Resistance Training for Beginners: 7-Day Workout and Free Workout Tracker

Woman Exercising with Resistant Band
Ready to kickstart your fitness journey but don't know where to begin? This 7-day resistance training workout plan is designed to help busy individuals—whether you're a parent, full-time professional, or entrepreneur—stay active and build strength without needing a gym membership. Each workout is simple, effective, and can be done practically anywhere, with or without weights. Whether you're new to resistance training or getting back into the groove, this plan will ease you into a sustainable routine that fits into your busy life. Let’s get moving!

Table of Contents

Believe in Yourself

Be the Best
You Can Be

Ease into resistance training

>Build Muscle

>Strength

>and Confidence

7-Day Resistance Training Plan with FREE Fitness Journal!

This plan is designed to help you ease into resistance training while building strength, endurance, and confidence. Each workout can be done with minimal equipment, such as dumbbells or resistance bands.

Introduction to Resistance Training: LEVEL UP YOUR WORKOUT

Here is how the workout breaks down:

Day 1: Resistance Training: Full Body

WARM-UP (5 - 10 Minutes)

  • Light cardio (walking, jogging, or cycling)
  • Dynamic stretches (leg swings, arm circles)

Your Workout Begins Now!

Workout:

    1. Bodyweight Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps
    2. Push-Ups (modified on knees if needed) – 3 sets of 10 reps
    3. Bent-Over Dumbbell Rows (use a pair of dumbbells or resistance bands) – 3 sets of 12 reps
    4. Glute Bridges – 3 sets of 15 reps
    5. Plank – 3 sets of 20-30 seconds

Cool Down (5 minutes)

Stretching (hamstrings, quads, chest, shoulders)

Day 2: Resistance Training: Active Recovery (Low-Intensity Activity)

Workout:

    1. Bodyweight Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps
    2. Push-Ups (modified on knees if needed) – 3 sets of 10 reps
    3. Bent-Over Dumbbell Rows (use a pair of dumbbells or resistance bands) – 3 sets of 12 reps
    4. Glute Bridges – 3 sets of 15 reps
    5. Plank – 3 sets of 20-30 seconds

Day 3: Resistance Training: Upper Body Focus

Warm-Up (5-10 minutes)

  • Light cardio
  • Shoulder and arm circles

Workout:

  1. Dumbbell Shoulder Press – 3 sets of 10 reps
  2. Dumbbell Bicep Curls – 3 sets of 12 reps
  3. Dumbbell Tricep Extensions – 3 sets of 12 reps
  4. Dumbbell Chest Press (on a bench or floor) – 3 sets of 10 reps
  5. Renegade Rows (with dumbbells) – 3 sets of 10 reps per side

Cool Down (5 minutes)

  • Stretching (shoulders, arms, chest)

Day 4: Resistance Training: Lower Body Focus

Warm-Up (5-10 minutes)

  • Light cardio
  • Leg swings, hip circles

Workout:

  1. Lunges (alternating legs) – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg
  2. Dumbbell Deadlifts – 3 sets of 12 reps
  3. Calf Raises – 3 sets of 15 reps
  4. Step-Ups (onto a bench or sturdy chair) – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
  5. Side-Lying Leg Lifts – 3 sets of 15 reps per leg

Day 5: Resistance Training: Core Focus

Warm-Up (5-10 minutes)

  • Light cardio
  • Dynamic stretches focusing on the core

Workout:

  1. Bicycle Crunches – 3 sets of 15 reps per side
  2. Russian Twists (with or without weight) – 3 sets of 20 twists
  3. Leg Raises – 3 sets of 12 reps
  4. Mountain Climbers – 3 sets of 20 seconds
  5. Superman Exercise – 3 sets of 15 seconds hold

Cool Down (5 minutes)

  • Stretching (focus on lower back, abs)

Day 6: Resistance Training: Full Body Circuit

Warm-Up (5-10 minutes)

  • Light cardio
  • Dynamic stretches

Workout (Repeat circuit 2-3 times):

  1. Bodyweight Squats – 15 reps
  2. Push-Ups – 10 reps
  3. Dumbbell Rows – 12 reps per side
  4. Glute Bridges – 15 reps
  5. Plank – 30 seconds

Cool Down (5 minutes)

  • Stretching (full body)

Day 7: Rest or Gentle Stretching/Yoga

Activities:

  • Rest and recovery
  • Optional: Light yoga or stretching routine (15-20 minutes)

Tips for Success:

  • Focus on form over weight, especially as you’re starting out.
  • Rest 30-60 seconds between sets to catch your breath and maintain form.
  • Stay hydrated and listen to your body—take breaks if needed.
  • As you get more comfortable, you can start increasing weights or adding more sets/reps.

Feel free to adjust the plan according to your preferences and fitness level. Enjoy your training!

Grab Your Free Fitness Tracker!

Track Your Workouts with this free fitness journal including: Meals, Water Intake, Intensity Level, Weight-Loss and workouts
Picture of Kali Runk
Kali Runk

Kali Runk is the creator of Creating from Chaos, a lifestyle blog dedicated to empowering busy moms with health & wellness tips, family-friendly recipes, quick workouts, DIY projects, and home decor inspiration. Follow along for practical advice and creative ideas to simplify and elevate everyday life! #MomLife #DIY #HealthyLiving

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