​ ​

4-30-10 Method

The 4-30-10 method is a viral fitness trend that combines 4 strength workouts, 30 grams of protein per meal and 10,000 steps per day. It’s a simple yet effective formula to improve your overall health, lose weight, build muscle and boost energy. As a certified fitness trainer, I created a free 7-day workout plan based on the 4-30-10 method, complete with daily guided videos you can do at home or in the gym.

Quick Links:

Calendar showing week of workouts under 35 minutes

If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to build strength, move better and feel your best, the 4-30-10 method might be exactly what you need.

As a certified personal trainer with over a decade in the industry, I’ve seen countless fitness trends come and go – but the 4-30-10 method is one I truly stand behind. It’s built around functional fitness, helping you move well, stay strong and build habits that support your body for the long haul. I’ve backed other balanced routines like the 3-2-8 method and 4-30-10 follows a similarly well-rounded approach.

Here’s how it works:

  • 4: Do 4 strength training workouts each week. This is a realistic, sustainable number that helps you build lean muscle, increase metabolism and support the kind of strength you actually use in everyday life (like lifting, squatting or carrying groceries).
  • 30: Eat 30 grams of protein at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, keeps you fuller longer and helps stabilize energy throughout the day – especially when paired with resistance training.
  • 10: Walk 10,000 steps a day, or about five miles. Walking is a simple form of movement that improves cardiovascular health, supports fat loss, aids in recovery and keeps you active without stressing your joints.

This home workout plan for women checks all the boxes: strength, cardio, mobility and lifestyle movement. It’s all wrapped into a routine that’s manageable, effective and doesn’t require fancy equipment.

Image describing what the viral tiktok 4-30-10 method is. Four strength workouts per week, 30 grams of protein at each meal and 10 thousand steps per day.

What makes the 4-30-10 method so effective is how balanced and approachable it is. You’re not overtraining or under-eating. You’re building habits that actually support your goals, whether that’s losing fat, gaining muscle, or simply moving better and feeling stronger. It’s realistic for busy schedules, adaptable to any fitness level and doesn’t require fancy equipment.

I’ve seen firsthand how effective this combination can be for boosting energy, reducing joint pain and increasing overall resilience. That’s why I created a free 7-day “4-30-10” workout plan with guided daily workouts you can do at home or in the gym. Whether your goal is to get stronger, lean out or just feel better in your body, this plan is a great place to start.

Who This Workout Plan Is Best Suited For

  • Those who want to build total-body strength, especially in the upper body, lower body and core.
  • Individuals who prefer to work out at home and save money on pricey group fitness classes or gym memberships.
  • Those looking to boost both cardiovascular and athletic performance with structured, efficient training.
  • Anyone interested in adding more LISS (low-intensity steady-state) or Zone 2 cardio into their weekly routine for better heart health and endurance.
  • People who love the idea of combining strength training with step goals for a well-rounded plan.
  • Those who are focused on burning fat, building muscle and improving body composition (all without leaving your living room).
  • Anyone who is ready to be more intentional about protein intake to support recovery, muscle growth and sustained energy.
woman performing a low squat with dumbbells as a strength training for runners exercise.

LET’S GET STARTED

Download Your FREE 4-30-10 Workout Plan Here

Download the PDF calendar for this 7-day workout plan so you can easily access your daily workouts.
Download Plan
Chart with 7 days of workouts, including workout time, duration and equipment needed

7-Day Workout Plan

Day 1: Dumbbell Workout Routine (Full-Body, 35 Minutes)

  • Workout Time: 35 Minutes
  • Equipment: Dumbbells

Day 2: 30-Minute Strong Arms Workout At Home

  • Workout Time: 30 Minutes
  • Equipment: Dumbbells

Day 3: Walk/Jog/Run (Goal: 10K Steps)

Day 4: At-Home Leg Workout (35 Minutes With Dumbbells)

  • Workout Time: 35 Minutes
  • Equipment: Dumbbells and resistance band

Day 5: 30-Minute Full-Body Workout At Home

  • Workout Time: 30 Minutes
  • Equipment: Dumbbells

Day 6: Walk/Jog/Run (Goal: 10K Steps)

Day 7: Rest and Recovery

Option to try a stretching and recovery workout:

two women performing a banded squat jack in a leg workout at home

Find This Workout Plan On YouTube

youtube icon Youtube Playlist

4-30-10 Method Plan Details

1. Gym Equipment Needed:

A Set of Dumbbells. Most of the daily strength workouts require a set of dumbbells. Each weight training workout will have a recommended dumbbell weight, usually between 8-20 pounds. You want a weight heavy enough that your last few reps are a struggle, but you are still able to complete the workout with good form. Shop my dumbbells here (Discount Code: NML5).

Optional Exercise Equipment: 

Resistance Band (Discount Code: NML)

Activity Tracker/Smart Watch. Helpful for tracking daily steps.

2. Time Requirement: 

Strength workouts are 30-35 minutes a day, 4 days per week. You can always take more rest days as needed.

The 4-30-10 method also includes a goal of 10,000 steps per day. This step goal includes all the steps you take during the day, whether it’s just moving around your house or taking a dedicated walk.

3. Fitness Level:

Intermediate to advanced, with modifications offered for all fitness levels in the daily workout videos.

If you’re looking for a full-body workout plan for beginners, follow my Beginner Workout Plan.

4. Cost:

FREE! No sign-up needed, this is a FREE Workout Plan.

