Ok, I know I promised this workout last week but…I forgot. Anyway, here it is – I hope it was worth the wait!

This one is a follow-up to my Keep It Simple Workout A, and like that one, I created it based on the workout template in the Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises. I love a simple lifting routine with just a few basic and familiar moves that target multiple muscle groups, and this one fits the bill. Unless you’re new to lifting, you’re probably familiar with all the exercises, but as always I provided links to exercise demonstrations; many of the demonstrations feature men, but they’re just as appropriate for women. Take pride in the fact that you’re rocking moves that a lot of people (wrongly) consider ‘dude exercises’!

Try this workout once or twice per week, alternating it with Keep It Simple Workout A. Remember to allow for at least one day of rest in between workouts; since both KIS routines are full-body workouts, they shouldn’t be done on consecutive days.

Keep It Simple Workout B

Perform 3 sets of 10 reps of each exercise, resting for 30 to 60 seconds between sets. Complete all three sets of exercise 1; then alternate between 2a and 2b until all sets are complete; finally, alternate between 3a and 3b until all sets are complete.

All moves, other than side planks, can be done with dumbbells or a barbell; choose a weight that fatigues your muscles by the final rep of each set.

Warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of light cardio

1. Side Plank

2a. Lunge

2b. Pullover

3a. Deadlift

3b. Shoulder Press