If you're just starting out, almost any type of strength training workout will help you build strength and muscle - whether you do many reps with light weights or few reps with heavy weights. The key to build strength and muscle is to use heavy weight loads, but even after several weeks of doing the same routine using heavy weights, you'll likely find yourself not making much progress at all. This would be the time to change things up by using a different work out plan.

Below is sort of a "mini" workout routine and it involves just 2 different types of workout sessions. However, each workout session uses only compound exercises that place extreme demands on your entire body. All you need is a good 2 to 4 weeks on this workout plan, and switch it up to something else. 

Workout A:

Front Squats - 3 x 6 (barbell held in front of shoulders)

Power cleans - 3 x 6 (this is one of the most difficult exercises)

Dead lifts - 3 x 6

Stiff leg dead lifts - 2 x 6

Workout B:

Squats - 3 x 5

Bench Press - 3 x 6

Clean and Press - 3 x 4

Bent over barbell rows - 3 x 6

That's it! Looks pretty simple huh? But it's not so simple to complete. Just 4 basic exercises for each of the workouts, but you will be spent by the time you finish. These workouts should also be done in relatively short amount of time, around 30 to 40 minutes at most.

There's several ways to setup your workout week. I would suggest a 3 day split which would allow for more rest; however if you want, you can also follow a 4 day split. The 3 day a week split would look something like this:

Monday: Workout A

Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: Workout B

Thursday : Off

Friday: Workout A

Saturday / Sunday: Off

On week two, you would simply continue the strength training program and it would look like this:

Monday: Workout B

Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: Workout A

Thursday : Off

Friday: Workout B

Saturday / Sunday: Off

If you opt to go for a 4 day work week, then it would look like this:

Monday: Workout A

Tuesday: Workout B

Wednesday: Off

Thursday : Workout A

Friday: Workout B

Saturday / Sunday: Off

The key to getting the most out of this short two to four week strength training program is to use a heavy enough weight that allows you to do no more than 6 reps. The few exercises involved in this program are some of the most demanding and difficult exercises that will require more effort, energy, and focus.