 fish oil softgels and 3 ounces of strawberries or blueberries. This meal contains about 157 calories and 22-25 grams of protein.
- 2 pm - 1 piece of regular fat string cheese and one ounce of almonds. This meal contains about 244 calories and 16 grams of protein.
- Dinner (post-workout) - Pick from one of the 3 dinner choices below.
- Pre-bed Snack - Casein protein shake and 3 fish oil softgels. This meal contains about 143 calories and 25 grams of protein.
Dinner - Meal 1
- 6 ounces of baked, boneless and skinless chicken breast. (187 calories and 39 grams of protein)
- Sour cream and salsa topping for chicken breast. Combine 1 ounce of full-fat, natural sour cream with 1 ounce of salsa. (71 calories and 1 gram of protein)
- Spinach salad. 2 cups of spinach, 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with 4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (dressing), salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 diced onion, 5 halved cherry tomatoes, 1.5 ounces of diced mozzarella (full-fat) cheese. (432 calories and 16 grams of protein)
Dinner - Meal 2
- 6 ounces of 70% lean ground beef mixed with 1/2 packet of taco seasoning mix, and topped with 1 ounce of guacamole. (545 calories and 44 grams of protein)
- Place the beef over a bed of: 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup fresh salsa, and 1/4 cup shredded (full-fat) cheddar cheese. (161 calories and 7.6 grams of protein)
Dinner - Meal 3
- 6 ounces of salmon. (350 calories, 37.6 grams of protein)
- Lemon butter sauce for salmon: 2 melted pats of butter combined with the juice of one lemon and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. (76 calories)
- Spinach salad. 2 cups of spinach tossed with a dressing of 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 ounce of walnuts and 1/2 ounce of dried cranberries. (254 calories and 2.7 grams of protein)
Diet Plan FAQ
What if I don't like the meal choices?
These meal choices are merely examples. You can swap in any protein source, fats and veggies. Just make sure you are not eating rice, potatoes, oatmeal or any other non-fruit or veggie carbs.
For men, dinner calories should equal around 1,076. For women, calories should come to around 690.
Do I need to use casein and whey protein?
No. You can swap in any protein foods as long as the calories come to about 120.
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735 Comments
What would be okay snacks to get u through
a craving? Instead of chips.. celery or carrots?
Hi, Tina. Those choices would certainly be better. Here's the general guideline to follow. If it's processed, don't eat it. If it's a natural food, such as fruits, veggies, or nuts, then that would be okay.
How much can you customize the meal plan? For example I always eat oatmeal porridge in the morning. Can I continue eating that and add some protein as two eggs?
or is the most important part that i get the 2100cals and all the protein?
Most important thing is to get the 2100, Ludvig. The carb sources such as oatmeal porridge could affect the overall results.
Hey I work over night 12pm to about 8am. I decided to work out after work. Does it matter what order I eat my meals? If so can you help me on how the time line of my day would go? Typically go to bed after my workouts which is around 11am to 12pm and I try to get a 6 hours of sleep after the workout. Thanks for the advice
Hi, Jarrett. The order isn't as important as much as simply doing what you got to do to get the calories in. As long as you get the meals in relatively close to the same time apart, you should be good.
That would be alright, Jarrett.
Oh okay but what If I take a 2-3 hour nap before my time I go to work? The goal is to get at least 6 meals including the protein shakes
When the weight feels too easy I will increase the weight the next week, but find I can’t finish all the reps on the last couple sets. Is it better to drop the weight so I can finish the sets, or just rep until failure at that point?
Do the first set or two with lighter weights. Save the heaviest weight for the last set. Then, simply rep out. As long as you're coming within a rep or two, you should be good, Ryan. Hope this helps!
Thanks! Is increasing the rest time an option too? I try to be strict to the 30 seconds rest but sometimes take 10-20 seconds extra in the later sets.
Yeah, that is okay. I'd rather you be able to finish than pushing too early and risk injury.
I am looking to start this Sunday !!!! To Cut 15lbs . But I am vegan can you help me change certain things far as string cheese , and breakfast options ?
Simply plug in whatever choices you prefer for protein, Ro. Vegan protein powder, pea protein, soy, or whatever choices you find work for you.
Just curious regarding this training plan, how should me and mr GF’s diet be on no training days?
Same as the training days, Mo. No changes.
I really get benefit from hip thrusts and cable kick backs. Can I add these to lower body days?
Hi, Kelly. You can add one, but if you want to use both, then take one of the other exercises out and replace it. Doing that much more volume may impact your recovery negatively.
