The 3 day split workout is a perfect balance of a great workout to build a lean physique, but doesn’t require hours and hours in the gym at one time. It is “broken up” or spaced out in order to accommodate people with other priorities.
At A Lean Life, we focus on workouts and fitness for busy people who want to look great and live healthy lives, but need to do it on a tight schedule where you don’t have to live in the gym.
What is a Split Workout Routine?
A split workout routine is simply a workout that exercises only certain muscle groups during a single workout, and not a full body workout. It is ideal for busy people who want to have a consistent workout plan, but don’t have time to spend 3 hours at the gym in single blocks. With a split workout routine, you can have a very focused, intense workout where you hit a few muscle groups, and you’re in and out. (1)
Why a 3 Day Split Workout?
A 3-day split workout routine is a perfect fitness plan for a busy person. More than 80% of people who are busy with a career and a family are using a split workout routine in order to stay active with workouts.
The 3 day split workout focuses on upper body weight lifting, along with cardio to keep the lower body active as well.
Each workout takes 30 minutes, so you do it on a tight schedule.
Each workout day is an A-day, or a B-day — and each week alternates.
A-day Workouts | B-day Workouts
A-day workouts:
Chest
Shoulders
Triceps
Cardio
B-day workouts:
Back
Biceps
Abs
Cardio
Weekly 3-Day Split Rotation
Week 1:
Monday: A-day
Wednesday: B-day (heavy)
Friday: A-day
Week 2:
Monday: B-day
Wednesday: A-day (heavy)
Friday: B-day
Week 3:
Monday: A-day
Wednesday: B-day (heavy)
Friday: A-day
Week 4:
Monday: B-day
Wednesday: A-day (heavy)
Friday: B-day
[Continue Alternating Each Week]
Learn more about other quick home workouts you can try, click here.

David Williams
A diet and fitness enthusiast, David Williams is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
References
- Yetman, D. (2020). Muscle Groups to Work Out Together: How to Create a Plan. Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/muscle-groups-to-workout-together.