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Best Gym Routines for Men: Build Muscle and Burn Fat

Here's how to structure your workouts, balance strength training with cardio, and track your progress.

Best Gym Routines for Men: Build Muscle and Burn Fat

I’ve been in the gym for decades, and one thing I’ve learned is that results don’t come from simply showing up.

When starting out, many people jump from machine to machine without a plan, and the results are disappointing. But once they commit to a structured routine, everything changes—your strength improves, you drop body fat, you feel more energized.

The secret to success isn’t just about working hard; it’s about working smart.

In this article, we’ll explore the best gym routines for men, whether you’re a beginner looking to build a foundation, or an advanced lifter trying to break through a plateau.

Why a Structured Gym Routine is Crucial

Having a structured gym routine is the key to achieving results.

Without a plan, you're just spinning your wheels—putting in effort without seeing progress. When you follow a routine tailored to your goals, you’re consistently challenging your body in the right ways, which leads to real, visible changes.

Think of it like building a house: you wouldn’t start hammering nails without a blueprint. A well-designed routine helps you build muscle, burn fat, and avoid plateaus.

For more guidance, check out recommendations for the best workout plans .

The Best Gym Routines for Beginners, Intermediates, and Advanced Lifters

When it comes to gym routines, it's important to match your workouts to your experience level.

The right plan will push you without overwhelming you, helping you progress faster.

Beginner Gym Routine: Full-Body Workouts to Build a Foundation

For beginners, focus on full-body workouts 3 times per week.

Stick to basic movements like squats, push-ups, and deadlifts. These exercises target major muscle groups and help build strength and endurance.

Aim for 3 sets of 10-12 reps per exercise.

For more beginner-friendly workouts, check out these beginner routines [ 1 ].

Intermediate Gym Routine: Split Training for Muscle Growth

If you’ve been lifting for a while and want to see faster gains, it’s time to split your routine.

An upper/lower or push/pull/legs split will allow you to focus more intensely on each muscle group.

Train 4-5 days a week, and aim for compound lifts like squats, bench press, and rows.

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