1 Table of Contents THE UNITY 03 05 09 09 10 11 12 12 13 17 17 18 19 20 21 FROM JOHN FROM DAVE WHAT IS POWERBUILDING? MAX EFFORT WORK DYNAMIC WORK CALCULATING YOUR 1 REP MAXIMUM BODYBUILDING METHOD LOG BOOKING AND PROGRESSIONS PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER – THE SCIENCE THE SPLIT RECOVERY NUTRITION RECOVERY LIFESTYLE BAND WORK NUTRITION PROPER INTENSITY 23 ABOUT JOHN 24 ABOUT DAVE POWERBUILDING TRAINING PROGRAM 26 WEEK 1 43 WEEK 2 58 WEEK 3 74 WEEK 4 90 WEEK 5 106 WEEK 6 122 WEEK 7 138 WEEK 8 154 WEEK 9 2 The unity Powerbuilding Training Program In the DC Universe, there are three “Mother Boxes” that when combined form a “Unity”. The Unity is an extremely powerful singular box that essentially allows you to take over the world and make it your own. We are not necessarily shooting for world domination, but we are shooting to conquer a worldwide lack of muscular development and strength. We will beat puniness and weakness once and for all as we combine bodybuilding and powerlifting to form the ultimate “Unity”. FROM JOHN I remember walking into the gym for the first time at 12 years old in 1984. I had been training in our home basement with old plastic weights doing my best to imitate the routines of Lee Haney, Tom Platz, and others. Any training routine I read about in Muscle and Fitness, I tried. When I walked into that gym the first thing I saw was a guy they called big Mike doing EZ bar lying triceps extensions with two 45 lb. plates on each side. Wow, that looked insane. Then I saw another guy, big Gary, benching 365, which seemed like a ton to me. I quickly figured out the biggest guys in the gym, were also the strongest. As I got older and eventually went to college, I joined World Gym East. It was a legendary gym that just about all the best local bodybuilders trained at. There I met the local legends Nick Bowman, Mark O’Hara, and others. They all did both powerlifting and bodybuilding. They were good at both too. They took me under their wing and began to teach me what powerlifting was. I still remember them having me deadlift for the first time in my life there (I did 500!). 3 Being in Columbus I was lucky enough to run into people who were training at Westside Barbell as well. Westside is obviously legendary and only open to a select few. When the opportunity came for me to train there, I gladly took it! Now I would be training alongside the best powerlifters in the world! I soaked up everything Louie taught me, as well as all the other lifters. I never really said much, I was too interested in learning and hearing what they liked to do. It was incredible. I would train at Westside on the west side of Columbus, and then get in my beater of a car (Renault Alliance with a bent frame) and race back over to the East side to train at Worlds. It was not uncommon for me to do my squat workout at Westside, then call some friends and have them load the leg press up for me at Worlds. When I arrived there I would walk straight to the leg press and get busy. While at Westside I also met a guy named Dave Tate who would have a tremendous influence on my career. I got an e-mail from Dave back around 2000 asking me to assist him with some bodybuilding specific training. I traded my first ever written training program (Pain and Suffering) to Dave for some new chains that I could incorporate into my training. Man, I was so excited to get those chains! I ended up training with Dave that weekend, and the rest was history. We continued to train together, and when I tell you we trained hard, we trained at a level I have rarely seen. We were always incorporating elements of both powerlifting and bodybuilding into what we were doing. This isn’t theory for us, we lived it, for decades! I ended up winning my IFBB pro card in bodybuilding training there, and I do not believe I would have been able to do this without Dave. He was instrumental in my development not just physically, but mentally. Dave and I began talking about doing this program for you all back in the first quarter of 2020. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 we did not pursue it, as people just didn’t have access to gyms for a long 4 time. Not all do now, but we are tired of waiting and wanted to move forward with this project. Some of what you will see in this program is what Dave and I would do. Some of what we did probably won’t make it into the program, as we did go overboard on occasion (many times – ha). I hope you enjoy this. Dave and I are especially appreciative of all your support over the years, and we hope to continue to assist you in your efforts to achieve your personal best! FROM DAVE Reading over John’s introduction brought back many memories. It reminded me how we had traveled the same journey, albeit