Best 5 Day Workout Split for Women: Strength Fat Loss & Toning
Finding the right workout split can be overwhelming, especially with so many programs out there promising results. A 5-day workout split is one of the most effective and flexible training structures for women who want to balance strength, hypertrophy (muscle building), and fat loss while still allowing adequate recovery. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the best 5-day workout split for women—including training benefits, workout structure, detailed day-by-day splits, sample exercises, and tips for maximizing your results.
Why Choose a 5 Day Workout Split For Women
1. Balance Between Intensity and Recovery
A 5-day split allows you to hit each muscle group with enough volume without overwhelming your schedule. Unlike 6 or 7-day splits, you still have 2 full rest days to recover.
2. Focused Muscle Targeting
With a dedicated split, you can train specific muscle groups more thoroughly. This is especially beneficial for women aiming to build a stronger lower body, sculpt their glutes, or tone arms and shoulders.
3. Adaptable for All Levels
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced lifter, a 5-day split can be adjusted for your fitness level. You can start with bodyweight or dumbbells and progress into heavier free weights or machines.
The Best 5-Day Workout Split for Women
A well-rounded women’s workout split should prioritize lower body strength, core stability, and upper body sculpting, while still including cardio and conditioning.
Here’s a balanced split that works for most women:
- Day 1 – Lower Body (Glutes & Quads Focus)
- Day 2 – Upper Body (Back & Biceps)
- Day 3 – Glutes & Hamstrings
- Day 4 – Upper Body (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps)
- Day 5 – Full Body Conditioning & Core
- Days 6 & 7 – Rest or Active Recovery
Day 1: Lower Body (Glutes & Quads Focus)
Leg day is often a favorite for women, especially for building strong, toned glutes and thighs.
Sample Exercises:
- Barbell Back Squat – 4 sets of 8–10 reps
- Bulgarian Split Squat – 3 sets of 10–12 reps per leg
- Walking Lunges – 3 sets of 20 steps
- Leg Press Machine – 3 sets of 12 reps
- Leg Extensions (machine) – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
- Hip Thrusts – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
Tips:
- Focus on progressive overload by increasing weight or reps weekly.
- Engage your core throughout squats and lunges for stability.
Day 2: Upper Body (Back & Biceps)
This day targets pulling muscles for posture, strength, and definition.
Sample Exercises:
- Pull-Ups (assisted if needed) – 3 sets of 6–10 reps
- Dumbbell Rows – 4 sets of 8–10 reps per side
- Lat Pulldowns – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
- Barbell Bicep Curl – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
- Hammer Curls – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
- Face Pulls – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
Tips:
- Keep movements controlled to avoid momentum.
- Focus on squeezing shoulder blades for proper back activation.
Day 3: Glutes & Hamstrings 5 Day Workout Split For Women
This second leg day emphasizes the posterior chain for balance and strong glutes.
Sample Exercises:
- Romanian Deadlift – 4 sets of 8–10 reps
- Hip Thrusts with Barbell – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
- Step-Ups on Bench – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
- Glute Kickbacks (cable or bands) – 3 sets of 15 reps
- Hamstring Curls (machine) – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
- Sumo Deadlifts – 3 sets of 8–10 reps
Tips:
- Drive through your heels for better glute activation.
- Use bands for added resistance on glute kickbacks.
Day 4: Upper Body (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps)
This push-focused day sculpts lean arms, shoulders, and upper chest.
Sample Exercises:
- Incline Dumbbell Press – 4 sets of 8–10 reps
- Overhead Shoulder Press (barbell or dumbbells) – 4 sets of 8–10 reps
- Dumbbell Lateral Raises – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
- Close-Grip Push-Ups – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
- Tricep Dips (bench or parallel bars) – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
- Cable Flyes (chest isolation) – 3 sets of 12 reps
Tips:
- Use lighter weights on lateral raises to maintain form.
- Incorporate slow negatives for extra muscle engagement.
Day 5: Full Body Conditioning & Core Workout Split For Women
This is a high-energy day that mixes strength, cardio, and ab training.
Circuit Example:
- Kettlebell Swings – 40 seconds
- Burpees – 30 seconds
- Mountain Climbers – 40 seconds
- Russian Twists – 30 seconds
- Dumbbell Thrusters – 40 seconds
- Rest 60 seconds and repeat for 3–4 rounds.
Core Focus Add-On:
- Plank with Shoulder Taps – 3 sets of 30–45 seconds
- Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
- Bicycle Crunches – 3 sets of 20 reps
Benefits of This 5 Day Workout Split For Women
1. Builds Lower Body Strength
The two lower-body days maximize glute and leg development—important for strength and physique goals.
2. Tones Arms & Upper Body
Alternating pull and push days ensures balanced arm, shoulder, and back definition.
The conditioning day increases calorie burn and improves cardiovascular health.
4. Prevents Overtraining
With 2 rest days built-in, you avoid burnout while still training intensely.
Nutrition Tips 5 Day Workout Split For Women Success
1. Eat Enough Protein
Aim for 1.2–2g per kilogram of body weight to support muscle recovery.
2. Fuel with Balanced Carbs & Healthy Fats
Carbs provide workout energy, while healthy fats help with hormone balance.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily, more if training intensely.
4. Pre- and Post-Workout Meals
- Pre-workout: Oats with protein powder or banana with nut butter.
- Post-workout: Grilled chicken, sweet potato, and vegetables.
Recovery & Lifestyle Tips for 5 Day Workout Split For Women
- Sleep 7–9 hours per night for optimal recovery.
- Use foam rolling and stretching to ease soreness.
- Include active recovery like yoga, walking, or swimming.
Who Is This Split Best For?
This 5-day workout split for women is perfect if you:
- Want to build strength and muscle definition.
- Have time for consistent training (5x per week).
- Prefer a balance of weights, cardio, and core work.
- Want a routine that’s adaptable at home or in the gym.
The best 5-day workout split for women balances lower-body strength, upper-body sculpting, and conditioning. By targeting different muscle groups with focused intensity and incorporating rest days, you’ll see improvements in strength, physique, endurance, and confidence.
Consistency is key—stick with this program for at least 8–12 weeks, track your progress, and adjust weights or reps as you get stronger.
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