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The Times of India
The Times of India
Lifestyle
TOI Lifestyle Desk | etimes.in

7 day exercise plan to lose 5kgs and build muscle strength in a month

Losing weight and building muscle strength at the same time might sound challenging, but with the right workout plan, it’s completely doable! If you stay consistent, follow a balanced diet, and focus on effective exercises, you can lose around 5 kgs and also feel stronger in just a month.

This 7-day workout plan is designed to burn fat, tone muscles, and improve overall fitness. It includes a mix of strength training, cardio, and active recovery, ensuring that your body gets the best results without overtraining.

Here’s the plan that you need to follow!

Day 1: Full-body strength training

Start your week with strength training to activate all major muscle groups. Strength training helps burn calories even after the workout and builds lean muscle.

Workout routine:

Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps

Push-ups – 3 sets of 10 reps

Dumbbell Rows – 3 sets of 12 reps (each arm)

Plank Hold – 3 sets of 30 seconds

Lunges – 3 sets of 12 reps (each leg)

Tip: Use moderate weights and maintain good form to avoid injury.

See more: Weight Loss Tips to Lose Inches of Stubborn Belly Fat in a Healthy Way

Day 2: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for fat loss

HIIT workouts are excellent for burning calories quickly while improving heart health. These short, intense bursts of activity push your metabolism into overdrive.

Workout routine: (Perform each for 30 seconds, repeat 3 rounds)

Jump squats

Burpees

Mountain climbers

Jumping lunges

High knees

Tip: Keep rest periods short (15-20 seconds) to maintain intensity.

<p>(Pic courtesy: iStock)</p>

Day 3: Lower body strength and core workout

Strengthening your legs and core helps in overall body stability and better fat loss.

Workout routine:

Deadlifts – 3 sets of 12 reps

Bulgarian split squats – 3 sets of 10 reps (each leg)

Glute bridges – 3 sets of 15 reps

Russian twists – 3 sets of 20 reps

Hanging leg raises – 3 sets of 12 reps

Tip: Engage your core in every movement for better balance and results.

Day 4: Active recovery and mobility work

Your muscles need time to recover. Instead of skipping exercise, opt for low-impact movement to avoid stiffness and promote blood circulation.

Workout routine:

Brisk walking – 30 minutes

Stretching – 10 minutes

Yoga (downward dog, child’s pose, cat-cow) – 15 minutes

Tip: Hydrate well and focus on deep breathing.

Day 5: Upper body strength and endurance

Building upper body strength enhances metabolism and improves posture.

Workout routine:

Bench press or dumbbell press – 3 sets of 12 reps

Pull-ups or lat pulldown – 3 sets of 10 reps

Shoulder press – 3 sets of 12 reps

Bicep curls – 3 sets of 12 reps

Tricep dips – 3 sets of 12 reps

Tip: Maintain controlled movements to maximize muscle activation.

Day 6: Cardio and core blaster

A mix of cardio and core workouts will help burn extra calories while improving muscle endurance.

Workout routine:

Running or cycling – 30 minutes

Jump rope – 3 sets of 1 minute

Side planks – 3 sets of 30 seconds per side

Bicycle crunches – 3 sets of 20 reps

Hanging knee tucks – 3 sets of 12 reps

Tip: Choose an activity you enjoy to make cardio more fun.

See more: How to gain weight: Tips on weight gaining through proper diet and nutrition

Day 7: Full-body workout and recovery

The final day combines strength and mobility to enhance fat loss and muscle tone.

Workout routine:

Kettlebell swings – 3 sets of 12 reps

Bodyweight Squats – 3 sets of 15 reps

Resistance band rows – 3 sets of 12 reps

Plank to push-up – 3 sets of 10 reps

Foam rolling and stretching – 10 minutes

Tip: End with light stretching to improve flexibility and reduce soreness.

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