INTERMEDIATE
5-DAY SPLIT
VERSION 1
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
3
WARM-UP ROUTINE
4
WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
6
SEATED MID-CHEST CABLE FLYES
FLAT DUMBBELL PRESS
DUMBBELL LATERAL RAISES
INCLINE DUMBBELL OVERHEAD EXTENSIONS
CABLE PUSHDOWNS
(ELBOW FRIENDLY)
UPPER BODY
16
UPPER BODY WORKOUT
BARBELL BENCH PRESS
DUMBBELL CHEST SUPPORTED ROW
(MID/UPPER BACK FOCUSED)
STANDING BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS
LAT PULLDOWNS
STANDING HIGH TO LOW CABLE FLYES
CABLE LATERAL RAISE
STANDING FACE PULLS
17
18 PUSH WORKOUT: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
UPPER BODY: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
LOWER BODY 1
LOWER BODY 1 (QUAD-FOCUSED)
BARBELL BACK SQUAT
A1. DUMBBELL ROMANIAN DEADLIFT
A2. SEATED LEG EXTENSIONS
WALKING LUNGES
(QUAD-FOCUSED)
STANDING WEIGHTED CALF RAISES
(BARBELL OR DUMBBELL)
SIDE PLANK
LOWER BODY 1: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
PUSH
PUSH WORKOUT
LOW INCLINE DUMBBELL PRESS
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PULL
19
20 PULL WORKOUT
(WEIGHTED) PULL-UPS
21
LAT FOCUSED CABLE ROW
22
REAR DELT CABLE ROW
23
INCLINE DUMBBELL CURLS
24
HAMMER CURLS
25
STANDING FACE PULLS
26
PULL WORKOUT: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
27
LOWER BODY 2
28
29 LOWER BODY 2 (GLUTE FOCUSED)
BARBELL DEADLIFT
30
BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUAT
(GLUTE-FOCUSED)
31
BARBELL HIP THRUST
32
LYING LEG CURLS
33
A1. BANDED HIP ABDUCTIONS
A2. SEATED WEIGHTED CALF RAISES
34
35 LOWER BODY 2: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
36 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
37 DISCLAIMER
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
INTRODUCTION
This PDF is designed to act as a supplemental resource for you to refer to while you’re at the gym. This
is NOT a “summary” of the program. There is a ton of invaluable and essential information within the
CORE Training section that you need to go through. Please ensure that you go through every single
chapter within that section and fully understand the concepts within it (progressive overload, mindmuscle connection, how heavy to lift, etc.) in order to maximize the effectiveness of this workout
routine. Otherwise, these workouts will be pretty much useless for you!
With that being said, and as explained in the course, your workout routine will consist of 5 workouts per
week and will look something like this:
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Upper
Body 1
Lower
Body 1
Rest
Push
Pull
Lower
Body 2
Rest
You will want to note that some of these workouts in this PDF will contain supersets. For each superset,
there are 2 exercises. You will perform the first exercise, rest 1 minute, perform the second exercise, rest
1 minute, and then go back to the first exercise. Repeat this for a total of 3 times so that you do 3 sets in
total of each exercise.
The exact days that you work out on don’t matter. The key is that you are getting at least 2 rest days
per week so that you are not doing more than 3 workout days in a row. Your rest days should ideally be
set up like the example above, after every “lower body” workout. As for the workouts themselves, you
will be doing 1 upper body, 2 lower body, 1 push, and 1 pull workout per week. Each workout contains
slightly different exercises to challenge your muscles in a different way.
Lastly, each exercise listed in this workout routine has an exercise alternative at the end of this PDF that
you can use as a swap. Whether it’s because of limited equipment availability, because of a past injury or
limitation, or wanting to switch your routine up later down the road, you can use this list to help find an
exercise more suitable for you.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WARM-UP ROUTINE
PART 1: LOW INTENSITY CARDIO (optional, ~5 minutes)
• This can be light cycling, walking, the elliptical, etc.
• This is recommended if you have been sitting at work all day and/or live in a cold environment
PART 2: DYNAMIC STRETCHING (~5 minutes)
For any workouts where you only train the upper body (e.g. “upper”, “push”, or “pull” workouts), you
only need to perform the upper body stretches. For lower body or “leg” workouts, you only need to
perform the lower body stretches. See the next pages for the picture tutorials.
UPPER BODY
EXERCISE
REPS
5 each
direction
NOTES
Swing your arms in one direction for 5 reps and
then do 5 reps in the reverse direction.
Band Over-and-Backs
5
Use a wide overhand grip and bring the
band over and behind your body.
Band Pull-Aparts
10
Use an overhand grip shoulder width apart, and use
your mid back muscles to pull the band apart.
Arm Circles
Band External Rotations 10 per side
Face sideways to band, lock elbow by side, rotate hand
outwards then back in. Can be done with cables instead.
Weighted External
Rotations
Use light weight, keep elbow locked, rotate
hand up towards ceiling then back down.
10 per side
LOWER BODY
EXERCISE
REPS
Forward Leg Swings
5 per side
Side Leg Swings
5 per side
Hold onto a fixture in front of you for support, swing
your leg side to side as far as your leg will go
Deep Squat
1 (hold it for
30 seconds)
Hold a weight plate in front of your chest in a
deep squat, rock side to side over each ankle.
Dead Bug
5 per side
Keep core engaged, extend opposite arm and leg.
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NOTES
Hold onto a fixture by your side for support, swing
your leg front and back as far as your leg will go.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
PART 3: WARM-UP SETS (~5 minutes)
SET
WEIGHT
REPS
REST
1
50% working weight
8
1 minute
2
70% working weight
3-4
1 minute
3
90% working weight
1-2
2 minutes
BEGIN WORKING SETS
3 warm-up sets are needed only for your first upper body and lower body exercise. After that, you
don’t need to do warm-up sets for the rest of your exercises. However it can still be a good idea to
do 1 quick warm-up set to practice the technique.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
LOW INTENSITY CARDIO
Optional, ~5 minutes
WHY
For a soft, general warm up of all muscles.
HOW
Perform at a comfortable pace any of the following: light cycling, walking, elliptical,
etc.
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WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
ARM CIRCLES
5 reps each direction
WHY
To warm up and mobilize the shoulder joint.
HOW
Swing your arms forward in a circular motion for 5 reps and then repeat in the
reverse direction.
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WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
BAND OVER-AND-BACKS
5 reps each direction
WHY
To mobilize the chest/shoulder area and help with shoulder/scapular stability.
HOW
Hold your band at a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Bring the band over
your head and back behind your body while keeping your arms straight. Keep the
tension even as you move the band behind you (don’t “release the slack” by relaxing
or resting your hands on your back/butt), and then bring it back over your head into
the starting position. If this is too difficult, widen your hand position. When it gets
too easy, narrow your hand position. Avoid arching your back as you perform the
movement by slightly contracting your core.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
BAND PULL-APARTS
10 reps
WHY
To warm up the mid-back and rotator cuff musculature to help with your pressing.