on different paths. I was introduced to strength training around the same age (and time) as John. Three hours away, in a small Ohio town, my wrestling coach pushed us through a series of movements using a universal machine. Not a good athlete (at the time), I was stronger than everyone else... and I loved it, and not long after, I received a weight set for Christmas. I didn’t ask for it, never expected it, and had no idea how it would completely change my life trajectory. It didn’t take long for my father to see my passion for training and getting into trouble. These two passions led him to reach out to a small private barbell club owner in town. He also happened to be on the local Police force, so my father saw this as a way to keep me in line and feed my passion for training. This is where I was introduced to the sport of powerlifting. I was 13 years old and loved it. It was tough to find information on Powerlifting back then. All the magazines and books you could see were on bodybuilding (and I read them all). If you were lucky, there might have been one article or one section on powerlifting. What I was learning about strength and the sport of powerlifting was 5 100% in the trenches from many lifters who (for some unknown reason) took the time out to help me. The learning-disabled kid with low grades and a not-so-right attitude. The training gave me something I could control. The harder I trained, the more control I had, the more respect I gained, the greater my confidence grew, and the better athlete I became. It changed my life. In all of my years under the bar, I have had to fight and find balance. Not the balance most people speak about but the “training hard” balance. There are different types of “training hard”. On one extreme, you have the heavy max effort work, and on the other side, you have what John would call challenge sets. I LOVE both of these, but they conflict with each other (badly). You have to recover from your training and what you do needs to lead to the desired results. As a competitor, you get to a point where you need to pick your battles, leave ego at the door, and train to get better. This is the balance I struggled with. Strangely, there were many times I would train my ass into the ground, knowing full well it would hurt my performance in the end. I was okay with this and have paid the price for it. If you are like this, trust me, I “get it”. Very few people ever will. I think this was part of the reason I reached out to John in 2010. I knew his reputation and remembered him from his time at Westside. Most (amongst all) of the people I’ve consulted with post-2005 (when I stopped competing) recommended or suggested I dial it back. Dial back what? I would ask. Dial back the heavy triples and singles, or dial back the all-out challenge sets? I was always told, both. 6 To me, that made me question why train at all. All these intentions were coming from the right place and not altogether wrong. I had more than two decades competing and pushing my body over the edge (I have wear and tear to validate this). Part of me thought John would understand this. The other part of me wanted to know if he really trained as hard as I read and was told. It’s one thing to talk about the “I train hard” game, and it’s another to do It. We all think we train really hard until you train with someone who trains harder than you. After that first leg session, I knew this was exactly what I was looking for, and part of me wanted to see if he would quit. Shortly after, I believe he felt the same thing about me, and things began to get insane. If there was an edge, we crossed it, adapted to it, found another edge, and so on. This would have kept going, and I can only speculate how far, but there is always a point of diminishing returns. While my competitive days were behind me, John was taking a final run at his pro card. Some things were not worth the risk, not just in injury but recovery. As we used to joke, we had to find a way to better structure and control all the “stupid shit.” I also began to miss the heavy, heavy singles. At this point in John’s career, these had little to no value, but I love those more than he would like “chasing the pump.” Remember, the same passion for training intensity but two different journeys. 