Build muscle and maintain athleticism as you age with Athlete 25, my free 2-week athlete workout program. Athlete 25 blends simple lifts with speed, power, balance and mobility work so you build muscle you can actually use. This is a comprehensive athletic strength training program, complete with a downloadable workout tracker PDF and daily follow-along videos on YouTube to guide every rep.
This is Athlete 25 — and this one’s personal.
From playing on the volleyball court together in college to repping out squats in our living room during nap time, my husband Tim and I have trained together for over 2 decades. This program reflects everything we’ve learned along the way: simple lifts, split strength training, quick and gritty conditioning drills.
Athlete 25 is a muscle-building strength program with an athletic twist.
Each Athlete 25 workout starts with a strength training triset, then ramps up the intensity with quick conditioning drills and functional mobility work.
You’ll train the way your body moves in everyday life: in multiple directions, with full range of motion and quick reaction time. Athlete 25 pushes you to build muscle you can actually use, leading to better performance in your workouts and daily life.
This athlete training program utilizes science-backed principles like:
This 2-week program includes 10 unique workouts. I recommend repeating the program x2-3 times (making it a 4-week to 6-week program) for best results.
Athletic training means you’re training like an athlete rather than just exercising to burn calories. Athletic workouts teach your body to move fluidly, powerfully and intentionally.
Just as athletes train for performance rather than aesthetics, athletic workouts empower you to feel strong, capable and ready for whatever challenges life throws at you.

This free, 2-week workout plan is modeled after my signature strength training programs: Strong 20, Stronger 25, Build 30, Overload 30, SplitStrong 35, Perform 20, HIITStrong 35, MetCon 100 and Zero 30. These programs are different from my other free workout challenges because they include 10 daily workout videos (a new workout video each day) that were cohesively filmed as one complete program.
You can find more information about which signature program is right for you (and the order I recommend progressing through my programs) in this free Nourish Move Love Program Guide.
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A Set of Dumbbells (Discount Code: NML5). Most of the daily workouts require a set of free weights. Each weight training workout will have a recommended dumbbell weight, usually between 15-30 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.
Optional Exercise Equipment: Mini Loop Resistance Band (Discount Code: NML), Pull-Up Bar and Bench/Box/Chair.
Workouts are 25-30 minutes per day, 5 days per week.
This plan includes 2 rest days a week. You get to choose which days are your rest days. I suggest resting after day 2 or 3 (Wednesday or Thursday) and then again after day 5 (Sunday). OR completing days 1-5 and then resting on days 6-7 over the weekend. The goal is to make this plan work for YOU!
If you’re short on time, prioritize the first and last workout of each week (Day 1, Day 5, Day 6 and Day 10).
Intermediate to advanced, with modifications offered for all fitness levels in the daily workout videos.
FREE! No sign-up needed.

Traditional lifting, whether with barbells or gym machines, tends to focus on isolating one muscle at a time in a limited range of motion. The focus is typically aesthetic muscle growth. Whereas athletic strength training pushes you to functionally train in multiple planes of motion, improve your balance and stability, and increase your mobility, all while also building muscle.
Nutrition works to support the work you put in during your workouts. For best results, prioritize high-protein foods (such as eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken, salmon or cottage cheese) for muscle repair, carbs (like oatmeal, quinoa, bread or fruit) for energy, and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds) for hormone health.
If you’re a beginner, start with 5-10% of your body weight per dumbbell. That’s about 8-15 lbs if you weigh 150 lbs. Increase gradually as your form and confidence improve. The last 2-3 reps of each set should feel very challenging to complete while allowing you to maintain good form. If you’ve been using the same weights for a year, it’s time for heavier weights!

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Did you love this workout challenge or notice your strength improving? We would truly appreciate a review! Every single one helps us keep creating free fitness content that supports you in your health journey.
I started my experience with NML through the Diastasis Recti and 30-Day Ab Challenge to recover my core many years postpartum. Then, I’ve moved on to this program and have done it twice. I plan on doing it one more time before Strong20. Just stay consistent. It really does work!
I have been doing NML the past year because I wanted something for moms. Lindsey and Rachel are fire. I have completed several of the programs and yesterday did day 6 of Strong 20. I was able to compete 2 sets of 10 pushups ON MY TOES! I actually had a bit of speed to it! Pick a program and you won’t be disappointed.
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
This is amazing, Lori! Thanks for sweating with us. Keep up the great work!