HOW
Hold your band at around shoulder-width apart with an overhand grip. Pull the band
apart by squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your upper traps relaxed as
you do so and focus on feeling your mid-back muscles working. Control back to the
starting position and repeat. You can use just one strand of the band OR a wider grip
to make it easier, then narrow your grip overtime.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
BAND EXTERNAL ROTATIONS
10 reps per side
WHY
To warm up the rotator cuff muscles.
HOW
Use either a band attached to a pole or a pulley system with the handle set up
at elbow height. Stand beside the cable pulley or band and externally rotate the
shoulder while keeping your elbow at 90 degrees and pinned to the side of your
body. Control back to the starting position and repeat.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
WEIGHTED EXTERNAL ROTATIONS
10 reps per side
WHY
To warm up the rotator cuff muscles.
HOW
Use either a band attached to a pole or a pulley system with the handle set up
at elbow height. Stand beside the cable pulley or band and externally rotate the
shoulder while keeping your elbow at 90 degrees and pinned to the side of your
body. Control back to the starting position and repeat.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
FORWARD LEG SWINGS
5 reps per side
WHY
To mobilize and warm up the hips and leg muscles for your leg movements.
HOW
Keep your core tight and hold onto something beside you. Swing your leg front and
back as far as your leg will go.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
SIDE LEG SWINGS
5 reps per side
WHY
To mobilize and warm up the hips and leg muscles for your leg movements.
HOW
Keep your core tight and hold onto something beside you. Swing your leg left and
right as far as your leg will go.
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WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
DEAD BUG
5 per side
WHY
To mobilize and warm up the core, shoulders and legs.
HOW
Keep core engaged, extend opposite arm and leg, hold the position a moment, go
back to the starting position and repeat changing sides.
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WARM-UP EXERCISE TUTORIALS
DEEP SQUAT
1 reps per 30 seconds
WHY
To mobilize and warm up the hips and leg muscles for your leg movements, focusing
on your hips and ankles.
HOW
Hold a weight plate in front of your chest in a deep squat, rocking side to side over
each ankle in a soft and constant motion for 30 seconds.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-day v1
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
UPPER BODY WORKOUT
Exercise
Barbell Bench Press
Dumbbell Chest
Supported Row (mid/
upper back focused)
Standing Barbell
Overhead Press
Lat Pulldown
Standing High To
Low Cable Flyes
Cable Lateral Raise
Standing Face Pulls
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Sets
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
Reps
8-10
10-12
6-8
8-10
10-15
15-20
10
Rest
(min)
Notes
2-3 min
Grip slightly outside shoulder-width,
keep chest up, lower bar to level of
nipples, avoid flaring elbows out.
2 min
Set bench 2 notches up from
bottom, angle elbows out, squeeze
shoulder blades together.
2-3 min
Press in straight line up, keep
core and glutes engaged,
avoid arching back.
2 min
Grip outside shoulder width,
lean back slightly, pull bar
to just under chin.
1.5-2 min
Set cables to highest position, use
staggered stance, squeeze arms
together down in front of you.
1.5-2 min
Raise arm in scapular plane,
align cable with arm, think of
pushing hand "out" not "up".
1 min
Use double rope attachment if
possible, use light weight, perform
without Y-raise to make it easier.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
BARBELL BENCH PRESS
STEP 1 SETUP
Lie down on the bench and position yourself such
that your eyes are directly below the racked bar.
Use a medium grip on the bar that’s slightly wider
than shoulder-width apart. Pull your shoulder
blades down away from your ears and pinch them
together to create a small space between your
lower back and the bench. Firmly plant your feet
on the ground. Unrack the bar and bring it over the
level of your shoulders
STEP 2
STEP 1
STEP 1
Control the weight down while dropping your
elbows down at about a 45 to 60 degree angle from
your torso. The bar should travel down and slightly
forward and touch your chest at the level of your
sternum.
After the bar touches your chest, push the bar up
and back to the starting position with your arms
fully locked out. The bar should travel up and
slightly back as you do this. Think about pulling your
arms together as if you were trying to touch your
biceps together to move the weight up.
STEP 2
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Avoid bouncing the bar against your chest at
the bottom position and use control to simply
touch your chest. Whenever possible use a
spotter, especially with heavier loads.
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STEP 2
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
DUMBBELL CHEST SUPPORTED ROW
(MID/UPPER BACK FOCUSED)
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Set up an incline bench to an angle of about 30
degrees, typically the second notch up from
the bottom. Grab a pair of dumbbells using a
thumbless grip and lay your chest on the bench
with your arms hanging down by your sides and
palms facing each other. Plant the balls of your
feet firmly into the ground with your legs fully
straightened or slightly bent.
STEP 1
STEP 2
To stabilize your body, bring your shoulders
down and away from your ears, squeeze your
glutes and flex your abs. Then, pull your elbows
back behind your body at about a 45 to 60
degree angle away from your torso. Squeeze
your shoulder blades together at the top
position.
STEP 2
STEP 3
Control the weight back down to the starting
position instead of letting it just drop. Let your
shoulder blades open up, reset, and then go into
your next rep.
STEP 3
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Think about pulling with your elbows each rep in
order to better activate your back.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
STANDING BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS
STEP 1: SETUP
STEP 1
Set up the bar in a rack such that it’s at the level of
your armpits. Get under the bar and grab it with a
grip just outside shoulder-width apart. Tuck your
elbows so that they align directly under the bar
with your forearms vertical. Lift the bar up off
the rack, take 3 steps back, and plant your feet
about shoulder width apart with your toes slightly
pointed outwards.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Squeeze your glutes, flex your quads, and brace
your core. Take a deep breath in through your nose
and then exhale as you press the bar straight up.
As you do so, slightly tilt your chin back to avoid
hitting it. Once the bar passes your head, you can
tilt your head back forward back into its neutral
position. Press until your arms are straight.
STEP 2
STEP 3
Inhale as you lower the bar by dropping your
elbows into a roughly 45 degree angle in front of
your body until the bar reaches the level of your
upper chest. Pause here briefly, re-stabilize your
glutes and core if needed, and then continue for
your next rep.
STEP 3
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Avoid bending your knees and using leg drive to move
the weight up. This is a different exercise. Instead,
keep this a strict press by only using your upper body
to press the weight up.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
LAT PULLDOWNS
STEP 1: SETUP
Adjust the height of the seat or knee
pads so that your thighs are securely
locked underneath, with your feet flat on
the floor. Set your weight then stand up
and grab the bar with an overhand grip
just outside shoulder-width apart. Sit
back down with your thighs under the
pads. Tilt your upper back just slightly
backwards.
STEP 2
STEP 1
Pull your elbows down until the bar
reaches the level of your chin. Control
the weight back up until your arms are
almost fully straight, and then repeat for
another rep.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
To better engage the back muscles, you
can try using a thumbless grip and think
about pulling with the elbows rather than
with your hands.
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STEP 2
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
STANDING HIGH TO LOW CABLE FLYES
STEP 1: SETUP
Stand between a cable setup with the
pulleys set at the highest position. Grab
each handle, take a step or two away
from the cable, get into a staggered
stance position for support, and bring
your arms down and slightly in front of
your body with your palms facing each
other. You want to set up such that at
this bottom position, the line of the cable
is inline with your forearms and your
arm in line with the side of your chest.
