Home Workout Planner Bundle

A simple 12-week structure for training at home with bodyweight or dumbbells.
Wingman Protocol
Training Planner
Print + Progress
Program rule: Train 2–4 reps shy of technical failure on most sets, move with control, and earn progression with clean form. Add reps first, then load, then extra sets only if recovery stays strong.
12-Week Program Overview
TrackWeekly StructureEquipment NeededHow to Progress
Beginner3 days/week, 30 minutes, full-body bodyweight sessionsChair/bench, mat, wall or counter, backpack optionalWeeks 1–3 learn form and complete minimum reps. Weeks 4–6 add reps or one round. Weeks 7–12 repeat with harder angles, slower eccentrics, or weighted backpack.
Intermediate4 days/week, 40 minutes, upper/lower dumbbell splitPair of dumbbells, bench/chair, mat, resistance band optionalWork near top of rep range, then increase load 2.5–10 lb when all sets feel solid. Deload every 4th week if sore or stalled.
Advanced4–5 days/week, 45–60 minutes, strength + conditioning emphasisAdjustable dumbbells, bench, pull-up option, timerUse the intermediate split plus a fifth conditioning day, add tempo work, and track RPE and recovery weekly.

Weekly Structure

  • Beginner: Mon full body A, Wed full body B, Fri full body C.
  • Intermediate: Mon upper, Tue lower, Thu upper, Sat lower.
  • Advanced add-on: 1 short conditioning / mobility day.
  • Use 5–8 minutes of mobility and ramp-up sets before every session.

Equipment Guide

  • Bodyweight only works if you slow tempo and improve range.
  • One pair of moderate dumbbells handles most intermediate work.
  • A backpack loaded with books can replace heavier weights.
  • Keep water, timer, notebook, and towel ready before you start.
Weekly Workout Log Header
WeekBody WeightWaistChestEnergy 1–10Notes

Beginner Track — Weeks 1–6

Three full-body bodyweight sessions per week. Rest 45–75 seconds between sets unless noted.
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Beginner Track
DayWarm-UpMain WorkSets / RepsRest
Day AMarch in place 1 min, hip circles x10/side, wall slides x10Chair squat, incline push-up, glute bridge, dead bug, calf raiseWeeks 1–3: 2 x 8–10 each
Weeks 4–6: 3 x 10–12 each
45–60 sec
Day BArm circles x20, ankle rocks x10/side, cat-cow x8Reverse lunge or split squat, countertop row or towel row, bird dog, side plank, bodyweight good morningWeeks 1–3: 2 x 8/side
Weeks 4–6: 3 x 10/side
45–75 sec
Day CWalk 2 min, thoracic rotations x8/side, squat hold 20 secStep-up or squat, wall push-up, hip hinge, mountain climber slow, front plankWeeks 1–3: 2 rounds
Weeks 4–6: 3 rounds
Plank 20–40 sec
45–60 sec
Day-by-Day Exercise Notes
ExerciseCoaching note
Chair squatSit back to the chair lightly, stand by driving through the floor, keep chest tall.
Incline push-upUse a wall, counter, or bench. The higher the hands, the easier the movement.
Countertop rowGrip a sturdy surface or towel setup and pull elbows back while keeping shoulders down.
Reverse lungeHold a chair for balance if needed; stay tall through the torso.
Front plankStop as soon as hips sag or low back takes over.
Progression Rules for Weeks 1–6
WeekFocus
1Learn positions, leave several reps in reserve, finish feeling successful.
2Add 1–2 reps per set where form stays clean.
3Reduce support slightly or slow the lowering phase to 3 seconds.
4Add a third set for main lifts.
5Work near the top of the rep range and tighten rest periods slightly.
6Repeat the best week with cleaner form, deeper range, or light backpack resistance.