I am 1year postpartum, just start 28fays challenge, I m done 1 week successfully but still i can’t do as you did , i feel shaky legs anf pain in thighs
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
Hi Madiha! Keep up the great work. It takes time to rebuild your strength. Consistency compounds! -Lindsey
I’ve been consistently doing your workout challenges since late last year and I’ve seen surprising changes in both my muscles, my strength, and the weights I’m using. It’s the first time I’ve truly stuck with a workout plan because I am enjoying the weight and cardio combo so much. 2 Questions: (1) is there a fitness tracker on this one? I’m going through all programs and printing all of them. (2) I wanted to maybe make a subreddit for NML (I have no clue how much work making a subreddit is but was just toying with the idea), but I don’t want to step on toes, since I know you have your whole app community etc.
I just turned 75 last week. I’ve been following your workouts for almost a year, and have increased my weights from 8# to 20# with an occasional 30-pounder thrown in there. For my birthday, I did a challenge course high up in the trees on the Oregon Coast. The stepping and swinging parts were fun but the REAL challenge was: could I hang on to a rope and move from barrel to barrel, lily pad to lily pad? Short answer: I did! Big whoops and hallelujahs! I’m working on the pushup progression, aiming to get to a full-body from my toes by April; also dead hangs 40 sec/20 sec/10 sec/5 sec same days that I do the pushup progression. Hands hurt a lot so I don’t know if I’ll be able to increase my hang time, but I’m squeezing a compression ball daily in hopes of improving my grip! You are a valuable part of my life and I talk you up to anyone who I find is interested in getting more fit. Blessings to you big time!
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
Amazing progress, thank you so much for sharing and I hope you are so proud of all your hard work and dedication! -Lindsey
I’m a beginner and have completed one week of this program. My main goal is to build strength and muscle without losing weight. Should I continue with this program, start with Stronger 20, or choose another beginner program? I’d also like to know how I should progress after the first few weeks. I can train 3–5 days per week and have dumbbells.
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
Welcome! I would suggest sticking with this full 30-Day Beginner Program and then you can find a sequenced order of how to complete our workout programs here: https://www.nourishmovelove.com/start-here/. So after you complete the full 30-Day beginner plan you’ll move to Strong 20! Keep up the great work! Lindsey
As a former fitness instructor, I am very picky about following other exercise programs and instructors. This postpartum (and the prenatal) workout plans absolutely carried me through pregnancy and getting back into a routine after my 3rd baby. I loved having a program I could trust, and it allowed me to just show up and do it when time allowed. Can’t wait to take on another challenge.
I have done strength training on different platforms, but this really gave me the most bang for my time. I felt challenged and that some part of my body was actually working during each 20 min session. This makes me excited (and a little nervous) to attempt the other programs. I am 44 f/t working mom of 2, I do feel stronger
Excellent
Program is fabulous. I did the first two weeks in 3 weeks, the first week with 4lb weights because that is what I had and I didn’t really know where to start. Anyway got 10lb weights for week 2 which was better, but then on day 10 had shooting pain in my right shoulder. Now I don’t know if this is because a certain muscle isnt strong enough yet or if I was doing the exercise wrong. That would be my one critique is that there wasn’t enough instruction on correct form for beginners like me. Maybe a video on all the exercises needed for the sequence with correct form for novices like me. 🙂 thanks for the program excited to keep progressing.
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
Hi Effie, Thank you for sweating with us! We’re so glad you’re here. Have you tried our Beginner Workout Plan [https://www.nourishmovelove.com/fitness-beginner-workout-plan/]? It’s a great place to start so you ensure proper form to avoid injuries. Please reach out to info@nourishmovelove.com with any other questions.
I loved doing this program! Started it at 12 weeks postpartum and some days were soo challenging. I’m so proud of myself, I did it with baby watching me, during nap times, on vacation… especially enjoyed the unilateral workouts and the pyramid strength one (so fun). I will be starting your beginner program on monday. Thank you !
I love all your programs, but this is one I keep coming back to. I love seeing my progress. My strength gains are incredible and it is so important to me as I age to stay strong. Thank you for putting out such great content and focusing on what matters, strength gains, not appearance!!!
I would like to say I enjoyed this workout but really, I felt more accomplishment and satisfaction than pleasure. I kept coming back to try and better myself because I just couldn’t let my last workout define me as a quitter! #4 was a killer for me, and my upper arms are still hurling injures at me. Your plans keep me coming back for more! Thanks very much.
I am a stay at home mom of three kiddos and every minute is accounted for, but Linds makes it so easy to not forget about my health. I am able to workout in the comfort of my own home. Whether with my children included or not. Her videos are encouraging, uplifting and challenging. Her free workouts is a prayer answered for sure!
I had never done a workout routine consistently in my life. Then in what could be argued a very busy season in life, I decided for the sake of being able to physically do all the things I’m needed to do on the farm with my six kids, I had to recover from prior pregnancy weakness and injuries. I’m thankful for the free, practical, motivating, challenging videos that helped me regain my posture, stamina, strength, and feel like me again. After I completed the series I had to stop because of time issues that popped up but I genuinely look forward to getting back to reclaiming this important investment in me that also benefits my family.