7 For a couple of years, we just stacked things on top of each other. Then we had to find a way to blend them all into a scheme that would satisfy the training passion but allow for long-term adaption and progression. When John suggested we develop this program, I was all in. The main reason was we now have all components I feel make this valuable. We lived it. We took things too far, dialed back, dialed back too far, found the right balance only to have it screw up again. We figured it out by trial and error over many years. We have also been removed enough from it to look back critically. This is more important than most people think because you only see what you want to see when you are too close. This bias makes it harder to think about how what you are suggesting can be used by others most positively. Case in point, you ever notice how most trainers and coaches HIGHLY recommend their clients and followers do exactly what they are doing at the time? Think about it. This brings us to this program. 8 WHAT IS POWERBUILDING? Powerbuilding simply means combing some aspects of powerlifting and bodybuilding together. Generally, this will mean: • Using the big 3 lifts as the foundation of the program – squat, bench, deadlift • Max effort work - Incorporating specific heavy lower rep range targets more common to powerlifting • Dynamic effort work - Incorporating some medium weight dynamic speed work that powerlifters use for rate of force development • Using isolation work that is more common for bodybuilders • Using more of a variety of movements in order to achieve maximal development of each muscle group common for both powerlifters and bodybuilders • Incorporating medium to high rep pump work more specific to bodybuilding Combine all this intelligently, and you get powerbuilding. MAX EFFORT WORK Part of our program will consist of max effort work. If you have not done this before, you are in for a treat. Max effort work generally means you are going to work up to 90% of your 1 rep max for 1 repetition. After this you are going to attempt a 100% rep. In other words, do the best you can do. The goal being a PR. We have a little different view on this through our experiences. We will not be doing heavy singles weekly. It is not necessary. We will do some lower rep sets however, that will be very heavy. It will become extremely important that you use perfect form to avoid injury. We have included multiple technique videos to ensure you have the know how to accomplish this. You will also see where 9 we advise you to simply hold a weight for a few seconds before starting a set, and then holding it again for a few seconds before racking the weights. You will be warming up well, and our pre-max bodybuilding exercises will also serve to protect you as you go all out. We will use some rotation on this exercise(s) to ensure: • Weak areas are addressed • You avoid accommodation (your body’s nervous and muscular system adapting to the same exercises over and over) • Longevity as keeping the same exercises with no rotation often results in injury The max effort method ensures maximal motor unit recruitment as well, but more on that later. Building maximal strength goes a long way in many different aspects. The obvious thing is that you will get physically stronger. You can push more weight, drag more weight, etc. If you can move more weight, you will generally develop more muscle fiber size through increasing levels of mechanical tension. Bigger muscles (larger muscle fibers) can potentially produce more force. Bottom line, more strength can create more muscle. It’s a winwin. You will see this especially in the beginner to intermediate phases of training. It will get tougher as you enter the advanced stages of training, which could be 10 years or more into training. Unfortunately, you can’t get infinitely stronger. DYNAMIC WORK Part of our program will also consist of dynamic work. With this method, you will be using much lighter weight, probably closer to 55-75% of your 1 rep max. By itself, it will not make you big, but carefully woven into your program, it will make you explosive. 10 This method is specifically to improve your rate of force development. In other words, produce force, a lot of it, and fast. This is particularly useful for athletes. The best athletes are explosive and can produce force very quickly. We want you to be explosive, so you can push more weight. This is also useful for conditioning. You will be doing a phase where the volume of your dynamic work ramps up in order to accomplish this. This type of work is also, well, fun! It is enjoyable blasting the weight up explosively. For your dynamic work you will be using a percentage of your 1 rep maximum. CALCULATING YOUR 1 REP MAXIMUM Rep Max Calculator - All Things Gym Using this link, you will be able to calculate your 1 rep maximum. This is a really cool tool. It shows you your max based on all the different formulas out there. You DO NOT have to do a 1 rep max. You can do your 5 rep max and enter the number and it will give you a guesstimate. We would suggest doing something like a 3 or even 5 rep max to get your number. Let’s take a look. Below I entered 400 for 3 reps. Go down to the 3RM and you will see this. Across