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FitFrek/Programs/4-Week Full-Body Program: Beginner Routine & Spreadsheet

4-Week Full-Body Program: Beginner Routine & Spreadsheet

Programs
Updated Sep 26, 2026
Beginner Full Body3 Days / WeekXLSX Program
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Quick Take

Best fit Beginners who want a complete four-week introduction to resistance training.
Schedule Three nonconsecutive days; alternate Workout A and Workout B.
Progression Build reps, then use the smallest practical load increase while keeping reps in reserve.
Download Complete four-week plan, progression helper and set log.

What This Program Is

This is a FitFrek four-week beginner block built around two full-body workouts. It teaches a repeatable schedule without turning the final week into a max test.

Train on three nonconsecutive days. Run A/B/A in Week 1, B/A/B in Week 2, then repeat that pattern for Weeks 3 and 4.

XLSX
Independent FitFrek tool

4-Week Full-Body Program Workbook

Complete A/B plan, weekly progression, rep-range helper and set log. Direct XLSX download.

Download XLSX

Routine · Planner · Training log

Program Overview

GoalLearn the main movement patterns and build a training base
Frequency3 nonconsecutive days
SplitAlternating full-body A/B
Duration4 weeks
EffortMostly 2–3 reps in reserve
EquipmentGym or suitable dumbbell/machine substitutions

Four-Week Progression

Week 1
Use two work sets per exercise and finish with about three reps in reserve.
Week 2
Use the full prescribed sets at roughly two to three reps in reserve.
Week 3
Add reps or a small amount of load while keeping about two reps in reserve.
Week 4
Consolidate progress; only the final set may reach one to two reps in reserve. No forced failure.

Workout A

Squat variation3 × 6–8
Horizontal press3 × 6–10
Row3 × 8–12
Romanian deadlift2 × 8–10
Optional core2 × 8–15

Week 1 uses two work sets for the first three exercises. Rest two to three minutes on the main lifts and 60–150 seconds on smaller work.

Workout B

Deadlift variation2 × 5–6
Vertical press3 × 6–10
Vertical pull3 × 6–10
Split squat2 × 8–10 per leg
Optional core2 × 8–15

Choose stable variations you can perform pain-free. Assistance or machine versions are acceptable when they fit your equipment and skill.

How to Add Reps and Load

Start near the bottom of each rep range. When every work set reaches the top of the range with at least about two clean reps left, add the smallest available load next time.

Typical increases are 2.5–5 lb for upper-body lifts and 5–10 lb for lower-body lifts, but available plates and exercise difficulty matter more than forcing a fixed jump.

Choose Manageable Starting Loads

Use a load that lets you control every rep and stop with the listed reps in reserve. You do not need a one-rep max. If technique changes sharply before the target reps, the load is too heavy.

Warm up with easier versions or lighter sets, but do not turn the warm-up into another workout.

Recovery and Schedule

Keep at least one day between lifting sessions. Three full-body sessions can produce similar results to more frequent routines when weekly work is comparable, so extra days are not required.

Sleep, food and daily activity affect recovery, but this guide does not need a separate generic diet plan. Adjust training when soreness or performance keeps worsening.

After Week 4

Repeat the blockIf technique and progression are still improving
Starting Strength / StrongLiftsIf you want a more specific barbell linear progression
Greyskull LPIf you want AMRAP-based novice progression
Program FinderIf schedule or equipment is the main constraint

Final Verdict

Use the four weeks to learn consistent exercises, record every session and finish sets before technique fails. Continue only if the plan still fits; otherwise move to the next program that matches your goal and equipment.

FAQ

Do I train to failure in Week 4? ▼
No. Keep one to two clean reps in reserve on the final set; the block does not require forced failure or a max test.
Can I use dumbbells or machines? ▼
Yes. Choose equivalent squat, hinge, press and pull patterns you can perform consistently.
What should I do after four weeks? ▼
Repeat the block if it is still productive, or move to a more specific beginner program such as Starting Strength, StrongLifts or Greyskull.

Sources

Program instructions and independent tools
RIR load-prescription study
RIR reliability in a novice-trained population.
Read source
Training-frequency meta-analysis
Volume-equated frequency and hypertrophy findings.
Read source
Rest-interval strength review
Evidence on rest duration and strength adaptations.
Read source
FitFrek workbook
Complete independent four-week plan and tracker.
Read source
Nader
Nader
FitFrek founder · Former gym trainer · Lifting since 2004/2005
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