STEP 1
STEP 1
STEP 2
Set your weight, grab the handles and
get back into your starting position.
Brace your core. Control the weight up
while slightly bending your elbows until
you get to about shoulder height. Then,
using your lower chest muscles, move
your arms down and in together until
they fully straighten. Think about pulling
your arms together as if you were trying
to touch your biceps together to move
the weight to better engage your chest.
STEP 2
STEP 2
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
CABLE LATERAL RAISE
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Attach a handle to the cable and move it to the
bottom attachment. Face away from the cable
and reach behind your body to grab the handle
with one hand. Take a couple steps forward
and then a small step sideways towards the
direction of your working arm. You should
end up with your hand by your thigh with the
direction of the cable headed back behind your
body.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Brace your core and squeeze your glutes. Keep
your arms just slightly bent and raise your arm
diagonally at about 15 to 30 degrees in front
of your body. Raise until your arm reaches
shoulder-height, control back down, and then
repeat for more reps. Switch arms after you’ve
rested for 30 seconds.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
STEP 2
To perform two arms at a time, grab the left cable
with your right hand and right cable with your
left hand. Turn so you face away from the cable
and take a few steps forward. While keeping your
arms just slightly bent, raise your arms into a wide
Y position in front of you. Raise until your arms
reach shoulder-height, control them back down,
and then repeat for more reps.
STEP 2
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
STANDING FACE PULLS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Move a cable to the top position. Using a double
rope attachment, grab the rope in each hand
with a neutral grip. Next, set the weight light
and take a few steps back away from the pulley.
From here, raise your arms so that they are
straight and directly facing the pulley.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Brace your core and squeeze your glutes. Pull
your hands towards your face, trying to get
the cable to the level of your forehead. As
you do so, pull back with both your elbows
and hands, such that at the end position your
arms are positioned in a “biceps flexing” pose
at a 90 degree angle with your hands directly
over your elbows. From here, slowly raise your
arms up into a Y position and then back down.
Then, straighten your arms back to the starting
position.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
STEP 2
If using a band, you would execute this the exact
same way, and simply use a wide overhand grip on
the band. The band will be quite challenging from
even just a few steps away, so position yourself
relatively closer to the band where there isn’t as
much tension.
STEP 2
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
UPPER BODY: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
EXERCISE
Barbell Bench Press
Dumbbell Chest Supported Row
(mid/upper back focused)
Standing Barbell Overhead Press
EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Flat Dumbbell Press
https://youtu.be/g14dhC5KYBM
Flat Machine Chest Press
https://youtu.be/sO8lFa9CidE
Flat Smith Machine Chest Press
https://youtu.be/3Z3C44SXSQE
Seated Flat Cable Press
https://youtu.be/hPpNTAEDnxM
Neutral Grip Dumbbell Press
(*shoulder friendly)
https://youtu.be/N-kUwH1uf9c
Barbell Row (mid/upper back focused)
https://youtu.be/FTCmwlfZ29A
Seated Cable Row (mid/
upper back focused)
https://youtu.be/Q-5V5T55giY
Chest Supported Machine Row
https://youtu.be/iDiVxqvHGWY
Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press
https://youtu.be/jWriqmLrQqs
Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press
https://youtu.be/DPXG3BJvl8A
Seated Neutral-Grip Dumbbell
Shoulder Press (*shoulder friendly)
Half Kneeling Landmine Press
(*shoulder friendly)
https://youtu.be/W35eREjZnhI
(Weighted) Pull-Ups
https://youtu.be/w_yuTRQd6HA
Kneeling One Arm Lat Pulldown
https://youtu.be/PkA-D-Ld4tE
3 Point Dumbbell Row
https://youtu.be/hrBLmuQ_vq8
Barbell Row (lat focused)
https://youtu.be/tS5lKXxtNvE
Decline Dumbbell Press
https://youtu.be/pSOseCLdzIY
Decline Machine Chest Press
https://youtu.be/H4R-LiTJeH8
(Banded) Incline Push-Ups
https://youtu.be/67V0-5gjEeA
Dumbbell Lateral Raises
https://youtu.be/zcO3sgAeLA0
Lying Incline Lateral Raises
https://youtu.be/upEqeI0F73M
Lean In Lateral Raise
https://youtu.be/2q4kjTDg-vs
Wide Grip Barbell Upright
Row (last resort)
https://youtu.be/6BTMVh9AnCw
Bent Over Dumbbell Face Pulls
https://youtu.be/kA415Unr-_E
(Weighted) Prone Arm Circles
https://youtu.be/6D-4V_M8RJA
Wall Slides
https://youtu.be/x4zjfuLXHVk
Lat Pulldown
Standing High To Low Cable Flyes
Cable Lateral Raise
Standing Face Pulls
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https://youtu.be/JOOS3MPCT8s
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
LOWER BODY 1 (QUAD-FOCUSED)
WORKOUT
Exercise
Barbell Back Squat
Rest
Sets Reps (min)
3
8-10
2-3
min
Experiment with foot stance,
squat down to at least
parallel, elevate heels onto
weight plates if needed.
Perform dumbbell romanian
deadlift, rest 1 minute,
perform seated leg extensions,
rest 1 minute, then repeat
for a total of 3 times.
A1. Dumbbell
Romanian Deadlift
3
8-10
-
A2. Seated Leg
Extensions
3
10-15
-
Walking Lunges
(quad focused)
3
8-10
per leg
2 min
Take steps forward, keep
torso upright, drive knee
forward towards toes.
3
10-15
1.5
min
Feet hip width apart, elevate
toes on weight plate,
press up on big toes.
2
30s per
side
1 min
Push elbow into ground,
keep body straight, add
rotations to make it harder.
Superset
Standing Weighted
Calf Raises (barbell
or dumbbell)
Side Plank
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Notes
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
BARBELL BACK SQUAT
For the barbell back squat, since the exercise is quite technical, it
is recommended that you watch the exercise tutorial video.
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Set a barbell in a rack at about the height of your mid-chest. Face
the bar and grip it with your hands slightly wider than shoulderwidth apart. Duck under the bar and place it over the back of your
shoulders, letting it rest on your upper traps. Lift it out of the rack
by extending your legs. Take one step back with one foot, one step
back with the other one, and then use a third step to correct your
stance into an even position. The optimal foot stance will vary, but
first experiment with a stance that is just outside shoulder-width
with your toes pointed outwards at about 15 degree angle.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 2
Plant your feet firmly into the ground, pull the bar down into
your upper back, and engage your core. Take a deep breath in
through your nose, and then squat straight down by bending at
your hips and knees. As you do so, the bar should remain over the
level of your midfoot and the weight should be evenly distributed
between your big toe, your little toe, and your heels. Your knees
should also be bending slightly outwards in the same direction
of your toes. Continue squatting down until your thighs reach at
least parallel or slightly below. From here, while keeping your core
engaged, exhale and reverse the movement by extending your
legs, thinking about bringing the bar up towards the ceiling and
exhaling as you do so.