the top you see all the different formulas and their calculation for the 1 rep max. We want you to use the lowest number. In this case it would be 11 the Brzycki result which says a 423 max. Is this the most accurate? Maybe, maybe not. We simply want to be conservative here as went extremely aggressive in our progressions through the program as you will soon see. BODYBUILDING METHOD We will also be using traditional bodybuilding methods. Typically, this consists of 75-85% of your 1 rep max loads done to failure or close to it. Many times, we also finish an exercise with a high intensity technique that actually takes you beyond failure. This work is very demanding and will require you to have hyper focus on recovery so that you don’t overtrain. LOG BOOKING AND PROGRESSIONS This program is going to lay out some very aggressive progressions for you week to week. The progressions will always be in bold type. This is an example. In week 2 you add 2 more reps to your working sets than you did in week 1 using the same weight. Leg press – Use a narrow stance with your feet in the middle of the platform. This is going to hit your quads hard. Do a few warm up sets then 2 tough sets of 12 using the same weight you did last week for 10. Use the same weight as last week but try to get 2 additional reps. 2 total work sets Full transparency here. We do not expect you to hit every single progression. What we do expect, is for you to give it your all. Give every single bit of effort you can muster. That is what we expected from each other, and what we expect from you. We held ourselves to a high standard, and this also applies to you. Even if you hit only 25% of these, you will come a long way by the end. Knowing this, be sure to use a log book. Old school pen and paper is fine. You don’t have to use a fancy spreadsheet unless that is your preference. 12 PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER – THE SCIENCE Let’s look at motor unit recruitment. Motor units are part of your nervous system and the muscle fibers they talk to. The motor neurons (as seen in the diagram) tell your muscles fibers to produce force. We have what we call high threshold motor units (HTMUs) and low threshold motor units (LTMUs). The HTMUs have larger nerve cells that control hundreds of muscle fibers. This means that they produce much more force than a LTMU. This is because the LTMUs contain a small nerve cell that drives less muscle fibers. It is also key to understand the “Heneman Size Principle”. This states that motor units are recruited from smallest to largest. When you use lighter weights, your body will call upon the LTMUs first. It is not until the body needs to produce high levels of force that the HTMUs are called into action. This is key. You want maximal activation. This simply means you want every possible muscle fiber to fire and produce force. When you use the max effort method you are using loads that are so heavy, your body has to produce as much force as it can. This means full engagement of LTMUs and HTMUs. This is a good thing. What about the dynamic effort work? It is lighter so you might have thought to yourself this will not require full activation. You were kind of correct. The key is how explosive you train. In other words, how much effort do you put into driving the bar up. You also engage HTMUs when you need to produce maximum force fast. If you push the bar up as fast as you can, you also have maximal 13 activation. The same is even true with a vertical leap. If you jump as high as you can, with max effort, you do get maximum motor unit activation. So, your next question might be, then why don’t we just lift light weights fast? Well unfortunately it is not that easy. Muscle growth itself, requires mechanical tension. This happens when smaller filaments of muscle called actin and myosin overlap, and a process call cross-bridging occurs. This process enables muscle fibers to sort of “lock in” and produce force. When they stay connected, the result is mechanical tension. This results in the potential for muscle growth. If you think about the max effort work, you can really understand this more clearly. You are fighting against the heavy weight, grinding to get it up. During this, your actin and myosin filaments are overlapped, and your body is producing maximum force and tension. Let’s go back to your original question on light weights. The crossbridge process mentioned works, but the fast velocity of the bar moving up and down causes the “attachments” to detach often. They do not stay connected the throughout the whole set. This means you do not reach high levels of mechanical tension and 14 therefore do not grow. That is why you can’t just jump up and down and get huge quads. Again, the dynamic work