I’m wanting to start this program on Monday but I don’t currently have access to a gym. Do you have a recommended alternative program similar to this one but without machines? I’m wanting to lose 10-15lbs and main goal is fat loss. I’m just not wanting to do a whole lot of substitutions since I feel like that defeats the point of the program.
Sorry for the delay, Alyssa. What do you have access to? I don't want to make any recommendations for more workouts that you can't do.
All seven days a week, Mo! Follow the plan that is in this, and you should see progress.
Hi, I was wondering if the diet portion of this workout plan is 7 days per week, if not what would be an ideal diet plan for the non training days?
I'm somewhat confused about these two lines that seem contradictory:
"Keep the same weight for each set of a given exercise."
"Because you are restricting rest in between sets, the amount of weight you will be using for each exercise will drop slightly"
Is the recommendation to keep the weight the same across the exercise or decrease as you progress through sets?
Thank you
Hi, Mark. Yeah, I get the confusion. Hope this helps.
Your goal is to use the same weight for all the sets. However, some people might not be strong enough to do that. If you're not, then reduce the weight you're using on the next set.
Is it effective to do low-intensity cardio on lifting days after the workout (30~50min) and to do HIIT 15min + Cardio on off days?
Hi, Pradeepa. I don't know if it would help anymore with this program than what is already suggested. However, when it comes to other workouts or general fitness, that is a good approach.
I’m curious; what do you suggest as a workout to follow this three week shred?
Depends on the goal, Robert. Strength? Size? Endurance? If you had to place one as a top priority, what would it be?
Very hard to do both. I always recommend choosing cutting first. So, this is the plan that could help you get there.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/8-week-fat-incinerator-workout
If you'd rather play the size and strength game, go with this.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/power-physique-8-week-program
Size and continued cut
I also work over night 8p to 6a. I work out after work. Does it matter what order I eat my meals? Typically go to bed after my workouts. Thanks for the advice
Hey Rob, definitely eat after your workout before bed so your body has nutrients to help you recover. Give me a rough timeline of your day (when you wake up, etc.) and maybe we can figure out your schedule.
With the time table above when is the work supposed to be done? After dinner? How long after? I'm looking to start this next week and it looks like I'll Only have to shift the times an hour or 2 to account for my work schedule. Thanks for the info.
Plug that work in whenever you can, and schedule the meals around it, JD. Make this work for you as best as you can. The dedication and consistency matters more than the specific hours.
Thanks another question about the cardio at the end. I understand that it is meant to be done sort of as a superset of 8 including the treadmill walk.
Is there a rest period between each one? For further clarification is there a rest period between the treadmill 30 second walk and the push-ups/starting over? If so how long? Thanks.
Keep rest to an absolute minimum. Don't skip it for the sake of skipping it. Take time if you need it, but do your best to keep it short.
How should the eating schedule change if the workout is performed in the morning?
Don't make any changes, Scott. Just make sure you get Meal 1 in before you train, regardless of what time it is.
It says take three fish oil tablets twice a day. Is this 6000 milligrams? My fish oil are 1000 mg seems like that’s pretty high?
Hi, Chris. Follow the directions on the bottle of the fish oil you're using. Whatever the label says should always take priority.
I’m going to give you my daily work and workout routine and can you help me adjust my workout times or eat times according to this plan?
I wake up at 1:30 pm.
Gym by 2:30 pm. Leave by 4pm.
Work from 4:45pm to 6am.
Straight to bed once I arrive home at 6:30am.
I can eat at any time while at work. Could you adjust these times for me?
I have to ask, Kendra. What do you do? That is a long shift.
Eat as soon as you wake up so you have fuel in your when you go train.
Next meal at 4:30. Even if it's a shake and fruit or a salad.
Next meal at 8:30 or 9:00. If you have a 15 minute break, take advantage.
Next meal whenever your lunch is. 12 or 12:30 AM.
3:30 or 4 AM for the next meal.
If you want another meal, then have the last meal before bed.
Hi Isn’t this routine similar to the Vince Gironda 8 sets of 8 routine? If no what is the difference
Hi, Steve. Some of the exercises are based on more modern machines, but the overall philosophy is similar.
Also if my workouts are on Morning when I should have the main meal?
Thanks
Hi, Nick. Main meal should be at the same time, even if you train in the morning.
I don't know your size, so I can't answer the 1800 calorie question without that info.
Can I drop the calories down to 1800 or it’s too low?
Hi. First time in 3 years lifting to do a cutting program. I am 6'8 and 260lbs. 240 is the goal. Ive been adding an extra egg at breakfast and a an extra 20grams of protein at dinner. Is this enough of an adjustment for my size? What should my calorie/protein goal be at dinner for example.
Those adjustments appear good to me, David. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Can this program be done 3 weeks on, 1 week off indefinitely?