STEP 2
When done correctly, the bar should make an almost perfectly
vertical path down and up each rep. Depending on your anatomy,
your torso may end up more vertical or more bent over than
others, which is normal as long as you’re following the tips and
avoiding the common mistakes.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If you find it difficult to reach full depth, you can try
elevating your heels onto weight plates to help with ankle
mobility.
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INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
A1. DUMBBELL ROMANIAN DEADLIFT
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Grab a pair of dumbbells, hold them by your sides, and
take a shoulder-width stance with your feet pointed
slightly outwards at about a 15 degree angle.
STEP 2
Contract your abs, take a deep breath in through your
nose, then descend by pushing your hips straight back.
Keep just a very slight bend at your knees and keep the
bar as close to your body as possible, ideally right above
the middle of your feet. As you descend, your hands
should move from a neutral position at your sides to
your palms facing towards you with the dumbbells held
horizontally in front of your legs. Lower the dumbbells
only until the point where you can’t push your hips back
without your lower back starting to round, usually at
knee level or mid-shin level.
STEP 2
STEP 2
STEP 3
Keep your core braced and then exhale as you reverse
the motion by pushing your hips forward and then
rotating the dumbbells back into the starting position
by your sides. Once your legs are fully straight, repeat
for another rep. Spend about 2-3 seconds on slowly
controlling the weight down, and then about 1 second to
bring the weight back up.
STEP 3
ADDITIONAL TIPS
To better engage the hamstrings, you can think
about pulling the floor back with your heels as you
come up.
@JEREMYETHIER
29
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
A2. SEATED LEG EXTENSIONS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Set up your back rest so that when you sit
down, your knees are aligned directly beside
the pivot point of the machine. For most
people, your knees should end up just past
the edge of the seat. Next, adjust the height of
your foot pad so that when you’re seated, your
legs are at a roughly 90 degree angle with the
pad resting just above your ankle.
STEP 2
Grab the handles on the side of the machine
and pull up on them by engaging your lats.
Brace your core, and then while keeping your
toes pointed straight up, use your quads to
extend your legs straight forward. As you do
so, keep your knees facing forward rather than
rotating them in or outwards. Extend as far up
as you can, pause briefly at the top, and then
control the weight all the way back down to
the starting position and repeat.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 2
30
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
WALKING LUNGES
(QUAD-FOCUSED)
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
With a pair of dumbbells held down by your
sides, stand straight with your feet together.
Brace your core.
STEP 2
Take a step forward with one leg, plant the front
leg, and then sink down into a lunge position
by driving the knee of your front leg forward
towards your toes. You should travel down and
slightly forwards. Continue descending until
your front thigh is at least parallel to the floor
and the knee of your back leg should be almost
touching the floor. From here, pause briefly, and
then extend your front leg to push your body
straight up with your feet back together. Take
the next step with the other leg and continue
alternating until you finish the desired number
of reps on each leg.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
STEP 2
STEP 2
STEP 2
Avoid relying too much on your back leg to push
the weight up. Instead, think of your back leg as a
kickstand for balance. Keep 80-90% of the weight
in your front leg, and just 10-20% of the weight in
your back leg.
@JEREMYETHIER
31
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
STANDING WEIGHTED CALF RAISES
(BARBELL OR DUMBBELL)
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
You can perform this movement either using a
weighted barbell or with a pair of dumbbells in
each hand. Grab a pair of dumbbells and place
your feet about hip width apart facing forwards.
STEP 2
STEP 2
Brace your core and then push straight up onto
your toes as far as you can, keeping most of
the pressure on your big toes. Then, control
your heel slowly back down until they touch
the ground, and repeat. Once you get good at
this, you can progress it by adding a small 5 or
10 lb weight plate under each of your toes and
perform it on there. Once you get good at that,
you can use a larger weight plate or an elevated
platform for a greater range of motion. It can
be hard to balance so just be cautious when
performing this so you don’t fall over. The same
also applies if you were using barbells.
STEP 2
PROGRESSION
@JEREMYETHIER
32
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
SIDE PLANK
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Lie on your side with your legs bent and
upper body supported through your
elbow. Place your free hand on your
opposite shoulder.
STEP 2
STEP 2
Brace your core and push your elbow
and knees into the ground to raise your
hips up towards the ceiling, and hold this
position for the desired amount of time
before switching sides.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If this is too easy, you can progress it
by extending your legs out to a full side
plank position with your top foot planted
slightly in front of your bottom leg and
moving your free hand on top of your
hips.
Once that becomes easy, you can
progress it further by introducing a
rotation. While keeping your shoulders,
torso, and upper leg in one straight line,
try rotating your body towards the
ground and then back up towards the
ceiling. Again perform this for the desired
amount of time on one side before
switching sides and repeating.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 2: HARDER
STEP 2 : HARDEST
33
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
LOWER BODY 1: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
EXERCISE
Barbell Back Squat
Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift
Seated Leg Extensions
EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Quad-Focused Leg Press
https://youtu.be/0nrW-q7-WRQ
Smith Machine Squat
https://youtu.be/zSVi51Jp3eI
Barbell Back Box Squat (*knee friendly)
https://youtu.be/QryQO4VuPK8
Weighted Step-Ups (*knee friendly)
https://youtu.be/Cjc3AgmdtlA
Dumbbell Goblet Squat
(*lower back friendly)
https://youtu.be/nYDEYFXN2Rs
Bulgarian Split Squat (quad-focused)
https://youtu.be/r9XtxWSTlcg
Barbell Romanian Deadlift
https://youtu.be/Q-2telZDPRw
Hyperextensions (back/
hamstring focused)
https://youtu.be/RU5d2H_OmSc
Sissy Squat
https://youtu.be/3SeCC8ABZ_Q
Heel Elevated Goblet Squat
https://youtu.be/l9crMLuT4II
Reverse Lunges (*knee friendly)
https://youtu.be/AUEGDvCrQJA
Heel Elevated Split Squat
https://youtu.be/bJE0-eZLa6E
Bulgarian Split Squat (quad focused)
https://youtu.be/r9XtxWSTlcg
Reverse Lunges (*knee friendly)
https://youtu.be/AUEGDvCrQJA
Weighted Step Ups (*knee friendly)
https://youtu.be/Cjc3AgmdtlA
Toes-Elevated Smith
Machine Calf Raises
https://youtu.be/_ChZv2iluM8
Single Leg Weighted Calf Raise
https://youtu.be/cRKA_Qdut7I
Leg Press Calf Raises
https://youtu.be/s8yUXsZrgE0
RKC Plank
https://youtu.be/lOgA1UfFbWY
Bird Dog
https://youtu.be/4qE_9h_6Hes
Palloff Press
https://youtu.be/WhCH2CwVo4I
Dead Bug
https://youtu.be/UJ7b8gYa2Es
Walking Lunges (quad focused)
Standing Weighted Calf Raises
(barbell or dumbbell)
Side Plank
@JEREMYETHIER
34
INTERMEDIATE / 5-day v1
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
PUSH WORKOUT
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
(min)
Notes
Low Incline
Dumbbell Press
3
8-10
2-3 min
Set bench 1-2 notches up
from bottom, keep chest up,
avoid flaring elbows out.
