​ ​

Build 30: Muscle Building Workout Plan 

Build strength at home with this free muscle building workout plan: Build 30! Each day you’ll complete five minutes of mobility training, 20 minutes of strength training, and a burnout that is sure to test your limits. Download the program PDF with daily workout videos on YouTube. All you need is a set of dumbbells, and 30 minutes a day.

Build 30 is a muscle building workout plan that is designed to build strength at home in 30 minutes a day.

Each day you’ll complete five minutes of mobility training, 20 minutes of strength training, and a burnout that is sure to test your limits.

We’re taking strength and endurance training to the next level. We’ll target all major muscle groups including the upper body, lower body and core through both isolation exercises and compound movements.

This training split is designed to help you build strength, confidence, mental toughness and so much more, so you can continue to meet the demands of everyday life.

Build 30 is full of compound exercises that will challenge your total body strength and cardiovascular endurance. Each workout includes a mobility-focused warm up and cool down. Lift heavy weights to maximize muscular hypertrophy (muscle growth).

woman performing standing dumbbell twist
woman performing an uneven squat with a dumbbell in a full body workout

LET’S GET STARTED

Download Your FREE Workout Plan Here

Download the PDF calendar for this workout plan so you can easily access your daily workouts.
Download Plan

This Muscle Building Workout Routine is for Anyone Looking to:

  • Build muscle in the upper body, lower body and core.
  • Improve athletic and cardiovascular fitness level.
  • Increase core strength, flexibility and mobility.
  • Burn calories, lose weight and burn body fat at home.
  • Establish a solid weight training routine at home in just two weeks.

A strength training workout plan designed to increase muscle mass. This is an advanced workout plan, but we’ve included a modifier in every workout video to offer low impact, standing and beginner modifications. Follow along with the modifier for options to scale each move, and take these workouts at your pace.

This free, 2-week workout plan is modeled after our popular strength training programs: Strong 20, Stronger 25, SplitStrong 35, HIITStrong 35, MetCon 100 and Zero 30. These programs are different from our 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.

two-week calendar with daily muscle building workouts

Already completed this challenge? Leave a review!

calendar of week 1 of muscle building workout plan

Day 1: 30-Minute Full Body and Leg Day Workout Routine

Day 2: 30-Minute Chest and Tricep Workout

  • YouTube Link: 30-Minute Arm Workout (Chest and Triceps)
  • Equipment: Dumbbells and optional bench/box/chair
  • Pregnancy Modifications: Follow the workout modifier and slow down moves as needed. Add an incline to push ups by placing your hands on a chair or bench.

Day 3: 30-Minute Core Training with Dumbbells

  • YouTube Link: 30-Minute Cardio Abs and Mobility
  • Equipment: Dumbbells
  • Pregnancy Modifications: Follow the workout modifier and slow down moves as needed. Omit rotations as they become uncomfortable.

Day 4: 30-Minute Glutes and Hamstrings Workout

Day 5: 30-Minute Full Body Workout Routine and Abs

calendar of week 2 of muscle building workout plan

Day 6: 30-Minute Full Body and Arm Workout Routine

Day 7: 30-Minute Quad and Glute Workout

Day 8: 30-Minute Core Circuit

  • YouTube Link: 30-Minute Core Circuit Workout
  • Equipment: Dumbbells
  • Pregnancy Modifications: Follow the workout modifier and slow down moves as needed.

Day 9: 30-Minute Back and Shoulder Workout

Day 10: 30-Minute Muscle Building Workout

two women performing a reverse lunge as part of leg day workout routine

Find This Workout Plan On Youtube

youtube icon Youtube Playlist

Build 30 Workout Program Details

1. Gym Equipment Needed:

A Set of Dumbbells (Discount Code: NMLTF5). Most of the daily workouts require a set of free weights. Each weight training workout will have a recommended dumbbell weight, usually between 10-25 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 Bands (Discount Code: NML), Heel Wedges and Optional Bench/Box/Chair.

2. Time Requirement: 

Workouts are 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week.

This plan includes 2 rest days per week. You get to choose which days are your rest days. I suggest resting after day two or three (Wednesday or Thursday) and then again after day five (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 a runner, I would suggest completing 2-3 of the strength workouts per week. So your training plan would look like:

Week One: 

Day 1: Full Body (Leg Focus)

Day 3: Core Training with Dumbbells

Day 5: Full Body and Abs

Week Two: 

Day 6: Full Body (Arm Focus)

Day 8: Core Circuit

Day 10: Full Body Muscle Building

3. Fitness Level:

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

Click here to try our functional strength training program, Strong 20. We recommend this signature program for beginners and pregnancy/postpartum.

