Workout Summary
- Main GoalBuild Muscle
- Workout TypeSplit
- Training LevelIntermediate
- Program Duration8 weeks
- Days Per Week4
- Time Per Workout20-30 minutes
- Equipment RequiredBarbell, Cables, Dumbbells, Machines
- Target Gender Male & Female
- Recommended Supps
- Workout PDF Download Workout
Workout Description
If you want results you have to work for them.
However, you probably already knew that being a loyal Muscle & Strength reader.
But obtaining an awesome physique shouldn’t cost you hours of your time a day and it shouldn’t take years to obtain.
In short, that type of time commitment just isn’t fair!
Especially since you’ve got school, work, and life taking up so much of your time.
Cutting down on time spent in the gym is exactly what the Fast Mass program does best.
It’s one of my favorite programs to do when I want to get in, get the work done, get out, and enjoy the benefits of my fitness lifestyle.
So, if you’re ready to start getting in pump-inducing and effective workouts in under 30 minutes a day, then read on!

The Fast Mass program is perfect for anyone whose looking for maximum results in minimal time. Lets face it, we are all busy. This program allows you to commit just 2 hrs to the gym on a 4 day split with 30 min workouts. -Brett Kahn, IFBB Pro
Editor's Note: Make sure you’re doing all the right things you need to be doing to build lean muscle mass. For those looking for a more in-depth resource to teach them how to build muscle, we’ve created a FREE 5 day Muscle Building Email Course.
The course will teach you how your body builds muscle, how to utilize workout plans on our website to maximize muscle growth, how to eat to build muscle, how to supplement to build muscle and how to track your progress.
Sign up below today to learn and ensure you get the most out of this workout program.
Why Should I Perform The Fast Mass Program?
The Fast Mass program utilizes a common, but often misunderstood, intensity technique known as the superset. I’ll touch more on this in a bit, but for now just know that a superset combines two sets of exercises (that use opposing muscle groups) into one elongated set by performing them one after another without rest.
Related: DumbBar Workout - Gains With Dumbbell & Barbell Supersets
By utilizing the superset technique, we can do more work in a shorter amount of time. It also allows us to target multiple muscle groups within one weight lifting session at a high enough tempo to involve the cardio-respiratory system.
In another effort to make sure you get the best bang for your buck with this workout program, we hit each muscle group twice a week with a hypertrophy rep range so that you will gain quality lean muscle mass.
Before I move into describing the workout and providing the workout tables, I want to touch on the topic of what makes a superset a superset.
Why Are Supersets so Great?
As previously mentioned, supersetting is a great way to increase the amount of work you’re able to perform in a shorter amount of time.
A lot of lifters overgeneralize the term superset to make it include any set that is composed of two separate lifts. However, that’s not exactly the case.
True supersets involve opposing muscle groups, while compound sets involve the same muscle group. This workout is predominately made up of supersets. However, a compound set or two may have made its way into the program to ensure enough recovery time was given to each muscle group.

Often the only time I have to get a lift in is over an extended lunch break. Supersets are perfect for shocking and stimulating the muscle. I consistently implement the superset strategies found in the fast mass program throughout the year. -Brett Kahn, IFBB Pro
Personally, the only instances I will normally use compound sets is when training the larger muscles of the leg or during a shredding phase. Otherwise, they can be effective if you really want to keep a muscle under an insane amount of stress, but with the excessive time under tension, you’re bound to experience a breakdown in proper form on the second exercise performed.
However, with traditional supersets, you wont experience that as much as they use opposing muscle groups such as your back and chest. The only issue you may run into is a lack of cardiovascular conditioning, which building upon by using this workout will only help you with your long-term goals.
Describing The Fast Mass Workout
The Fast Mass program is a 4 day split composed entirely of supersets. To begin each superset, you will preform lift “a” before jumping right into lift “b” with no rest period in between.
After you finish your superset, you’ll want to take a rest period of between 45-90secs. For the larger, more complex lifts such as the squat, bench, and dumbbell press, I like to rest for the complete 90 seconds. As the workout progresses, you’ll be able to shorten that rest time closer to the 45-60sec mark while performing some of the accessory lifts.