does teach you to be explosive and powerful though, so the method will help you become your best. The bodybuilding method (medium repetition ranges) also covers this well. The loads are close to what is needed to achieve maximum muscle fiber recruitment, but not all the way. When you perform a set to failure, or especially beyond failure, you are covered though. Here is why. You may not engage all the HTMUs from the start, but as muscle fibers fatigue, more are called into play to help you perform additional reps. The closer you get to failure, the more you are calling in all the reserve fibers that may not have been engaged from the start. This is why research from well respected researchers like Brad Schoenfeld is showing that lighter weight and higher reps can create just as much hypertrophy as traditional bodybuilding reps. Failure, or close to it, is key. Reality and our experience Let’s talk about the application of this a little more. The gold nuggets of info are always in the context and application of theory. Lifting at 85-90% of your 1 rep maximum ensures you have very high levels of activation as we just learned. This means more muscle fibers will contract. There is a caveat here though. If you like these ranges, and tend to use it exclusively, you are likely headed for trouble. Brad Schoenfeld’s work showed that 3 sets of 10 and 7 sets of 3 produced similar gains in size. Internet gurus all cheered and declared they would now just stick with sets of 3. The problem was after the study concluded, the 7 sets of 3 group were beaten up and battered. 15 Those of us who know training saw this coming. It is common sense really. So, the downside is the risk of injury when only focused on lower rep ranges. It is extremely hard on connective tissue and will most certainly cause some injuries down the line, possibly even tears. Training with only these ranges is not conducive to staying in one piece, nor practical. Having said that, these reps can make you stronger though which does have benefits to overall size, thus we will be careful in application. What about higher reps? Brad also carried out research on higher reps vs traditional reps. In this case sets of 8 -12 vs sets of 25 – 35. The results were that muscle gains were once again very similar. Now we have a solution to always staying injury free right? Let’s examine further. To reiterate, lighter loads such as 40-60% mean you will only have so much muscle fiber activation initially. You need to produce less force, so less muscle fibers need to be recruited. You will therefore need to exhaust those muscle fibers to call in others to help as the earlier engaged fibers fatigue. Here comes the reality check. When you get into these higher reps, there is usually an accompanying amount of extreme burning and pain. You will need to work through this. You have to get closer to failure in order to achieve full motor unit activation as mentioned earlier. Can you work through the burn and get close to failure, or will the burn stop you in your tracks? Can you do it on all sets if training specifically in this range? How long can you handle that? The other poignant thing to mention is that researchers such as Chris Beardsley are showing that CNS fatigue is likely more due to these higher rep sets to failure, than training with heavier loads and lower reps. In summary, this kind of training if done right is extremely painful and can be draining. There is a reward though. There is nothing like 16 a skin splitting pump that turns your skin purple and makes your veins stand out like roadmaps. In summary, the program in our view should contain a heavy dose of traditional bodybuilding reps, but for maximum strength benefit and longevity, the other rep ranges need to be included in a well thought way. THE SPLIT Here is what the training split looks like. If you need to add in an extra rest day, feel free. It is very important to recover well from each workout. If you recover well, we prefer you follow this model. The hardest days are days 4 and 5 so having 2 days of rest after is very beneficial. Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Lower w/ Dynamic Upper Push w/ Dynamic Back / Pull Lower w/ Max Effort Upper Push w/ Max Effort OFF OFF RECOVERY NUTRITION With this focus on intensity, and especially the higher volume days on Day 4 and 5, comes the need for hyper focus on recovery to get maximum results. We highly recommend using an amino, electrolyte, and carb drink intra for maximum recovery. This will stimulate insulin response and you will drive more aminos and carbs into muscle and the recovery process is heightened. It also increases blood flow and supports your immune system FYI. Most males would do well with 6-10 grams of essential aminos, and 40-50 grams of carbs. Titrate the carbs up or down depending on your size. The goal is to greatly reduce soreness. When you do this, all of the right things are happening internally. 