Seated Mid-Chest
Cable Fly
3
10-15
1.5-2 min
Set cables to chest height, squeeze
arms together, pause at end position.
Flat Dumbbell Press
3
8-10
2 min
Keep chest up, avoid flaring elbows
out, control the weight up and down.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
3
15-20
1.5-2 min
Lean torso forward slightly,
raise arms in scapular plane,
avoid using momentum.
Incline Dumbbell
Overhead Extensions
3
10-15
1.5-2 min
Set bench to 45 degrees, move arms
parallel to torso, keep elbow locked.
Cable Pushdowns
(*elbow friendly)
3
8-10
1.5-2 min
Use two rope attachments if
possible, keep elbow locked,
push down and out.
@JEREMYETHIER
36
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
LOW INCLINE DUMBBELL PRESS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Set up an incline bench to about 15 to 30
degrees, typically the first to second notch up
from the bottom. Grab a pair of dumbbells and
sit on the bench. Kick up the dumbbells one at
a time to get them into position with your arms
straight over your body. Pull your shoulder
blades down away from your ears and pinch
them together to create a small space between
your lower back and the bench. Firmly plant
your feet on the ground.
STEP 1
STEP 1
STEP 2
Brace your core and then control the weight
down by dropping your elbows to about a 45
to 60 degree angle from your torso. Allow your
hands to naturally turn in slightly. Continue
lowering until the weights reach around the
level of your chest, or as low as is comfortable
for you.
STEP 2
STEP 3
Use your chest to push the weight back up until
your arms are fully locked out and directly over
your shoulders. Think about pulling your arms
together as if you were trying to touch your
biceps together to move the weight up.
STEP 3
@JEREMYETHIER
37
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
SEATED MID-CHEST CABLE FLYES
STEP 1: SETUP
Move an adjustable bench over to the
middle of a cable machine, positioned a
couple of feet in front of it. Set the incline
to one notch down from the highest
position to about a 75 degree angle.
Adjust the height of the cables around the
level of your mid-chest. Grab each handle,
sit on the bench, and get your arms into
the starting position with your arms out to
your sides and elbows bent. At this point
your forearms should be lined up directly
with the cable.
Pull your shoulder blades down and back
together. Plant your feet firmly on the
ground.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 2
Use your chest to bring your arms
together with your arms straight in front
of you. Think about squeezing your biceps
in as if you were trying to bring them
together to better engage your chest.
Pause at the end position briefly, slowly
control the weight back while bending
your arms until your elbows reach the
level of your torso, and then repeat for
another rep.
STEP 1
STEP 2
@JEREMYETHIER
38
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
FLAT DUMBBELL PRESS
STEP 1
STEP 1 SETUP
Grab a pair of dumbbells and sit on the edge
of a flat bench. Kick up the dumbbells one
at a time as you lay back on the bench to get
them into position with your arms straight
over your shoulders. Pull your shoulder
blades down away from your ears and
pinch them together to create a small space
between your lower back and the bench.
Firmly plant your feet on the ground.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Brace your core and then control the weight
down by dropping your elbows to about
a 45 to 60 degree angle from your torso.
Allow your hands to naturally turn in slightly.
Continue lowering until the weights reach
around the level of your torso, or as low as is
comfortable for you.
STEP 3
STEP 2
STEP 3
Use your chest to push the weight back
up until your arms are fully locked out and
directly over your shoulders. Think about
pulling your arms together as if you were
trying to touch your biceps together to move
the weight up.
@JEREMYETHIER
39
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
DUMBBELL LATERAL RAISES
STEP 1: SETUP
STEP 1
Grab a pair of dumbbells and stand with your
feet about shoulder width apart and knees
slightly bent. Lean your torso forward about 15
degrees.
STEP 2
Brace your core. While keeping your arms just
slightly bent, raise your hands out in front of
you. As you do so, raise your arms in a Y position
in front of you. This is about 15 to 30 degrees in
front of your body. Raise the weight until your
arms reach shoulder-height, control them back
down until your hands are down in front of your
thighs, and then repeat for more reps.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
To better help with muscle activation, you can try
using a thumbless grip and rather than thinking
about raising the weight up, think about raising
the weight out as if you were pushing your hands
out towards the walls.
STEP 2
STEP 2
STEP 2
@JEREMYETHIER
40
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
INCLINE DUMBBELL OVERHEAD EXTENSIONS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Set up an adjustable bench to an incline
of about 45 degrees, which is typically
2-3 notches up from the bottom
position. Grab a pair of dumbbells and
lay your back onto the bench with your
arms straight over your shoulders and
palms facing in towards each other.
Brace your core, flatten your lower
back against the bench, and then while
keeping your arms straight, move them
back until they are parallel with your
torso and lock them in this position.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 2: EXECUTION
Keep your elbows locked and then bend
your forearms back behind your head
as far as you can. Extend your forearms
straight without moving your elbows to
get back into the starting position and
then repeat for more reps.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 2
41
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
CABLE PUSHDOWNS
(ELBOW FRIENDLY)
STEP 1: SETUP
Set a pulley to the highest height. Use two
rope attachments and pull them through so
that the rope extends longer. Grab one rope
in each hand and take two to three steps back
from the pulley. From here, with a slight bend at
your knees, bend your torso forward about 30
degrees. Bring your elbows down to your sides
angled out just slightly and lock them there.
Your hands should be around the level of your
chest.
STEP 2
STEP 1
STEP 1
STEP 2
Brace your core, and then while keeping your
elbows locked in place, use your triceps to
extend your arms. You should feel as if you’re
pulling the ropes down and out apart. Keep your
elbows locked as you control your hands back
up to about the height of your chest, and then go
down for another rep.
STEP 2
@JEREMYETHIER
42
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
PUSH WORKOUT: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
EXERCISE
Low Incline Dumbbell Press
Seated Mid-Chest Cable Fly
Flat Dumbbell Press
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Incline Machine Chest Press
https://youtu.be/abc1fisYB3w
Low Incline Smith Machine Press
https://youtu.be/R53nThQcdZo
Low Incline Barbell Press
https://youtu.be/jW4j7FoqudI
Low Incline Cable Press
https://youtu.be/6qV1WZ_z0u0
(Banded) Decline Push-Ups
https://youtu.be/LdahU9kB-u0
Standing Mid-Chest Cable Fly
https://youtu.be/fyFVaCP9J-8
Pec-Deck Machine Fly
https://youtu.be/rnV3y1P7894
Dumbbell Fly
https://youtu.be/WRn2hqy0gXU
Banded Push-Ups
https://youtu.be/dI7LVElfMOg
Barbell Bench Press
https://youtu.be/pCGVSBk0bIQ
Flat Machine Chest Press
https://youtu.be/sO8lFa9CidE
Flat Smith Machine Chest Press
https://youtu.be/3Z3C44SXSQE
Seated Flat Cable Press
https://youtu.be/hPpNTAEDnxM
Neutral Grip Dumbbell Press
(*shoulder friendly)
https://youtu.be/N-kUwH1uf9c
Cable Lateral Raise
https://youtu.be/1muit9qEctY
Lying Incline Lateral Raise
https://youtu.be/upEqeI0F73M
Lean In Lateral Raise
https://youtu.be/2q4kjTDg-vs
Wide Grip Barbell Upright
Row (last resort)
https://youtu.be/6BTMVh9AnCw
Overhead Rope Extensions
https://youtu.be/7yoTblFCUQM
Cable Pushdowns (*elbow friendly)
https://youtu.be/MlfCS_7ZLXA
Incline Barbell Skullcrushers
https://youtu.be/XgwPiPY4vCI
Cross Cable Tricep Extensions
https://youtu.be/Fua2QlXnn6Y
Overhead Rope Extensions
https://youtu.be/7yoTblFCUQM
Incline Dumbbell Overhead Extensions
https://youtu.be/3d86xMhHROA
Incline Barbell Skullcrushers
https://youtu.be/XgwPiPY4vCI
Cross Cable Tricep Extensions
https://youtu.be/Fua2QlXnn6Y
Incline Dumbbell Overhead Extensions
Cable Pushdowns (*elbow friendly)
@JEREMYETHIER
43
INTERMEDIATE / 5-day v1
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
PULL WORKOUT
Exercise
(Weighted) Pull-Ups
Lat Focused Cable Row
Sets
3
3
Reps
6-12
10-12
Rest
(min)
Notes
2-3 min
Grip outside shoulder-width, pull
until chin over bar, use alternative
if unable to do 6 reps in a row.
