Muscle Growth and Weight Loss

4 day programme

person using battle ropes in gym

A Practical warm up and exercise guide

This four-day programme, designed by fitness team, combines strength, cardio, and dynamic movements to help you build muscle and support weight loss. Each day focuses on full-body engagement, with carefully structured exercises and recovery periods to maximise results.

The programme is suitable for all fitness levels. You can adjust the weight, tempo, and repetitions to match your experience and goals, while always prioritising the quality of each movement.

Before diving into the sessions, it’s essential to prepare your body with a proper warm-up and dynamic stretches to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance.

Warm up

Before starting any workout, it’s important to prepare your body with a full-body stretch. Focus on loosening the:

  • Chest

  • Back

  • Quadriceps

  • Hamstrings

  • Calves

Dynamic stretches can also help activate your muscles before moving into your main session. Examples include:

  • Arm circles (10 reps forward and backward)

  • Hip circles (10 reps left and right)

  • Bodyweight squats (10 reps)

  • Star jumps (1 minute)

Session Notes

Some exercises may require weights. If you don’t have access to gym equipment, you can use everyday items like a backpack, luggage, or a bag filled with household items. Adjust the weight to suit your fitness level.

Focus on quality over quantity with every repetition. Adjust the tempo based on your goals:

Easy: Go at your own pace

Medium: 1 second down, 1 second up

Hard: Increase the load or 2 seconds down, 2 seconds up

Rest for 60–90 seconds between sets to recover properly.

Day 1: Upper Body

Rest time: 60 - 90 seconds each set

ExercisesHypertrophy: Sets | repsWeight loss: Sets | reps
Press ups3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Tricep dips3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Close grip press ups3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Dumbbell rows3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Dumbbell bicep curls3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Shoulder press3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Kettlebell front raise3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps

Day 2: Lower Body and Core

Rest time: 60-90 seconds each set

ExercisesHypertrophy: Sets | repsWeight loss: Sets | reps
Kettlebell squats3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Dumbell lunges (alternating)3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Dumbbell romanian deadlift3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
V-sits3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Arm plank taps3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Laying down toe touches3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Bicycle kicks3 sets | 10 reps each side2 sets | 12 to 15 reps each side

Day 3: Upper Body

Rest time: 60 - 90 seconds each set

ExercisesHypertrophy: Sets | repsWeight loss: Sets | reps
Burpees with press up3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Spiderman press up3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Pike press up3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Wide grip press up3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Dumbbell rows3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps
Dumbbell bicep curls3 sets | 10 to 12 reps2 sets | 12 to 15 reps

Day 4: 10 x 10 Volume Blitz

Rest time: 60 seconds each set

Complete as a medium tempo circuit, only rest after doing all four exercises.

ExercisesHypertrophy: Sets | repsWeight loss: Sets | reps
Deep Squats10 sets | 10 reps10 sets | 10 reps
Burpees10 sets | 10 reps10 sets | 10 reps
Press ups10 sets | 10 reps10 sets | 10 reps
Dumbbell rows10 sets | 10 reps10 sets | 10 reps

Cardio 1

Feel free to perform your cardio sessions either on the same day as lifting workouts or as a separate day session.

Cardio 1Time - easyTime - mediumTime -hard
Stairmaster10 minutes20 minutes30 minutes

Cardio 2

Feel free to perform your cardio sessions either on the same day as lifting workouts or as a separate day session.

Complete as a Tabata workout, doing the exercises for 60 seconds before resting for 10 seconds and moving on to the next exercise.

For weight loss, complete this circuit 4 or 5 times.

Cardio 2: TabataTime
Mountain climbers60 seconds
RestRest for 10 seconds
Squat thrust60 seconds
RestRest for 10 seconds
Lunge60 seconds
RestRest for 10 seconds
Deep Squats60 seconds

Safety Reminder

Not all exercise programs are suitable for everyone, if unsure please consult your physician before beginning this program. Any action in response to the instructions provided in this program is at the users discretion. Never exercise beyond the level at which you feel comfortable.

The user assumes all risk of injury in the use of this program and the equipment used to perform its workouts.

Need extra Guidance?

If you want help making the most of your muscle-building and weight-loss programme, our Personal Training team at Sportspark can provide tailored support. Working with a trainer can keep your workouts varied, help you master correct technique, and ensure your routine aligns with your goals.

Our Personal Trainers are experienced Fitness Professionals, each with their own areas of expertise. You can find someone who matches your training style and fitness objectives. Browse all trainer profiles on our Personal Trainer Profiles page, or speak to a Fitness Advisor on your next visit if you’re unsure where to start.

We also offer Fitness Assessments for anyone who wants to understand their current fitness level, track progress, and set clear, realistic goals.

Personal Training sessions start from £30, and our Fitness Team is always happy to guide you. Speak to a Fitness Advisor during your next visit, or contact the team on (01603) 593865.

Weight loss and muscle growth