HERFORM
3 days a week · machines + dumbbells · 45 minutes

Gym Workout Plan for Beginner Women

Quick answerThe best gym plan for beginner women is 3 full-body workouts a week using simple machines and dumbbells: one squat or leg press, one hinge, one push, one pull and one core move per session. Do 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps, and add a little weight whenever you hit 12 reps on every set.
Gym Workout Plan for Beginner Women with HERFORM

Day A

ExerciseSets x reps
Leg press3 x 10 to 12
Lat pulldown3 x 10 to 12
Dumbbell bench press3 x 10
Hip thrust (machine or bar)3 x 10
Cable crunch2 x 12

Day B

ExerciseSets x reps
Goblet squat3 x 10
Seated cable row3 x 10 to 12
Dumbbell shoulder press3 x 10
Romanian deadlift (dumbbells)3 x 10
Plank3 x 30 sec

Day C

ExerciseSets x reps
Walking lunge3 x 10 each leg
Assisted pull-up machine3 x 8
Cable chest fly3 x 12
Leg curl3 x 12
Pallof press2 x 10 each side

Gym confidence tips

Want this built for your body?

HERFORM turns this into a plan made for you: take a 1-minute quiz and get a 30-day workout and meal plan, 144 animated exercises, a walking challenge and a workout log on your phone.

See my 8-week gym plan

Free body-part workouts, no signup. Full plan $19.99 the first month, then $9.99 a month.

Questions women ask

How heavy should a beginner woman lift?

Choose a weight where the last 2 reps of each set feel hard but your form stays clean. That's usually lighter than you think in week 1 and heavier than you think by week 6.

Should beginners use machines or free weights?

Both. Machines are great for learning and feeling muscles work. Adding dumbbells builds balance and coordination.

Will lifting make me bulky?

No. Building noticeable size takes years of heavy training and eating a lot. Lifting makes most women look firmer and more toned.

Keep reading

Education only, not medical advice. Check with your doctor before starting new exercise or nutrition plans, especially if you're pregnant, postpartum or have a health condition.

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