All the lifts are also programed so that if you work out in a commercial gym, you wont have to hog a whole lot of equipment. Nothing is as disheartening as going to perform the second part of your superset only to see another lifter run off with the equipment you needed for the first part.
Day 1 of the program is a legs and shoulder workout (minus pressing). You will need to bring over a pair of dumbbells to the squat rack to perform lateral raises in a squat/lateral raise superset. After your first superset, you’ll move into dumbbell Romanian deadlifts paired with bent over rear delt raises.

Although bodybuilding is a large component of mens physique, I prefer to train in more of an athletic/functional manner, Supersetting feels like a continuous battle. You Vs. The Weights, minimal rest, start to finish. - Brett Kahn, IFBB Pro
The final superset hits the hamstrings and the quads by performing leg extension and leg curls together. Some gyms have a machine that has them both. If yours does, that's great. If not you can either superset on separate machines or perform one and then the other if you don’t have the opportunity to superset them for whatever reason (i.e. busy gym).
Day 2 features pretty much every other muscle group. You’ll start off on a bench doing dumbbell bench press and dumbbell pullovers to work the chest and lats. Once completed, move the bench up to a 30-45* incline for incline dumbbell presses and chest supported dumbbell rows. Finally, get a great arm pump by performing EZ bar curls with skullcrushers as a superset.
Day 4 is your second leg day of the week. Kick things off with goblet squats paired with goblet lunges in a great leg compound set. Then move over to the machines to hit the quads and hamstrings with another leg extension and leg curl superset.
For your second compound set, hit some calf work with seated calf raises and standing calf raises. For standing calf raises, these can be completed either with a machine, with weight, or with bodyweight depending on the gym flow during your workouts.
Related: 5 Day Superset & Timed Set Muscle Building Workout
Day 5, and the final day of the lifting week, features a whole upper body day. Start off with standing dumbbell military presses followed up with a bent over dumbbell row. Next head over to the cables for a lat pulldown paired with one of the greatest bodyweight exercises of all time, the pushup.
End your workout and go into the weekend with a killer arm pump by performing alternating dumbbell hammer curls and overhead tricep extensions.
On the off days, you’ll want to walk for 20-40 minutes as an active recovery. Active recovery sessions are great for loosing up your tight muscles, and increase blood flow so that you can pump nutrients into your muscles to help them repair. I prefer walking, but I also live in an area where it doesn’t get cold very often. Do whatever light cardio works best for you.
You may also want to include some additional core workouts on your off days. Although, you certainly don’t have to. The amount of work done during you workouts should be plenty to shred fat and work the stabilizing muscles of your core.
Day 1
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1a. Squat | 4 | 8-12 |
| 1b. Lateral Raise | 4 | 8-12 |
| 2a. Dumbbell RDL | 3 | 8-12 |
| 2b. Rear Delt Raises | 3 | 8-12 |
| 3a. Leg Extension | 3 | 8-12 |
| 3b. Leg Curls | 3 | 8-12 |
Day 2
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1a. Dumbbell Bench Press | 4 | 8-12 |
| 1b. Dumbbell Pullover | 4 | 8-12 |
| 2a. Incline Dumbbell Bench | 3 | 8-12 |
| 2b. Dumbbell Row on Incline Bench | 3 | 8-12 |
| 3a. EZ Bar Curl | 3 | 10-12 |
| 3b. Skullcrusher | 3 | 10-12 |
Day 3
off (light cardio 20-40 minutes of walking for active recovery)
Day 4
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1a. Goblet Squat | 4 | 12 |
| 1b. Goblet Lunge | 4 | 12 |
| 2a. Leg Extension | 4 | 10-12 |
| 2b. Leg Curl | 4 | 10-12 |
| 3a. Standing Calf Raises | 4 | 12-15 |
| 3b. Seated Calf Raises | 4 | 12-15 |
Day 5
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1a. Standing Dumbbell Press | 4 | 8-12 |
| 1b. Bent-Over Dumbbell Row | 4 | 8-12 |
| 2a. Lat Pulldown | 4 | 10-12 |
| 2b. Pushup | 4 | 10-12 |
| 3a. Alternating Hammer Curl | 3 | 10 |
| 3b. Overhead Tricep Extension | 3 | 10 |
Day 6 & 7
off (light cardio 20-40 minutes of walking for active recovery)
Conclusion
The Fast Mass Program is great, because it utilizes supersets, which allows you to perform a lot of exercises and train multiple muscle groups in a short amount of time.