4. Cost:

FREE! No sign up needed.

two women performing a functional core training with dumbbells exercise
Which Workout Routine Is Best For Gaining Muscle?

The most effective muscle building workout routine will include compound lower body exercisesupper body exercises and core exercises in a split training routine (a popular format being push/pull/legs). This allows you to lift heavy while including a variety of exercises that stimulate multiple muscle groups at the same time, like squats, deadlifts, pull-ups and push ups.

How Many Days A Week Should I Workout To Build Muscle?

In general, resistance training for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 days per week is enough to see results. You should target all your major muscle groups at least twice throughout your weekly workouts.

What Is A Good 5 Day Workout Routine To Build Muscle?

A split training format, alternating full body workouts with muscle-specific workouts, is effective for building muscle. The key to muscle growth is lifting heavy weights and implementing progressive overload. When you follow a split training routine, you can increase the reps or increase the weight you’re using while still allowing your body proper time to rest and recover.

How To Download and Use This Workout Plan

  1. Download the Muscle Building Workout Program PDF by clicking here, or bookmark this webpage for reference as weekly workouts are outlined below.
  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 down to find the daily workouts linked below.
  4. You can also access all of the home workout videos on this workout challenge calendar on YouTube via this YouTube Playlist: Build 30 Workout Program.
  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.

Pin this Free Workout Split: Build 30 Program

Two week strength program with calendar overlay

Leave A Review

Your review helps us keep creating free workouts.

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.

Bought in!

January 5, 2026

I love this format! The 30 rep buy-in is great and gets you pumped to start the workout, especially if you aren’t feeling particularly motivated. I loved the format of Build 30 and can’t wait to go back to it again.

Meghan Myers

It’s a yes from me, dog

January 5, 2026

Like every one of NML’s programs, I love and go back to this one many times. Lindsey pushes you, while completing the programs right along side you. I push play every weekday at 4:30am and I can’t think of a better way to start my day.

Alyssa

Love Build 30!!

January 4, 2026

Love this program! I completed it and go back often! Whether its day 3 or day 8 for cardio days or a good arm day, I love that these work outs really push and strengthen me!

Veronica

Love Build 30!!

January 4, 2026

This is one of my favorite programs! I use these work outs for random days to get in a good sweat or follow the 2 week program!

Veronica

Never been more motived!

December 29, 2025

I had a friend tell me about NML a few years ago but I was in the thick of a 3rd baby and wasn’t ready. I am so, so glad I ran across it again! I have never been more motivated to wake up early and get after a solid, challenging workout in my life. It is helping me feel stronger than ever at 39 as well as helping my mood, confidence and energy levels during an exhausting (but good!) season of homeschooling 3 kiddos. Thank you for all the work you do to make these available, free, and fun!

Beth

Fun and effective workout program

December 29, 2025

I love strength training with NML! I never was into working out much until discovering NML. The workouts go so quick and I feel so accomplished and strong doing them. Thank you Lindsey and team for making these workouts so accessible to everyone and so do-able for a stay at home mom!

Jenna

Best workout for strength training

December 27, 2025

I love this format!! True muscle building. Even after year of doing NML workouts this one made me sore. Please do more like this!!! My favorite program so far!

Bethany Redmond

perfect muscle building

December 27, 2025

This is perfect for building muscle. This and Perform 20 are one of my favorites. I love that they are not too long. With Lindsays workouts I have built more muscle than others I have done. Don’t wait to try!

Krystal Combs

My very favorite program!

December 27, 2025

This is my very favorite NML program, hands down. I love that it is very challenging, but not TOO hard. I love the variety both on the area of your body it works each day, as well as the differing format of circuits and style each day. I’ve repeated it numerous times and it never gets old!

Jill

I tell everyone!

December 27, 2025

I absolutely am addicted to your workouts. I am 66 years old. I get so much from these 30 minute workouts. I started with 10s and 12s and now have moved to 15 and just got 20s for Xmas. Thank you for your encouraging words. You are such a positive person. I love the variety in all your programs. Bless you and the NML Family!

