Looking for an efficient way to combine fat-burning cardio with muscle-building strength training? A 35-minute full body strength and cardio workout might be the answer. This dynamic approach is designed to help you maximize calorie burn, boost endurance, and build lean muscle in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re at home or at the gym, these workouts provide the perfect blend of resistance and aerobic exercises to elevate your fitness, increase metabolism, and enhance functional strength. Let’s dive into how this type of training works, why it’s effective, and a few example routines you can start today.
One of the main reasons people love 35-minute strength and cardio workouts is that they’re time-efficient. You don’t need an hour to get results. With compound exercises, circuits, and HIIT intervals, you can torch calories and train your entire body in just over half an hour.
Combining cardio exercises like jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and burpees with strength moves like squats, lunges, and push-ups challenges your heart and muscles simultaneously. This fusion boosts cardiovascular endurance while helping you sculpt lean, strong muscles.
Strength and cardio workouts elevate your post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). That means your body continues to burn calories long after the workout ends, thanks to the metabolic demands of combining anaerobic and aerobic effort.
A well-structured workout typically includes:
Let’s break down how to build a full-body circuit that incorporates both strength and cardio exercises.
While many workouts can be done using just bodyweight, adding equipment boosts intensity and variation. Consider the following:
Start with 5 minutes of dynamic movement to increase your heart rate and loosen up.
Example Warm-Up Routine:
Warming up helps prevent injury, improves performance, and mentally prepares you for the workout ahead.
The main workout combines 3 circuits, each containing 4 exercises: 2 strength-focused and 2 cardio-focused. Complete each circuit twice before moving on to the next.
1. Dumbbell Squats (Strength)
Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Lower into a squat, pause, and push through your heels to stand.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
2. Jumping Jacks (Cardio)
Classic move to elevate the heart rate.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
3. Push-Ups (Strength)
Standard or modified push-ups to target chest, triceps, and core.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
4. Mountain Climbers (Cardio)
Drive knees toward the chest in a plank position.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
Repeat Circuit 1 Once Before Moving On
1. Dumbbell Deadlifts (Strength)
Hinge at the hips, keep the back flat, and lower the weights. Stand tall to complete the rep.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
2. High Knees (Cardio)
Run in place, lifting knees to waist height.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
3. Dumbbell Overhead Press (Strength)
Push dumbbells overhead, engaging shoulders and triceps.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
4. Burpees (Cardio)
Explosive move with a jump and push-up.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
Repeat Circuit 2 Once Before Moving On
1. Reverse Lunges with Dumbbells (Strength)
Step one foot back into a lunge and return to standing.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
2. Jump Squats (Cardio)
Squat down and explode up into a jump.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
3. Renegade Rows (Strength)
In a plank, row dumbbells to your waist alternately.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
4. Jump Rope or Shadow Boxing (Cardio)
Choose a fast-paced cardio finisher.
Duration: 45 seconds | Rest: 15 seconds
Repeat Circuit 3 Once Before Moving On
End your session with light movement and stretching to promote recovery and reduce soreness.
Cooldown Example:
Always prioritize technique over speed. Proper form prevents injury and ensures you’re engaging the correct muscles.
To continue making progress, gradually increase the weight, duration, or reps over time. This helps your body adapt and grow stronger.
Keep water nearby and take quick sips between circuits. Hydration supports performance and recovery.
Use a fitness tracker or journal to monitor reps, weights, and time. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
Day | Workout Type |
---|---|
Monday | Full Body Strength and Cardio Circuit |
Tuesday | Active Recovery (walk, yoga, light stretch) |
Wednesday | Full Body Strength and Cardio Circuit |
Thursday | Core Focus + Cardio Intervals |
Friday | Full Body Strength and Cardio Circuit |
Saturday | Optional: Light Cardio or HIIT |
Sunday | Rest |
Cardio torches calories during the session, while strength training builds lean muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate.
Aerobic activity strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation.
Movements like squats, lunges, and push-ups mimic daily actions, improving overall mobility, balance, and core stability.
With minimal equipment and just 35 minutes, you can workout at home, in the gym, or outdoors—no excuses.
These workouts are suitable for:
Depending on your weight, intensity, and exercises chosen, you can burn 300–600+ calories in a 35-minute full body workout.
It’s best to give your muscles recovery time. Aim for 3–4 sessions per week, with rest or active recovery days in between.
No. You can perform a bodyweight-only version, but adding dumbbells or resistance bands will increase strength gains.
Absolutely. This style of workout creates a calorie deficit, boosts metabolism, and preserves muscle—key elements of effective fat loss.
You don’t need a gym membership, hours of free time, or complicated routines to get in shape. A 35-minute full body strength and cardio workout provides everything you need: muscle stimulation, heart-pumping cardio, and the convenience of fitting into a busy lifestyle.
By staying consistent, progressing gradually, and fueling your body with good nutrition, you’ll see transformational results in just a few weeks.
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