Are you looking for a time-efficient, effective workout that combines heart-pumping cardio with total-body strength training? This 45-minute full body cardio strength workout plan is designed to help you torch calories, build lean muscle, and improve endurance—all in a single session. Whether your goal is fat loss, muscle tone, or improved fitness, this workout hits every major muscle group while keeping your heart rate elevated.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the structure of the workout, the benefits, how to properly execute it, and tips for making the most of your 45-minute training session. You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership—just a set of dumbbells, your body weight, and a willingness to push yourself.
This type of hybrid workout leverages both resistance training and cardio to keep your heart rate elevated throughout the session. The result? You burn more calories in less time and trigger the afterburn effect (EPOC), which helps you continue to burn calories long after your workout ends.
By combining compound strength movements with high-intensity intervals, you’ll not only build functional strength but also increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity. That’s perfect for those who want to improve performance while sculpting a toned physique.
In just 45 minutes, this workout targets all major muscle groups and boosts cardiovascular endurance. It’s ideal for busy professionals, parents, or anyone who wants a complete workout in under an hour.
Before jumping into the workout, make sure you have the following:
Choose dumbbell weights that challenge you without compromising form—generally between 8 to 20 pounds depending on your fitness level.
This 45-minute full body cardio strength workout is divided into three core segments:
You’ll alternate between strength-focused exercises and cardio bursts in each round, keeping rest short to maintain intensity and metabolic demand.
Prepares your body for exercise by increasing core temperature, activating muscles, and reducing injury risk.
Warm-Up Routine: (30 seconds each x 2 rounds)
Finish the warm-up with 30 seconds of deep squats and arm swings to loosen up hips and shoulders.
Each circuit lasts 10 minutes (5 strength + 5 cardio exercises), performed in a 40:20 work-to-rest ratio. After each circuit, take a 1-minute break before moving to the next.
Tip: Focus on form during strength moves and push for intensity during cardio.
Tip: Drop to knees if push-ups become too challenging to maintain speed.
Tip: Keep transitions quick to maintain your heart rate and maximize calorie burn.
Cooling down properly helps with muscle recovery, reduces soreness, and lowers your heart rate gradually.
Use deep breathing throughout the cool-down to reset your nervous system.
High-intensity intervals mixed with resistance training lead to fat oxidation while promoting muscle hypertrophy. This dual approach is key to lean body composition.
Engaging multiple large muscle groups, this workout triggers EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption), increasing calorie burn up to 24–48 hours after your session.
Switching between anaerobic (strength) and aerobic (cardio) challenges the heart, lungs, and muscles. The result is enhanced stamina and muscular efficiency.
From core to calves and biceps to back, every part of your body is involved. This maximizes workout efficiency and functional strength development.
Short rest periods and sustained intensity train your mental grit, helping you push through physical and psychological barriers.
With this 45-minute full body cardio strength workout, you’re not just exercising—you’re training smarter, harder, and more efficiently. This plan is adaptable, effective, and ideal for anyone aiming to improve overall fitness, burn fat, and build lean muscle from head to toe.
Don’t wait for motivation—create it. Lace up your shoes, grab those dumbbells, and sweat your way to a stronger, leaner, more powerful you in under an hour.
Want more workout and video guide?
Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Subscribe to our Newsletter and Stay tuned for FREE downloads of our App coming soon!
Stay up to date on the latest women’s health, fitness and lifestyle trends and tips.