It is perfect for the average person looking to put on muscle mass, but may not have the time to spend longer than 30 minutes in the gym.












278 Comments
Hey everyone,
Would this be good for a getting back into the gym and recomposition, keep intake a little under maintenance?
Thanks!
Hi Alex, this one would be a good choice. I believe you also looked into another article and asked a similar question. I think the first one I answered is still the better choice, but this could work as well if you prefer this format and layout.
I did make a similar comment but didn't get a confirmation or see it so I wasn't sure. I did see you comment on the other one and I'll follow that one
Thanks
I'm going into week 7 of this and love it. Perfect to ease back into a workout routine and get done before work. Have the discipline to start looking into longer 4 day splits. But I'll never forget the superset <3
Hey Anne, we are so glad that you love it. Thanks for reading M&S, and keep us posted on your progress. We love seeing success stories!
Hello, do you complete all sets of A and B before moving to the next superset? For example on day 1: 1a 1b all 4 sets / 2a and 2b all 3 sets / 3a and 3b all 3 sets
Hey there, when you see letters with numbers, those are grouped as supersets. So, 1a and 1b are performed back to back. Then you rest and repeat for the number of sets that is listed. Once all sets are completed, you move on to 2a and 2b, and so on. I hope this helps!
Hi, great program! How many months would you do this before changing to another program ? And do you have any suggestions on a follow up program? My aim is to build muscle and loose weight, maybe become a bit leaner before the summer. Thanks!
Hi Nikki, I usually suggest going 8-12 weeks before making a change, but if either you stall or get bored, don't be afraid to make a change. This link can help you find a new program.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-choose-your-next-train...
What I usually do is devote February through April for muscle, then go for cutting and fat loss for May and June. Not sure if that helps, but thought I would throw it out there.
Great, I will look into that. Thank you!
Hi guys. Loving this workout even in my inferno Aussie summer garage. I’m a 62M and couldn’t do full workouts for 9 months as I had Ross River Virus. My shoulders are still a bit sore but I’m smashing it out again and this workout rocks Cheers
Glad you are training and that you chose one of our workouts, Steve. Please let us know the results at the end. All the best!
Hi. Loving the workout but I struggle to gain muscle om shoulders. What can I add to help this. Can I add a superset on shoulder day or is it too much? Tia
Hi Phil, you can add a superset if you like. I suggest avoiding presses and opting for isolation movements such as front raises, laterals, and rear delt flyes, though. This will hit those areas without putting an extra toll on the shoulder joints or rotator cuffs.
Hope this helps!
This is a lifesaver of a program. I've been doing this consistently for a few months now. I have had significant full body gains. I can am pushing and hitting PR's every workout and I've put on 12 pounds of muscle since Thanksgiving. I don't have a ton of time so the 30 minute time period works great. Just thought I would say thank you for your work. Happy New year
Happy New Year, Jacob! Thanks for the awesome feedback and congrats on the success!
According to you, what's the maximum rest shall I take between the supersets and when changing from one superset to the next one?
Hi Andrea, the author suggests ranges from 45 to 90 seconds, depending on the exercises you are doing. Compound movements would require more rest than the others.
I would personally suggest taking two minutes when changing exercises so you know you are ready for that first superset of the next exercises. I wouldn't go beyond that, though.
Hope this helps!
Hi! I've just discovered that I am mesomorph and am mainly wanting to have leaner muscles in my arms and bigger legs and butt. This was one of the workouts recommended for those who have mesomorph body types. Would this be good for a woman too, who is wanting to stay slipper on top and more muscles on the bottom? I am not trying to become a bodybuilder, I just want muscle definition, especially in my arms, as they seem to not want to tone up for me. TIA!