2 min
Lean torso forward slightly,
pull elbows down, keep
elbows tight to sides.
Rear Delt Cable Row
3
12-15
Use wide handle outside shoulder1.5-2 min width apart, pull elbows at 45 degree
angle, pull as far back as possible.
Incline Dumbbell Curls
3
8-10
1.5-2 min
Move bench 2-3 notches down
from top position, alternate arms
each rep, keep elbow locked.
Hammer Curls
3
8-10
1.5-2 min
Use hammer grip, pull up and across
chest, alternate arms each rep.
1 min
Use double rope attachment if
possible, use light weight, perform
without Y-raise to make it easier.
Standing Face Pulls
@JEREMYETHIER
2
10
45
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
(WEIGHTED) PULL-UPS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Grip the bar using an overhand grip slightly
wider than shoulder-width apart. From here, let
your body hang and then begin stabilizing your
body by bringing your feet together, flexing your
quads and glutes and contracting your abs. You
want to maintain this position as you pull.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Initiate the pull by first bringing your shoulders
down and away from your ears. Then, pull your
elbows down and back into your sides as if you
were trying to pull them into your back pockets.
As you do this, think about trying to bring your
chest up towards the bar. Continue pullingup until your chin is above the bar. From here,
control yourself by letting your elbows move
up and out until your arms are almost fully
straightened, and then continue into your next
rep.
STEP 2
STEP 2
STEP 2
@JEREMYETHIER
46
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
LAT FOCUSED CABLE ROW
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
STEP 1
Once you’ve found the right attachment, get
into the starting position with your knees
slightly bent on the pad.
STEP 2: EXECUTION
Before pulling, brace your core and bring your
shoulders down and away from your ears. Lean
your torso forward over just slightly. Then, pull
your elbows down and back towards your back
pockets. As you pull, keep your elbow tucked
close to your sides to better engage the lats.
Stop when your elbows reach the level of your
torso, and then control the weight back until
your arms almost fully straighten, and then
repeat for another rep.
STEP 2
STEP 2
@JEREMYETHIER
47
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
REAR DELT CABLE ROW
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Once you’ve found the right attachment
so that your hands are outside shoulder
width apart, get into the starting
position with your knees slightly bent on
the pad.
STEP 1
STEP 2: EXECUTION
Before pulling, brace your core and bring
your shoulders down and away from
your ears. Then, pull the weight towards
your sternum, keeping your elbows out
at about a 45 degree angle away from
your torso. Pull your elbows as far back
as you can behind your body. Control
the weight back until your arms fully
straighten, and then repeat for another
rep.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
To better engage the rear delts, think
about pulling with your elbows rather
than your hands.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 2
STEP 2
48
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
INCLINE DUMBBELL CURLS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
STEP 1
Set up an incline bench to just a slight angle
back of about 60 degrees, which is typically 2
to 3 notches down from the top position. Grab
a pair of dumbbells and lay your back on the
bench with your arms hanging straight down
by your sides with your palms facing in and
your feet planted firmly on the ground.
STEP 2
STEP 2
Pull your shoulders down and away from
your ears and brace your core. While keeping
both of your elbows locked into place, curl
the weight up towards your shoulders. As you
do so, rotate your palms so that they face up
towards the ceiling at the top position. Lower
the weight back down to the starting position
letting your wrists rotate back into a neutral
position. Once your arms fully straighten,
repeat for another rep.
STEP 2
@JEREMYETHIER
49
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
HAMMER CURLS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Grab a pair of dumbbells and stand with
your arms straight down by your sides.
STEP 2
STEP 2: EXECUTION
Brace your core, and then while keeping
a neutral grip on the dumbbell as if you
were holding a hammer, curl your hand
up and slightly in across your chest one
arm at a time. You’ll alternate between
arms each rep. As you curl, keep your
elbow locked in place and control the
weight all the way up and all the way
down until your arm fully straightens.
Keep your hand in the neutral grip
throughout.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 2
50
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
STANDING FACE PULLS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Move a cable to the top position. Using a double
rope attachment, grab the rope in each hand
with a neutral grip. Next, set the weight light
and take a few steps back away from the pulley.
From here, raise your arms so that they are
straight and directly facing the pulley.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Brace your core and squeeze your glutes. Pull
your hands towards your face, trying to get
the cable to the level of your forehead. As
you do so, pull back with both your elbows
and hands, such that at the end position your
arms are positioned in a “biceps flexing” pose
at a 90 degree angle with your hands directly
over your elbows. From here, slowly raise your
arms up into a Y position and then back down.
Then, straighten your arms back to the starting
position.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
STEP 2
If using a band, you would execute this the exact
same way, and simply use a wide overhand grip on
the band. The band will be quite challenging from
even just a few steps away, so position yourself
relatively closer to the band where there isn’t as
much tension.
