THE STRONG TABLE / TRAINING PROGRAMSAll adults · Dumbbells & bench · Intermediate

HOME / 3 DAYS PER WEEK / ABOUT 45 MINUTES

Home strength · challenging dumbbells

Use home equipment for progressively demanding sessions

Sufficiently challenging resistance can improve strength at home. Your available weights set the ceiling for heavier-load practice; add equipment or a harder safe variation when reps no longer provide meaningful challenge.

Schedule3 days each weekTypical sessionAbout 45 minutesEquipmentDumbbells & benchStarting levelIntermediateIntended audienceAll adults

Your weekly sessions

SESSION 1 / Squat, push and row

Home strength A

Squat, push and row

  1. Goblet squat — 3 × 6–10 · 2 min rest

    Quadriceps with glute support. Sit between the hips and stand through the whole foot.

  2. Dumbbell bench press — 3 × 6–10 · 2 min rest

    Pectorals, anterior shoulders and triceps. Set shoulder blades and press weights over the chest.

  3. One-arm dumbbell row — 3 × 6–10/side · 2 min rest

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Brace your free hand and pull elbow toward the hip.

SESSION 2 / Hinge and press

Home strength B

Hinge and press

  1. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift — 3 × 6–10 · 2 min rest

    Hamstrings and posterior chain. Keep weights close and shift hips back with a long spine.

  2. Dumbbell overhead press — 3 × 6–10 · 2 min rest

    Deltoids and upper-back stabilizers. Press upward with ribs stacked over pelvis.

  3. Supported split squat — 3 × 6–10/side · 2 min rest

    Quadriceps and glutes; hip stabilizers assist. Use a wall or rail for balance; lower vertically and press through the front foot.

SESSION 3 / Repeat and vary angles

Home strength C

Repeat and vary angles

  1. Dumbbell bench press — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Pectorals, anterior shoulders and triceps. Set shoulder blades and press weights over the chest.

  2. One-arm dumbbell row — 3 × 8–12/side · 90 sec rest

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Brace your free hand and pull elbow toward the hip.

  3. Hip thrust — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Gluteus maximus and hip stabilizers. Drive through feet and finish with ribs over pelvis.

How to progress

Weeks 1–2: choose a manageable range of motion and resistance. Weeks 3–6: add controlled reps before changing leverage or load. Weeks 7–8: use a harder variation only when every set remains consistent. Home training needs progressively challenging resistance, just like gym training.

Adjust the plan to your starting point

Start at the lower set and rep targets. Keep about 2 reps in reserve; stop a set when technique changes.

Recovery and weekly placement

Place an easier day between demanding sessions for the same muscles. On non-training days, walk or move comfortably. Include 3–8 minutes of warming up within the session budget; use lighter practice sets before heavy lifts. Reduce work if soreness or fatigue prevents good technique.

Continue building your plan

Use the exercise library to review technique, then explore sport guides, recipes and planning tools to fit the week around your life.

Open the training builderFind sport-specific trainingBrowse free recipesRead the evidence reviews

General fitness education. Choose loads and ranges that match your ability. This program is not individualized medical care and does not guarantee a particular result.

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