THE STRONG TABLE / TRAINING PROGRAMSAll adults · Gym · Intermediate

ATHLETIC / 3 DAYS PER WEEK / ABOUT 40 MINUTES

Strength & aerobic hybrid

Two full-body resistance anchors and an indoor cycling session.

Regular resistance work supports strength and physical function. This schedule applies general training evidence to a practical routine.

Schedule3 days each weekTypical sessionAbout 40 minutesEquipmentGymStarting levelIntermediateIntended audienceAll adults

Your weekly sessions

SESSION 1 / Practice heavier, controlled sets for major movement patterns.

Heavy strength A / squat and press

Practice heavier, controlled sets for major movement patterns.

  1. Goblet squat — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

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

  2. Dumbbell bench press — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

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

  3. Chest-supported row — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Keep chest against the pad and row without swinging.

  4. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

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

  5. Pallof press — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Abdominals, obliques and trunk stabilizers. Press hands forward without letting the band turn you.

SESSION 2 / Pedal at a pace that allows full sentences for 15–30 minutes; start shorter if inactive.

Conversational indoor ride

Pedal at a pace that allows full sentences for 15–30 minutes; start shorter if inactive.

  1. Indoor cycling — Start with 10–20 min at a conversational pace; build gradually

    Heart, lungs and working leg muscles. Set saddle for a comfortable knee bend and pedal smoothly at a repeatable effort.

  2. Wall slide — 1–2 gentle rounds of 5–8 reps; do not force range

    Joint control and comfortable range of motion. Slide arms upward on a wall through a comfortable range while keeping ribs relaxed.

  3. Ankle rock — 1–2 gentle rounds of 5–8 reps; do not force range

    Joint control and comfortable range of motion. With heel down, gently move knee forward over toes and return.

SESSION 3 / Build hinge and vertical pulling strength with trunk control.

Heavy strength B / hinge and pull

Build hinge and vertical pulling strength with trunk control.

  1. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

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

  2. Leg press — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Quadriceps with glute support. Use a controlled range with the back supported.

  3. Lat pulldown — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Pull elbows toward ribs while keeping your chest tall.

  4. Dumbbell overhead press — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

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

  5. Suitcase carry — 1–3 × 20–30 sec with stable posture

    Abdominals, obliques and trunk stabilizers. Walk with one weight while keeping shoulders level.

How to progress

Weeks 1–2: learn comfortable setups and repeatable effort. Weeks 3–5: add a repetition or a little aerobic time. Weeks 6–8: add the smallest resistance increase when technique and recovery stay steady; repeat a phase if needed.

Adjust the plan to your starting point

Place additional easy aerobic work around strength as tolerated. Keep hard endurance sessions away from your heaviest leg day.

Recovery and weekly placement

Leave an easier day between demanding sessions for the same muscles. Adjust the number of sets to your current capacity.

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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