STEP 2
@JEREMYETHIER
51
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
PULL WORKOUT: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
EXERCISE
(Weighted) Pull-Ups
Lat Focused Cable Row
Rear Delt Cable Row
EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
(Weighted) Chin-Ups
https://youtu.be/-TZRdvUS7Qo
Banded Pull-Ups
https://youtu.be/VGm-f5-T5no
Inverted Row
https://youtu.be/SyMSay4zrsA
Pull-Up Negatives
https://youtu.be/SyMSay4zrsA
Kneeling Lat Pulldowns
https://youtu.be/4LxKeTqlpZA
Lat Pulldowns
https://youtu.be/AvYZZhEl7Xk
Chest Supported Dumbbell
Row (Lat-Focused)
https://youtu.be/I2Unz9FR0sc
Barbell Row (lat focused)
https://youtu.be/tS5lKXxtNvE
Half-Kneeling Cable Row
https://youtu.be/tTev-zsqR4A
Chest Supported Dumbbell
Rear Delt Row
https://youtu.be/6LTUVaKpRCk
Rear Delt Cable Fly
https://youtu.be/2Xepcd9FYvE
Barbell Row (mid/upper back focused)
https://youtu.be/FTCmwlfZ29A
Behind Body Cable Curls
https://youtu.be/S2CNDlAY8kY
Barbell Curl
https://youtu.be/-ClfZ00zo8c
Rope Cable Curls (neutral grip)
https://youtu.be/0vEzBCydrU0
Bent Over Dumbbell Face Pulls
https://youtu.be/kA415Unr-_E
(Weighted) Prone Arm Circles
https://youtu.be/6D-4V_M8RJA
Wall Slides
https://youtu.be/x4zjfuLXHVk
Incline Dumbbell Curls
Hammer Curls
Standing Face Pulls
@JEREMYETHIER
52
INTERMEDIATE / 5-day v1
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
LOWER BODY 2 (GLUTE FOCUSED)
WORKOUT
Exercise
Barbell Deadlift
Bulgarian Split Squat
(glute focused)
Barbell Hip Thrust
Lying Leg Curls
Rest
Sets Reps (min)
3
3
3
3
2-3
min
Hip-width stance, grip
outside knees, keep head/
back/hips in straight line.
1 min
per leg
Use wider foot stance, lean
torso forward slightly, do a
set on one leg then rest 1
min then do the other leg.
10-15
2 min
Squeeze glutes hard, knees 90
degrees at top position, don't
go all the way down each rep.
10-15
1.5-2
min
Pull down on handles, avoid
over-arching lower back,
control the weight up and down.
Perform banded hip abductions,
rest 1 minute, perform
seated weighted calf raises,
rest 1 minute, then repeat
for a total of 3 times.
6-8
8-10
per leg
A1. Banded Hip
Abductions
3
12
-
A2. Seated Weighted
Calf Raise
3
8-10
-
Superset
@JEREMYETHIER
Notes
54
INTERMEDIATE / 5-DAY V1
BARBELL DEADLIFT
For the barbell deadlift, since the exercise is quite technical, it is
recommended that you watch the exercise tutorial video.
STEP 1: SETUP
We’re going to cover the conventional deadlift, which involves a fairly narrow
stance.
Start with a barbell on the ground. If you have access to big bumper plates,
load the bar with those. If you aren’t going to be using any weight or only have
access to smaller weight plates, either elevate the bar onto a rack, weight
stack, or any elevated platform so that the bar starts at about the level of your
shins.
Stand under the bar with your feet about hip-width apart and toes pointed
outwards slightly. When you look down at the bar, it should be directly over
your midfoot. Get down to grip the bar by pushing your hips back with a
slight bend in your knees. Keep your back straight as you do so, and continue
lowering until you’re able to reach the bar. With your arms straight, grip the
bar with an overhand grip that’s about shoulder-width apart, which should be
just outside of your knees. Bring the bar as close to your shins as possible and
tuck your chin down to align your neck with your spine by gazing at the floor
just a few feet in front of you.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 2
Stabilize your body by thinking about bending the bar in half towards you by
engaging your lat muscles, and then pull your chest up and hips down to wedge
yourself into the bar. From here, brace your core and pull the slack out of the
bar by lightly pulling up against it and pushing your feet away from the floor.
From here, while maintaining a straight back and keeping your chest up, pull
up on the bar while pushing your feet down against the floor. As you do so, the
bar should travel in a perfectly straight line up over your midfoot and should
be kept as close to your body as possible. Once the weight passes your knees,
drive your hips forward and squeeze your glutes to finish the lift. From here,
control the weight back down by first pushing your hips back and then once
the weight passes your knees, bending your knees until the weights touch the
ground. Again, keep the bar as close to your thighs and knees as possible as
you do so. You can choose to either perform touch and go reps, just lightly
tapping the ground with the weights each rep, or you can choose to let the
weights fully settle on the ground and reset your form before going into the
next rep.
STEP 2
STEP 2
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If you still have trouble with rounding your back as you pull, try
lightening the weight and also consider elevating the starting position
onto weight plates to shorten the range of motion. This is especially
helpful for taller individuals or those with certain hip structures that
make getting into the deadlift position difficult. You don’t need to lift
from the floor unless you’re planning to compete as a powerlifter.
@JEREMYETHIER
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BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUAT
(GLUTE-FOCUSED)
STEP 1: SETUP
First, pick what you’ll use for elevation. There are many
options available to you, so watch the exercise tutorial
video to make the best decision for yourself and the
equipment you have available.
Second, adjust your foot stance. To find the optimal
stance, sit on the bench and extend your legs straight
out. Where your feet end up is roughly where you want
your foot position to be. To emphasize the glutes, move
forward by an inch or two.
When your feet are set, they should be about hip width
distance apart from each other rather than directly in
front of each other. Grab a pair of dumbbells if needed,
and get into the starting position. Start with your
weaker leg.
STEP 1
STEP 2
With the dumbbells straight by your sides, brace your
core and while keeping your lower back neutral, bend
your torso over slightly. While maintaining this slight
lean forward, squat down and drive your back knee
towards the ground. Continue descending until your
front thigh is at least parallel to the floor. At this point
the knee of your back leg should be almost touching
the floor and the shin of your front leg should be almost
vertical on top of your foot. Pause briefly and then push
through the heel of your front leg to drive your hips
forward. Continue until you finish your reps on one leg,
rest 1 minute, and then repeat on the other leg.
STEP 1
STEP 2
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Avoid relying too much on your back leg to push
the weight up. Instead, think of your back leg as a
kickstand for balance. Keep 80-90% of the weight
in your front leg, and just 10-20% of the weight in
your back leg.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 2
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BARBELL HIP THRUST
For the barbell hip thrust, since the exercise is
quite technical, it is recommended that you watch
the exercise tutorial video.
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Grab a bench or any soft elevated platform that’s
about the height of your knees or shins. If needed,
put a pair of heavy weight plates behind it to
prevent it from sliding back as you perform the
movement. Next, grab a barbell, and load each side
with weight, ideally using the bigger bumper plates
if your gym has those available. If you’re new to this
movement, use just the barbell with no weight at
first. You’ll also want to use a thick pad or towel and
wrap it around the middle of the barbell for comfort.
Lay down with your upper back against the bench
and the bar sitting over your hips and your hands
holding the bar with an overhand grip just outside
your legs. From here, set your feet. You want them
positioned such that at the top of the hip thrust your
knees are bent at a 90 degree angle and your shins
are vertical straight on top of your feet. Try a few
reps without weight to find the sweet spot position
for you. Once you’ve found the right distance, set
your feet at about shoulder-width apart or slightly
wider, with your toes pointed out at a slight angle.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 2
Tuck your chin down and brace your core. Before
initiating the thrust, squeeze your glutes. Then,
while keeping your head and hips in a straight line,
continue squeezing your glutes as you push through
your heels to drive your hips forward to the top
position, moving the weight straight up. At the top
position, keep your core braced and pause for a
second or two while continuing to squeeze your
glutes. Control the weight back down by slowly
lowering your butt down towards the ground,
stopping at about halfway up from the bottom
position and then repeating for another rep.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 2
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LYING LEG CURLS
STEP 1: SETUP
STEP 1
Set up your foot pad and seat so that:
Your foot pad is resting slightly above the
back of your heel.
