Booyah! You’re ready to take control of your body, go beast mode, and finally make some muscle gains! Let’s get it!
There’s only one question to answer next… “which workout do you choose?”
With thousands of workout programs flooding the internet, finding a reliable routine that’s actually going to help you pack on some mass can feel like a research project.
Pick the wrong program, and you’ll be wasting hours in the gym every week, with nothing to show for it after months of hard work.
But pick the right program, and you’ll be looking in the mirror in a few months thinking, “Damn, how’d I get so hot?”
Well, you can put your search on hold because we’ve created a list for you of the best workout programs to build muscle so you can start making gains ASAP.
Best Paid Workout Programs
While many guys might scoff at the idea of putting money down on a workout program, they’re usually not aware of what they’re getting.
Unlike free options, these programs often include multiple workout routines, nutrition guides, full meal plans, exercise videos, and even 1-on-1 support via email, Skype, or a Facebook group.
With these packages, you should have no problem reaching your personal muscle-building goals.
Superhero X12
Superhero X12 is a complete workout program designed to help you build an impressive-looking body without disrupting your life. It includes training guides for noobs and intermediates, nutrition guides, exercise video tutorials, and access to a private Facebook group for individual support. SX12 gives you the tools and strategies to build a lean and muscular body that fits with your schedule.
Body Transformation Blueprint
Sean Nal’s Body Transformation Blueprint is one of the best bodybuilding guides that we’ve reviewed thus far. Wedged into its 1,000+ pages is a well-laid-out workout guide (beginner through advanced), a cookbook, meal plans, and detailed supplement know-how. This in-depth system gives you everything you need to make a true body transformation.
Shortcut to Size
Created by Jim Stoppani an hosted by Bodybuilding.com, Shortcut to Size is a good workout program for beginners tto stimulate muscle hypertrophy and gain size. Included is a meal plan, workout videos, and a calendar walking you through each training phase. This program is a solid way to start your BodyFit venture.
Body Beast
Body Beast, taught by Sagi Kalev is a muscle-building and cardio program designed to lean you down and improve definition. There are 19 workouts that take less than an hour each to complete, plus nutrition guides, worksheets, not to mention the full suite of other programs included on the Beachbody On Demand subscription.
Best Free Workout Programs
Some of the best muscle-building workout programs gained popularity over the years simply by word-of-mouth. Why? Because they actually work!
Here’s a short list of “tried and true” routines that are bound to help you put on some mass and make gains.
The Aesthetic Workout Routine
The Aesthetic Workout Routine is a Noob Gains exclusive bodybuilding program designed to help you create one thing… an aesthetic physique. With both a 4-day and 3-day option, you should be able to stimulate muscle hypertrophy in your entire body according to your own schedule. Check out this routine to start building, bigger, more defined muscles.
Power Hypertrophy Adaptive Training (PHAT)
Layne Norton’s Power Hypertrophy Adaptive Training (PHAT) is a great workout for beginners to build both muscular size and strength. However, be prepared to put in the work! Sessions can be very draining and lasting up to 90 minutes each, but the gains will come.
Starting Strength
Created by world-renowned strength and conditioning coach, Mark Rippetoe, Starting Strength is one of the most popular strength training routines for beginners. With only 3 days per week, you can create a strong foundation with just the fundamental barbell movements (i.e. bench press, squat, and deadlift) This program is a great jumping off point for any noob looking for some direction.
Fierce Five
The Fierce Five program is a routine built for beginners. Well, beginners with fewer than 6 months of experience or anyone that struggles to stick to a routine. The goal of this program is to tack on an extra 5 pounds per week to your upper body lifts and 10 pounds a week to your lower body lifts. In the process, you’ll see some pretty gnarly gains in terms of 1RMs and muscle mass.
12 Week Fat Loss Destroyer
The 12 Week Fat Loss Destroyer is designed to help you gain muscle mass, pack on the pounds, lose fat, and condition your body. The workouts are short (thankfully), you’re only in the gym four days a week, and there are unique weekly guidelines for men and women. The cardio can be excessive however, so ditch it if you feel like it.