Brenda

My Favorite NML Workout Format!

December 26, 2025

The format of this program’s workouts are my favorite! The 30 rep buy-in and 3 minute burn-out at the end breaks the workout into sections that help keep me motivated. I’m 23 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and just finished Build 30 for the 2nd time. My body and my mind feel so much stronger than they did a month ago!

Kendall K.

Keep coming back to build 30!

December 26, 2025

I’ve done this workout program probably 6-7 times over the past 2 years through 2 postpartums and a pregnancy – it never ceases to challenge me!! I like that it is scalable based on where I am. Most recently, 8 mo pp and did it with 20s!

Meg B

So good yet so spicy

December 26, 2025

This plan was awesome! It kicked my butt while at the same time was so satisfying. It pushed me in all the best ways and left me feeling SO STRONG….. after the soreness went away HA!

Samantha

Build 30 was tough AND great!

December 26, 2025

The Build 30 was great! I hesitate to say I “enjoyed” it because it was hard and I pushed myself to use heavier weights. But I love how I feel after each workout—having accomplished something and really feeling like I’m building muscle! I also love the energy Lindsey and Rachel bring

Karen

Best Strength Program!!

December 26, 2025

If you’re looking for a program that pushes you, makes you feel strong, and boosts your confidence—this is the one! It’s so good and I’ve repeated it multiple times. I won’t ever get old.

Katie

Build 30

December 26, 2025

Build 30 is one of my favorite formats. I am so thankful for Lindsey and her team for sharing amazing workouts that are centered around honoring the temple that God has given each of us. I appreciate that the workouts are always changing but consistent in concise, motivating, and strength building formats.

Cassie

The absolute best!

December 26, 2025

I’ve tried all of your programs, but Build 30 is by far my favourite. It’s challenging, but fun. I’ve repeated it a number of times and feel so strong and accomplished every time!❤️

Katie Backor

Best workout program ever!

December 26, 2025

I have never finished a workout program before. Not only did I finish and love Build 30 but I repeated the program for a second time. I got stronger and use heavier weights now! I can’t wait to repeat this program for a third time.

Em

Leaves you feeling strong and empowered!

December 26, 2025

Love the series- I only did 3 workouts a week instead of 1 a day and it was still a great challenge. I repeated it and could tell I was getting stronger. Thanks NML team!

Haylee

The best workout plan

December 26, 2025

I’ve completed most of the NML programs, and I’ve enjoyed them all. But no other has made me feel like I was getting instant results like this one. I repeated it twice in a row, and I moved up in weights for several exercises. I could feel improvement in my form and confidence with the exercises, and my boyfriend noticed increased tone in my arms. I loved that there were modifications as needed, so everybody could complete each exercise. I felt like I was working really hard each day – and I was definitely sore – but I never had the exhausted, need-a-rest-day feeling I can get from some of the longer HIIT workouts. Felt like I could keep maintain this regularly. Can’t recommend enough.

I used mostly 15 pound weights, sometimes 20 (for lower body or for single dumbbell exercises), the occasional 12, I’m 54 and have been working out with NML since 2020.

Kathleen W

Great workout

December 26, 2025

This is a great workout to get done in a short amount of time

Blake

I keep coming back to this one.

December 26, 2025

I love this program! It’s one I keep coming back to fornits basic, but tough, moves. It’s a great program to work on increasing weights 🙂

Kristina

Awesome formats

December 26, 2025

This was my first NML program and my first structured workout program three months postpartum. I discovered NML while searching YouTube for postpartum workouts, and it did not disappoint. I made plenty of modifications and started with 5- and 10-lb weights. As a former athlete, I love NML’s workout formats—they genuinely remind me of my track workouts in the best way. After completing three other NML programs, I recently returned to this one and am amazed at how much stronger I’ve become. I’m now using mostly 15- and 20-lb weights!

Leslie

Let NML Plan Your Workout

December 26, 2025

I completely trust Lindsey and the NML team to plan an efficient workout for me. The weekly workout plans sent to my email are my lifeline to “me time.” So even a challenging 30 minute/workout program is doable with the right mindset and with the NML team doing all the prep. I get to just show up and sweat. I’m 42 and feel the best I have since college.

Aileen

one of my favorites!

December 26, 2025

I’ve done this whole workout several times over. It’s great.

cindy

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.

no comments