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
Hi Linda! Thank you for sweating with us. We’re so glad NML workouts have supported you, especially during a busy season of life. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for putting together a doable and achievable post partum plan. I am on Day 19 and I feel so much stronger. Since having my baby I haven’t been able to stick with a routine until this. I would work out once or twice a week if that. Now I’m moving 3-5 days a week. Here I am 7 months postpartum and feeling strong thank G-d! Thank you so much.
I so appreciated this workout I just finished day four. I hurt my back after being sick in bed for 4 days and this workout is helping me get back on track with working out and my whole body just feels looser. And even emotionally I feel happier. I am not yet able to use 15 lb weights. But I will do it again and try to load up more next time. I appreciate having a program where I don’t have to think about what to do next. Thank you so much Lindsay and the NML team.
Love these workouts. I’m not a fan of weight training, counting reps and sets as I find this tedious. Love that these are 30-50 seconds of work which if I chose the correct weight brought me to failure. These workouts are never boring and the 20 minutes goes by so fast. I’m definitely seeing results after doing the entire Strong20 4 times. I’m moving on to Stronger25. Thank you so much Lindsay! Ps I also love that you have devotionals, I just found them and will definitely be using those too. God Bless you and keep you Lindsay.
I loved the 20 minute workouts. They fit well into my schedule during the school year having less free time. I felt challenged and like I was able to build muscle with the repeated, challenging exercises. I also liked the mobility in a longer warmup. And, as always, the education during the workouts is appreciated and valuable. Thanks for another great program!
I’m now heading into my third trimester and have been following the 1st and 2nd workouts from this pregnancy program, and I absolutely love them. What I appreciate most is the variety. There’s a workout to match whatever mood I’m in that day, with different lengths and different styles to choose from. It makes it so much easier to stay consistent throughout pregnancy. I cannot thank you enough for this!
I had been feeling burnt out with recent workouts and needed a change. I recently completed the Strong 20 program and it was so fun, yet challenging. I loved that I could fit it into my busy schedule as a full-time working mom of 3. I am going to start the Stronger 25 next. Love your positivity and the pace of the workouts!
I cannot describe how grateful I am to have found these postpartum workouts. I not only feel like I have found a trainer, but a much-needed tribe member on the other side of the screen.
I really appreciate Lindsey’s dedication and how she brings her real self to each workout, since being a mom of three small kids can feel so lonely. She is great company and makes it much easier. Thank you!
I have been really enjoying Max 20! Unfortunately joining the app to access the additional week of workouts isn’t in my budget at the moment, but I love the 10 days that are available for free. I am on my 4th week(day 7) of doing this program and I can see myself repeating the 10 day program throughout the summer. My strength has improved since beginning this program on 6/1 and I would even say this is my favorite NML program I’ve tried so far.
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
Thank you for sweating with us! We’re so glad you’re enjoying Max 20. Keep up the great work!!
I am 64 and still working so it has been hard to get to the gym. I love these short,effective workouts and modifications. My adult daughter is following along and we send each other sweaty selfies to encourage each other haha. Thank you so much for providing this resource for free Lindsey.
This is the first program I’ve been excited to complete in a long time! I was feeling burnt out by weight training and needed something different for little bit that’s also effective. This is perfect! I notice my range of motion improving and it also provides a good refresher on proper form without the added weights. I love Lindsey’s enthusiasm and that my young daughter hears her encouragement and joins me and cheers me on. I’m excited to dive into her other programs as well!
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 recommends that you consult with your physician. Nourish Move Love primarily educates clients to assume more personal responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle.
This post does include affiliate links and I earn a small commission on products purchased using these links. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Nourish Move Love.
Absolutely love the concept and the workouts so far! I struggle with your use of “athletic training” though, since that is confusing with “athletic trainer”, or ATC (which I am). Athletic trainers have been fighting from the get go for name recognition and respect within the medical and community at large because people usually think it is the same as a personal trainer. Since I’m sure you and your husband have worked with ATC’s in your athlete career I would LOVE to see some education around the term usage! Thanks for all you do:)
Hi Leah! Thank you for sharing this — and for the work you do as an ATC. You’re right that the term “athletic training” can be confusing, and I appreciate your comment here.
When I say “train like an athlete,” I’m referring to a style of training rather than the profession of Athletic Training. That said, I understand how the overlap in terminology can blur the lines. I’ve added more clarity around what I mean by the term here for anyone who wants more context:
https://www.nourishmovelove.com/train-like-an-athlete/
Thank you for being part of this community! -Lindsey