This is a great one, Tasha! I think you will be very satisfied with this program.
Thanks so much! I’m excited about this workout!
I like this workout, but I don't always have access to machines. Anyway to adapt this to dumbbells only?
Hi Malin, you can. We have several dumbbell exercises you can choose from for each muscle group in our Exercises section at the top of the page. Just click the muscles group and search out the exercises to find those you can do with the equipment you got. Follow similar sets and reps as you would with the original exercises.
I had colon surgery a year ago. I’m trying to avoid squat movements. Day 1 I’m going to switch out Goblet squats for Step Ups. Day 4 what would you recommend for switching out Goblet squats with the Lunge? Thanks!
Hey Paul, you can simply do step-ups again. Nothing wrong with doing them twice. If that is what is working for you, stick with it.
If you were asking if you can swap in the lunge, then I think that would be ok, but clear it with your doctor first.
Is there a way to make this program a 3 day workout vs a 4 day workout?
Hi Jennie, you could simply train three days a week and start the next week with the fourth workout, then start the rotation over again. Hope this helps!
Hi Josh,
Can we add sweeming activity on the Days off? If so, should it be intense or moderate? How will it affect recovery?
Many thanks.
Hi Red, swimming would be okay as long as it isn't too intense. It may actually help with recovery because being in the water could be supportive for your joints and tendons.
Thanks a lot Roger
Hi Josh, thank you for making this workout plan. One comment I have is that I think 20 to 30 minutes is very optimistic. It takes me 30 to 45 minutes at best.
Late to the party but let me say I love this program. I am in weeks 5 and other gym bros have been making comments on my gains!!
I have trouble with the rest periods, should I decrease weight or just rest longer?
Give yourself an extra 30 seconds, Teddy. If that doesn'e help, decrease the weight. Hope this helps!
Hi I workout at home and this routine looks great. But my question is I have Dumbbells that go up to 90lbs and resistance bands and ez curl bar and bench. Most of the routine I can do at home . But what would you change for leg extensions and leg curls. Thanks
If you have bands, then you can do extensions and leg curls with those by securing one end on a squat rack or solid object and wrapping the other end around your legs. I can't share external links, but there are video demos on YouTube.
Hi, Great program ,I stick with it and it is very helpful , but now i have problems in my left knee,plz i need alternatives for the exercises in day1,3
My thanks,and greetings
It's hard to make suggestions without knowing what is going on with your knee. Have you spoken to a doctor about it?
Plz , male over 50 ,175 cm ,weight81kg,14.7%fats,is it safe to do this programe with endurance focuse or keep hypertrophy in , moderate weights with higher rep, or keep adding weghts , thank yoy
You can do it either way safely. If you feel the weight you're using isn't enough, then add a few pounds. If the weight feels challenging without completely exhausting you, that is ok too. Go at your personal level.
I love this workout, now in my second week. Three sets may not seem like much, but they work you hard and make good use of your time when you dont have a lot of it to spare. I incorporate cardio (20 min jogging or exercise bike) before or after on the same day as well. Quick question- the lunges- are they 12 per leg or 12 total for 6 per leg?
12 per leg. Unless it's written otherwise, any workout with each leg or arm working separately will call for the rep number to be per side.
the program duration is 8 weeks. Could you comment on this?
What exactly am I commenting on? Mind making that question a little more specific?
What about standard deadlifts? Aren't they important?
Also, does it make a difference if you do seated shoulder press instead on day 5?
They can be, and you can do them if you like. Day 4 would be a good spot for them.
Standing dumbbell press challenges the core more, but if you must do them seated, that is okay.
Please advise me about protien intake according to what ? Muscle mass or total body mass ?and the precentage ,male 50y ,81kg,thanks
I recommend taking protein based on total body mass, regardless of age. So, I suggest 2 grams for each kilo of bodyweight.
81 * 2 = 162 grams per day.
If it is a 4 day workout program why is there workouts for 5 days?
Days 1, 2, 4, and 5 are the only training days. That is 4.