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 Overload 30 back in November 2025 and went through it 1.5 times before the holidays; took me about 3 weeks. Travelled, took some time off, then started it again. Did Overload 30 3 times over 1.5 months and I feel AWESOME! Had to do some of the modified moves, but I finished!! Thanks Lindsey and Rachel, you gals are great!
Seven months ago, I had open-heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. My sternum was literally cut open and bound together with wire. After eight weeks, my movement and lifting restrictions were lifted, and I was off heavy pain meds, unable to start driving and back to life with five kids. I completed cardiac rehab rehabilitation, but I had not lifted more than 5 pounds the entire time. I was a long way to go to recovery and regain my strength. A friend recommended this program and I started on it and was able to do a few days in a row and then rest for a few days but I was able to do it. I started out at 5 pounds and then increased to eight and then 10 and then 12 pounds. I’m about to finish the program tomorrow and I’m so much stronger and more capable. I also am able to do walks and runs and longer cardio exercises and yoga. This is absolutely changed my life for the better. Thank you!
Great program! I really like how this athlete-style workout combines strength training with mobility, balance, and conditioning—it makes the routine more functional rather than just focused on aesthetics. The use of trisets, HIIT intervals, and progressive overload is a smart way to improve both muscle and athletic performance over time. Training 25–30 minutes a day with a structured plan like this is practical and sustainable for long-term results
Absolutely love this 4 day workout split!! It’s challenging but doable and I feel so strong after completing it!! Please do more videos like these, especially with the rep drops!
I’ve been doing a different plan for the last year on repeat, had some good results. Injured my knee and recovered and tried to get back into that program, but it felt boring. Found this one, and the muscle gains have been incredible. Symmetry in my legs is almost if not fully equal now, my arms are more defined than they’ve ever been, and I always feel great after I finish the workout. They are fun and encouraging to work out with as well. Definitely recommend!
I love adding these workouts first thing each morning before the rest of my workout session. I have noticed my waist slimming and core tightening. My one and only complaint/observation is that day 10 and 24 are the same. I don’t know if that’s intentional or not, but I wanted to let you know 🙂
Response from Nourish, Move, Love
So glad you’re enjoying our ab challenge! Yes the repetition of day 10 and 24 is intentional — we want to be able to measure your core strength gains and progress. So repeating day 10 approximately 2 weeks later is a great way to measure progress!
I found NML when I was pregnant with my second baby and wanted to continue a fitness regimen but one tailored to prenatal needs. I am SO happy I did. Started NML’s postpartum plan at 8 weeks postpartum. It took me 3 months to complete the plan 2x as recommended. This was because my baby wasn’t the best sleeper and some days I just needed to rest/nap. Do your best and forget the rest, as Lindsey would say. Still I see progress and I feel SO much stronger and better than I did during postpartum with my first baby. Progressed from only 10 lb weights to 15 lb for most exercises and even 20-30 lbs for certain ones! I am really happy with progress and can’t wait to move to Strong 20!
Great advice and precise with a sunny atmosphere. Lindsey and Rachel are a great pair!
After about 10 years of really not exercising or working out, this 30-day ab challenge (along with your cardio workouts!) was just what I needed! I’m actually repeating it so I can challenge myself to not make modifications! Love all that NML offers, thank you!
I completed the 30 day beginner program and am working on doing it again. I haven’t lifted weights since I was in high school, 17 years ago-yikes, this was a great start and because I loved it so much I’m doing it again as I continue to get stronger!
This program was very challenging. I lifted the most and felt the strongest throughout Overload 30, and then repeating it. Of all the amazing NML programs I saw the biggest physical difference in my body at 56!
Finally I found (in my 2nd pregnancy) challenging workouts using weights as I was always a little hesistant to use weights during pregnancy. Felt great all the way through pregnancy. Thank you Lindsay. Looking forward to postpartum.
Not quite 50 yet, but I am already post-menopausal and this is exactly what I need. I love that I can switch up using the pdf/setting my own pace with your videos. Variety keeps me motivated and doing my own pace allows me to go heavier. Thank you!! You’re the best!
I have just started and am completing my first week. Feeling much lighter and more energetic than when I started.
Q – at 59y M, and as a beginner with little weight training, which of your programs is best suited? Graduating to difficult ones later in the year.
I love your workout plans for over 50. I’m 65 and at this stage I just can’t do the fast pace, intense workouts anymore. I want to still strength train and feel challenged but a bit slower and structured. I can’t do the up and down and twisting and jumping anymore unfortunately. I do like to keep up with the most current exercises. Please add more!
I have just started this 50+ workout plan. I am 56 yrs old and I am wanting a structured plan of strength training, cardio, rest suitable for my age group. This plan ticks all the boxes. I am wanting to build more muscle mass to reduce my risk of a strong family risk of type 2 diabetes and prevent it altogether. To get stronger and live longer better.
I’ve been following your channel for over 2 years and I’ve had beautiful results when I was consistent..but in between life would happen and then for sometime i wouldn’t do any coz. Of change in schedule..now I’ve turned 50 and i was just hoping there would be something i could just click on and follow along. This plan is perfect.. thankyou Lincy
As I was doing one of the workouts yesterday I had a thought that I need a program for me in my stage of life because although I CAN do all of the workouts, my body is not the same and I am never sure if I am harming myself by pushing on the wrong type of workout. So I am SO FLIPPING THRILLED to have opened my email this morning to find the exact thing I needed. If I am reading this correctly, it will be the same workouts repeated every week, the goal is to progress weights every 4 weeks. Do I have that correct?
Hi Lindsey,
I write this comment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this program available for free!! I discovered your YouTube channel and website for my first pregnancy. It helped me stay strong and prepared during pregnancy. It is only now, at 2 years postpartum, that I have been able to complete the postpartum program. I feel my core/pelvic floor is stronger, and my overall strength is increasing because I am restarting the program for a 2nd month and am able to scale up to 15 lbs for some exercises. Thank you. God’s blessings for you and your family!
I am so proud of myself I just finished this challenge winter arc and i have to say first of all me being 60 years old just finshed a challenge i never would have thought id make it through but thanks to Lindsey and Rachelle for all the inspiration and tips to get and have the confidence and the will to follow through and thats just what ive done. It was challenging and at times had to take little extra break but i fought through and im planning on going back and doing it again! Thank you so much again
With most workouts on video you get bored or move ahead of the person or just give up. I love that there is minimal on the stretch and the cool down. And how you put all the moves together. I am a teacher on a budget and you share this at no cost makes it more of an incentive to do it. The moves were simple yet you could feel it . I’m 57 and need to get up and your workout makes me want to do the second one now.
Lindsey has done it again, thank you! Following the “Build” program has helped me up my weights and see more muscle and with that stability. (As a senior both are important to me!) Consistency and following the programs incremental steps have encouraged me to try to increase my weights. Helpful tips, as always, are included so that your form is correct. I hope to keep up with Nourish Move Love for the next decade, God willing!
If you’re looking for true results, this is the program for you (although I would say that for all of NML’s programs!). The moves are simple, allowing you to focus on form and challenging yourself by picking up the heavy weights. I loved the consistency of three sets to build true muscle. I have done this program several times already and will continue to do so! Love, love, love. I’ve never felt stronger!
Ow ow ow ow ow. Pushed through this and have done it twice through. This is an incredible program that humbles me while lifting me up. Thank you!
What a program! There were days I knew i had 100 reps and other days I was sure I would fail. Because i have been dedicated to working out with Lindsey for months I did not fail once. Thank you Lindsey and NML team!
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