Your knee is positioned directly beside
the pivot point of the machine. For most
people your knees will end up just slightly
off the very end of the pad or just at the
end of it.
In the starting position when your feet are
in contact with the foot pad, your knees
should be slightly bent rather than fully
extended.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Once you get the set up down, contract
your abs, and pull down on the two handles
beside the machine by using your lat
muscles. From here, while keeping your
toes pointed down, curl the weight up
towards your butt as far as you can. Once
you reach the top, control the weight
back down until your legs almost fully
straighten, and then go back into your next
rep.
STEP 2
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Avoid fully extending your legs at the
bottom position. The first 15 degrees
or so of the movement actually
involves more of the calves, so cut
the range of motion short slightly by
stopping each rep a little before your
legs are completely straightened at
the top position.
@JEREMYETHIER
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A1. BANDED HIP ABDUCTIONS
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
Using a Built With Science mini band or a mini
band of your own, wrap it around your knees
and sit at the edge of a bench with your knees
together and feet just outside shoulder width
apart and toes pointed out slightly. You can lean
back and hold the bench behind you for support.
STEP 2
STEP 2: EXECUTION
Brace your core and using your upper glute
muscles, push your knees out against the
band as far as you can while keeping your feet
planted. Pause at the end position for a second
or two and then bring your knees back together
before repeating for another rep.
TIPS
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If a bench isn’t available, you can do these
standing up. Stand with your feet together, knees
slightly bent and torso bent over about 20 degrees
forward. Take a step up laterally to your side using
your glutes, and then follow up with another
step laterally by the other leg. Continue walking
laterally until you perform the desired number of
reps for the one side before switching and walking
the other way.
Wrapping the band around your knees makes it
easier, and wrapping it around your ankles will
make it harder.
@JEREMYETHIER
TIPS
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A2. SEATED WEIGHTED CALF RAISES
STEP 1
STEP 1: SETUP
STEP 1
Sit on a flat bench and elevate your toes
onto a pair of weight plates in front of
you set at about hip width apart. You
ideally want about a 3-6 inch elevation.
Grab a pair of dumbbells and hold them
on your thighs. At this point your knees
should be bent to 90 degrees with your
toes on the edge of the platform and
heels resting on the ground.
STEP 2
STEP 2
While keeping your toes on the platform,
push straight up onto your toes as far as
you can, keeping most of the pressure
on your big toe. Control your heel slowly
back down to the bottom position and
then repeat.
@JEREMYETHIER
STEP 2
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LOWER BODY 2: EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
EXERCISE
Barbell Deadlift
Bulgarian Split Squat (glute focused)
EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Sumo Deadlift (*lower back friendly)
https://youtu.be/9rXKd-_DaRs
Trap Bar Deadlift (*lower back friendly)
https://youtu.be/5mnlJtf-7WM
Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift
https://youtu.be/Xu4DxwKWzl4
Hyperextensions (back/
hamstring focused)
https://youtu.be/RU5d2H_OmSc
Glute Focused Leg Press
https://youtu.be/p13BNdwR93A
Front Foot Elevated Reverse Lunge
https://youtu.be/JySEdVXPUM8
Reverse Lunges (*knee friendly)
https://youtu.be/AUEGDvCrQJA
Weighted Step Ups (*knee friendly)
https://youtu.be/Cjc3AgmdtlA
Single-Leg Leg Press
https://youtu.be/hdioTTf8qdw
Smith Machine Hip Thrust
https://youtu.be/srYETmyq3_c
(Weighted) Single Leg Hip Thrusts
https://youtu.be/FKD9-qezw08
Hyperextensions (glute focused)
https://youtu.be/bsXgCaIIwCg
Reverse Hyperextensions (bodyweight)
https://youtu.be/yRvF177yb88
Seated Leg Curls
https://youtu.be/81umRgyxIAU
Swiss Ball Leg Curls
https://youtu.be/uRBpd65dbYs
Dumbbell Lying Leg Curls
https://youtu.be/Ot1MZipNLOQ
Side Lying Hip Raise
https://youtu.be/ZieZ6pjc4fQ
Side Lying Leg Raise
https://youtu.be/ht3Ayrre2HA
Seated Bodyweight Calf Raises
https://youtu.be/jW-cNnwRJ7E
Barbell Hip Thrust
Lying Leg Curls
Banded Hip Abductions
Seated Weighted Calf Raise
@JEREMYETHIER
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For inquiries or customer support, email
contact@builtwithscience.com
For exercise tutorials of the other exercises in
this program, please visit the exercise tutorial
section of your program where in-depth videos
are provided for each.
After completion of this program (which has
balanced volume for all muscle groups) you
could run a specialization phase to enhance
even more a particular area. Regardless
of what you choose, you need to prioritize
getting stronger on your lifts and progressively
overloading every single week. So push
yourself!
Enjoy!
@JEREMYETHIER
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DISCLAIMER
The content provided in this PDF is for informational and educational purposes only. Jeremy
Ethier is not a medical doctor, psychologist, therapist, nutritionist, or registered dietitian. The contents of this document should not be construed
as medical, psychological, dietary, nutritional,
or healthcare advice of any kind. The contents
of this document are not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any health conditions, nor
are they intended to replace a physician, dietitian, nutritionist, or other qualified healthcare
professional’s advice. You should always consult
your physician, dietitian, or other qualified healthcare professional on any matters regarding your
health, engagement in physical activity, and/or
diet before starting any fitness program or meal
plan to determine if it is suitable for your needs.
This is especially important if you (or your family
members) have a history of high blood pressure or
heart disease, if you have ever experienced chest
pain while exercising, or if you have experienced
chest pain in the past month when not engaged
in physical activity. You should also consult your
physician, dietitian, or other qualified healthcare
professional before starting any fitness program,
meal plan, or dietary regimen if you smoke, have
high cholesterol, are obese, or have a bone or joint
problem that could be made worse by a change in
physical activity or diet. Do not start or continue
any fitness program, meal plan, or dietary regimen
if your physician, dietitian, or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness,
dizziness, pain, shortness of breath or any other
form of discomfort at any time while exercising
or while following any meal plan/dietary regimen,
you should stop immediately. If you are in Canada and think you are having a medical or health
emergency, call your health care provider, or 911,
immediately.
@JEREMYETHIER
Please note the following:
• any and all exercise that you do as a result of
what you read in this PDF shall be performed
solely at your own risk;
• any and all meal plans that you follow or adhere to as a result of what you read in this PDF
shall be used solely at your own risk; and
• any and all foods or beverages that you consume as a result of what you read in this PDF
shall be consumed solely at your own risk.
No part of this report may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form whatsoever, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or
by any informational storage or retrieval system
without the express written, dated, and signed
permission from the author (Jeremy Ethier). All
copyrights are reserved.
Built With Science™
may not be copied or
used for any purpose
without express
written consent.
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