Intermediate Track — Weeks 1–6

Four 40-minute dumbbell sessions per week. Rest 60–90 seconds between sets.
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Intermediate Track
DayMain LiftsAccessory WorkSets / RepsRest
Upper 1DB floor press, 1-arm row, shoulder pressLateral raise, biceps curl, front plankWeeks 1–3: 3 x 8–10
Weeks 4–6: 4 x 8–12
Plank 30–45 sec
60–90 sec
Lower 1Goblet squat, DB Romanian deadlift, reverse lungeGlute bridge, calf raise, dead bugWeeks 1–3: 3 x 8–10
Weeks 4–6: 4 x 10–12
60–90 sec
Upper 2Incline push-up or floor press, supported row, Arnold pressRear delt raise, hammer curl, side plankWeeks 1–3: 3 x 10
Weeks 4–6: 4 x 8–12
Side plank 20–40 sec/side
60–90 sec
Lower 2Split squat, DB deadlift, step-upHip thrust, farmer carry, mountain climberWeeks 1–3: 3 x 8/side
Weeks 4–6: 4 x 8–10/side
Carry 30–45 sec
60–90 sec
Progression Guidelines
MethodHow to apply it
Double progressionStay with the same weight until all sets hit the top of the rep range, then increase load.
Tempo controlIf weights are light, use a 3-second lowering phase and a 1-second pause at the hardest point.
Rep reserveFinish most sets with 1–3 good reps still in the tank. Do not grind sloppy reps.
Deload optionIf joints ache or motivation drops, cut sets in half for one week and rebuild.

Progress Tracker

Use measurements, strength markers, and photos to see progress beyond the scale.
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Measure What Matters
Monthly Measurements
MonthWeightChestWaistHipsArmsThighs
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Personal Record Tracker
ExerciseBest Load / RepsDateNotes
Push-Ups
Goblet Squat
Romanian Deadlift
Plank Hold
1-Arm Row
Walking Lunge
Before / After Photo Log Prompts
PhotoDate TakenNotes on posture, confidence, or visible changes
Front photo
Side photo
Back photo
Consistency rule: Take photos in the same lighting, same posture, and similar clothing. Measurements mean more when taken under the same conditions each month.

Exercise Form Reference Guide

20 common movements with simple, high-value cues for safer, stronger reps.
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Form First
ExerciseKey form cues
Push-UpHands under shoulders, ribs down, body in one straight line, lower chest between hands, press the floor away.
Bodyweight SquatBrace core, sit hips back and down, keep full foot planted, drive through mid-foot to stand.
Reverse LungeStep back long enough for front shin to stay stable, drop straight down, push through front heel.
Glute BridgeRibs down, tuck pelvis slightly, squeeze glutes at top without over-arching lower back.
PlankElbows under shoulders, squeeze glutes and quads, keep hips level, breathe behind the brace.
Dead BugPress low back lightly into floor, move opposite arm and leg slowly without losing position.
Hip HingeSoften knees, push hips back, keep spine long, feel hamstrings load before returning tall.
Dumbbell Romanian DeadliftHold weights close, hinge with flat back, stop when hamstrings stretch, stand by driving hips forward.
Goblet SquatHold dumbbell close to chest, elbows down, torso tall, knees track over toes.
1-Arm Dumbbell RowSupport torso, pull elbow toward hip, pause at top, avoid twisting your chest open.
Shoulder PressStack ribs over hips, squeeze glutes, press overhead without flaring ribs, finish biceps by ears.
Floor PressElbows about 45 degrees, wrists stacked, pause upper arms lightly on floor, press straight up.
Split SquatStay tall, front foot planted, lower under control, keep most weight on front leg.
Step-UpUse a stable surface, drive through working foot, stand fully, lower with control.
Mountain ClimberHands under shoulders, brace hard, drive knees forward without bouncing hips high.
Bear Crawl HoldKnees hover 1–2 inches off floor, back flat, breathe slowly while staying still.
Bird DogReach long instead of high, keep hips square, pause fully extended, move slowly.
Calf RaisePress through big toe and second toe, rise fully, pause, lower all the way down.
Lateral RaiseSoft elbows, lift to shoulder height, control the lowering, avoid shrugging.
Farmer CarryStand tall, shoulders down, walk slowly with controlled steps, don’t lean side to side.