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The #1 Strength Workout To Melt Away Holiday Pounds

Burn off pesky holiday pounds with a trainer's recommended strength workout.
FACT CHECKED BY Alexa Mellardo

As the holiday season fades away, many of my clients find themselves grappling with those stubborn extra pounds that managed to sneak in during the festivities. That's why I've created the #1 strength workout to melt holiday pounds and sculpt muscle. This workout combines targeted strength exercises that elevate your metabolism, promote fat burning, and contribute to sustainable weight loss. Get ready to sculpt and shed with this powerful routine.

Incorporate this workout into your fitness regimen to bid farewell to pesky holiday pounds. The combination of compound movements, explosive exercises, and targeted muscle engagement creates a holistic approach to fat-burning and weight loss. Remember, consistency is key, so stay committed to your fitness journey, and watch as your body transforms into a lean, sculpted powerhouse.

Read on to learn all about the #1 strength workout to melt holiday pounds. And when you're finished, be sure to check out 10 Best Exercises To Melt Lower Belly Fat.

Deadlifts for Total-Body Engagement

barbell deadlift
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Deadlifts are a powerhouse exercise that engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them incredibly effective for burning calories and promoting fat loss. This compound movement targets the back, glutes, hamstrings, and core, boosting your metabolism and fostering overall strength.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward. Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight and your chest up. Lower the barbell toward the ground, ensuring it stays close to your body. Engage your core, and drive through your heels to return to the starting position. Complete four sets of eight to 10 reps.

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Kettlebell Swings for Explosive Fat Burn

kettlebell swings
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Kettlebell swings are a dynamic, explosive movement that not only targets the posterior chain but also gets your heart rate soaring. This combination makes them ideal for burning calories and promoting fat loss, turning your body into a calorie-burning furnace.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands. Hinge at the hips, swinging the kettlebell between your legs. Explosively swing the kettlebell to chest height, engaging your glutes and core. Allow the kettlebell to swing back between your legs, and repeat. Complete three sets of 15 to 20 reps.

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Bodyweight Squats for Lower-Body Toning

man doing squats
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Bodyweight squats are a fundamental exercise that targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. By engaging large muscle groups, this exercise boosts your metabolism and facilitates fat loss. The more muscle you activate, the more calories you burn.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body by bending at the hips and knees, keeping your chest up. Ensure your knees don't extend past your toes. Push through your heels to return to the starting position. Complete three sets of 12 to 15 reps.

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Plank with Shoulder Taps for Core Activation

plank shoulder taps
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The plank with shoulder taps is a dynamic core exercise that not only strengthens your midsection but also engages the stabilizing muscles throughout your body. This results in increased calorie burn and enhanced fat loss.

Begin in a plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders. Keeping your body in a straight line, tap your right hand to your left shoulder. Return to the plank position, and tap your left hand to your right shoulder. Keep your hips stable throughout the movement. Complete three sets of 10 taps per side.

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Bent-Over Rows for Upper-Body Sculpting

Woman doing Dumbbell bent over row
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Bent-over rows target the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, and arms. By incorporating this exercise, you not only sculpt and strengthen your upper body but also increase your overall calorie expenditure, contributing to fat loss.

Hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your body. Hinge at the hips, keeping your back straight and your chest up. Pull the dumbbells towards your waist, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Lower the weights back down with control. Complete three sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Tyler Read, BSc, CPT
Tyler Read is a personal trainer and has been involved in health and fitness for the past 15 years. Read more about Tyler