FAQs

How can I increase protein intake?

The best way to increase your protein intake is to be cognizant of high-protein food sources. For example, Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt. Incorporating protein into your meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By keeping high-protein snacks on hand and starting your day with a high-protein breakfast, you can easily stabilize your energy levels for the day.

What is the difference between the 4-30-10 method and the 4-1-1 method?

The 4-1-1 method is a way of structuring your weekly workout split. This plan includes 4 strength training sessions, 1 pilates workout and 1 LISS (low impact or low intensity steady state) cardio workout. This is different from the 4-30-10 method, which places a focus on protein intake and 10,000 steps per day in addition to 4 strength workouts per week.

How does the 4-30-10 method compare to the 12-3-30 method for weight loss?

The 4-30-10 method is a more well-rounded approach to weight loss than the 12-3-30 method, combining strength training, daily movement and high-protein meals to support fat loss, muscle gain and overall fitness. The 12-3-30 method refers to walking on a treadmill at 12% incline at 3 mph for 30 minutes. This method is great for beginners or those who want to improve their cardiovascular health. However, it lacks the strength and nutritional components that make 4-30-10 more effective for long-term body composition changes. If your goal is to build strength, boost metabolism and lose body fat sustainably, 4-30-10 offers a more complete solution.

How To Download and Use This 4-30-10 Workout Plan

  1. Download the 4-30-10 Workout Plan PDF by clicking here, or bookmark this webpage for reference. 
  2. Save this workout calendar to your mobile device home screen for easy access.
    1. Open this workout calendar pdf in the safari browser on your phone.
    2. Tap the bottom arrow in the center of your screen.
    3. Select ‘Add to Home Screen’.
  3. Hover over and then click on the bold text each day to access the full video on nourishmovelove.com. Or scroll to find the daily workouts on YouTube.
  4. You can also access all of the home workout videos on this workout challenge calendar on YouTube via this YouTube Playlist: “4-30-10 Method” Challenge.
  5. Share your daily workouts with  me by tagging @nourishmovelove on social and ‘Pin’ the daily workouts on Pinterest so you can do them again.
woman performing a kneeling single arm press in a full body workout for women

Get My Full Program Guide!

New to Nourish Move Love and wondering which workout plan is best for you? Check out more of my free workout plans, and find the program that’s best for you!
Start Here!

Pin This Free 4-30-10 Method Workout Plan

Woman with calendar overlay of tiktok's 4-30-10 method

Note: before beginning any new exercise program you should consult with your physician or midwife. The information provided with this workout challenge is intended for general information and use; it does not include specific, individualized recommendations and is not intended as medical advice. Before you begin any new exercise program Nourish Move Love, LLC recommends that you consult with your physician. Nourish Move Love, LLC primarily educates clients to assume more personal responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle.

This post includes affiliate links. I do make a small commission for products purchased using these links (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting Nourish Move Love, making the content you see on this blog possible.

6 comments
  1. Hello!

    I am loving the 4-30-10 method. I’m finally feeling like I’m consistent with challenging my body and I feel so much stronger.

    I do have a question for you. What do you recommend if the schedule on a certain week means I shuffle my workouts a bit. For instance I have a commitment first thing in the morning on Friday mornings so I typically make that a rest day. Saturday is also an early morning this week. Would it be better to lift the 4 days in a row or just stick with my 10k steps and pick back up with the 4 day split next week?

    I hope that makes sense while sparing you the details of my schedule amy more than I did.

    Thank you!
    Melissa

    • Hi Melissa! So glad to hear you’re enjoying the 4-30-10 Method! Great question – it’s no problem if you need to shift the schedule. It’s designed to be flexible and can be adjusted to fit your needs! Ideally, you’d just get those 4 strength workouts in at some point throughout the week, but you certainly don’t have to do them on the days we’ve recommended. You can adjust to fit your schedule! Thanks for following along! -Lindsey

  2. Hi Lindsey! I am so grateful that I found your channel on your website! I am a 58 year-old mother or five and grandmother of a 19 month old little guy. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a couple of years ago after really not nourishing myself very well, so I am committed to eating well and getting strong. I’m wondering what are the best workout plans for me? I did the overload two times through and now I’m doing perform 35. Wondering what you suggest. I used to do run walk run pretty consistently but have not been consistent in a while and wondering if I should be incorporating that as well or just focus on mostly strength training.
    I am also try to be a God centered person like you are (I’m Jewish and practice in an orthodox manner).
    I plan to speak about you to my small but growing following because I think you’re the best trainer on YouTube!
    If you could give me tips on which workouts you recommend for me, I would appreciate it

    Love,
    Chaya

    • Hi Chaya! Thank you so much for your kind words — it means a lot to hear that you’ve found value in the channel, and I’m truly honored to be part of your wellness journey. It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job prioritizing your health and strength, and I admire your commitment! I’d recommend checking out the “start here” post we have as it walks you through my recommendations for completing our programs in order. It’s a great option to progress your strength training. You can find that info here: https://www.nourishmovelove.com/start-here/
      Keep up the great work! -Lindsey

  3. I love all your workouts! I finally am staying dedicated! Consistently is key..down 45 lbs! Thank you!!!!

    • Maria! I’m so happy to hear you’re loving the workouts and finding accountability in the workout plans! Down 45lbs — that’s AMAZING!! I hope you are so proud of all your hard work! Keep it up! -Lindsey