You only need 6 moves and less than 30 minutes to build lean mass

You might think a lengthy trip to the gym is a prerequisite of a top workout, but in reality you only need two dumbbells and 24 minutes to build lean muscle and full-body strength. 

If you don't already have a set of weights, we think it's worth investing in a pair of the best adjustable dumbbells. You can change the weight of these clever contraptions in seconds with the twist of a dial or press of a button, so you can choose a load that suits your strength level. But if you want a more cost-effective option, the best kettlebells, fixed weight dumbbells or even a pair of full water bottles will do the trick for this session. 

This workout has been masterminded by ace trainer and yoga instructor Rhiannon Bailey, who says it's a great way to "build lean muscle mass and improve fitness", especially for anyone who's short on time. 

It's devilishly simple too, comprising a circuit made up of just six exercises; thrusters, Russian swings, squat hammer curls, alternating snatches, devil presses and crunch presses. 

You have to perform each exercise for 40 seconds, rest for 20 seconds, then start on the next movement. Following this model, each round of this circuit takes just six minutes, and you can scale the total number of rounds to suit your fitness leveland the time you have available. 

However, if you want a rough guide, Bailey suggests performing between four and six rounds in total.  Aim to move with purpose throughout to maintain intensity, but don't push yourself to the point where your technique suffers. 

Watch Bailey's video below to find out how to perform each exercise, and take notes on her technique to ensure perfect form. 

Watch Rhiannon Bailey's full-body strength workout

There are three key components to this workout's effectiveness. Firstly, it uses compound exercises to work multiple joints and muscle groups at once – for example, a thruster will work leg muscles including the glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps, as well as muscles in your back, shoulders and core. 

Secondly, it uses the AMRAP training method, giving you a set amount of time (40 seconds) to complete as many repetitions as possible of each movement. By doing this, it ensures the workout is time-efficient and suitable for all fitness levels. After all, the fitter you are the faster you can move, and the faster you move the more challenging the session becomes. 

Lastly, this workout is an example of high-intensity resistance training or HIRT. Similar to HIIT workouts for fat loss you may have encountered before, it combines intense bouts of exercise with short rest periods to burn calories and provide a comprehensive cardio hit. But it also includes resistance exercises that task your muscles with moving heavier loads (such as a pair of dumbbells). This means it has greater muscle and strength-building benefits than traditional HIIT sessions.