17 Most females would do well with 6 grams of aminos and 20-30 of carbs. Again, titrate up or down depending on size and amount of muscle. Our product choices are: Recovery from Granite Supplements - Recovery | Evidence Based Intra Workout Blend | Granite Supplements - Start with one scoop during training. If the body part doesn’t get excessively sore and recovers fast you are good to go. If it still gets pretty sore add a scoop of the intra-carb below to it. If it still gets sore add 8 oz of Gatorade in on top of that. Intra Carb | High Performance Carbohydrate Blend | Granite Supplements You can use code Powerbuilder15 to get 15% off your first order. RECOVERY LIFESTYLE With this focus on intensity make it your mission in life to reduce stress outside of the gym, and to get a full night’s sleep every single night. This will greatly enhance recovery as well. Generally, you want to get 5 full sleep cycles. Every cycle is about 90 minutes. As you can see from the chart below, earlier sleep cycles are heavier in non-REM sleep. Later sleep cycles are heavier in REM sleep (indicated in red). This is important because of these benefits: • Non-REM is physically restorative. You release GH, clear waste products, and resupply energy stores just to name a few things • REM is mentally restorative. Your memory is especially impacted positively 18 Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Awake REM sleep Non-REM stage 1 Non-REM stage 2 Non-REM stage 3 (formerly stage 3 & 4) 11pm 12pm 1am 2am 3am 4am 5am 6am 7am Some tips for better sleep include: • Turn off all electronics 2 hours before bed, or at a minimum turn off the blue light on your mobile devices 1-2 hours prior • Make your bedroom as dark as possible • Make the temperature in your room around 65ĚŠ (keep it cool) • Read a book or do something that relaxes you before retiring • Do not take later afternoon naps, 20-30 minute naps around lunch are ok BAND WORK Band work is sprinkled into the program lightly at various points as well. Here are the bands you will need from EliteFTS.net if you want to incorporate them: • 2 orange micro mini band (for face pulls and for women to use on chest press machines) • 2 red long pro minis (for chest presses and pullovers) • 1 red short pro mini band (for spidercrawls) 19 • 1 pro light band for assisted chins, pullovers, and banded good mornings • 1 pro average band for assisted chins and banded good mornings NUTRITION We wrote this program with the intention of it being used to gain size. If you are looking for a starting point, then try this: Multiply your bodyweight x 20 for your total calories. For example, Louie weighs 200 lbs., so this is 4,000 calories daily. Multiply your bodyweight x 1.25 for daily grams of protein. The 200 lbs. person thus needs 250 grams of protein daily. Multiply your bodyweight x .5 for daily grams of fat. The 200 lbs. person thus needs 100 grams of fat daily. The rest of your calories should be consumed as carbs. In this example, the 250 grams equal 1,000 calories (a gram of protein = 4 calories.) The 100 grams of fat equal 900 calories (a gram of fat = 9 calories.) 4,000 total calories minus the 1,900 calories from protein and fat leaves Louie with 2,100 calories. 2,100 calories / 4 = 525 grams of carbs. * a gram of carbs equals 4 calories. I’ll add another example below for your daily macros. Our Hero Bodyweight Total calories Protein Fat Carbs Louie 200 4,000 250 100 525 Brittany 125 2,500 156 63 327 20 PROPER INTENSITY It is also critical to work at the right level of intensity regarding going to failure. Going too hard or too easy can compromise results. We have taken the guesswork out of this and will give you an “RPE” on exercises that are not percentage based. RPE stands for rate of perceived exertion. Follow the RPE suggestion for each exercise to ensure you are training at the correct intensity level. Also, be sure to watch this video. (25) (RPE & RIR) Should You Use Them | My Thoughts - YouTube Rate of Perceived Exertion Flow Chart Fairly easy like a warm-up weight @ 6.0 You can do 4-6 more reps @ 7.0 You can do 2-3 more reps @ 8.0 You have 2 more reps left in the tank @ 8.5 You have 1 more rep left in the tank @ 9.0 Went to failure at perfect form @ 10 Went to failure with loose form after perfect reps completed @ 11 Used a high intensity technique to push beyond failure @ 12 Used multiple high intensity techniques/go apeshit set! @ 13 Click on any one of the tags for an example Generally, (not always) I count sets that are 7.0 and above as working sets. 21 ***FEEDER SETS – We will mention feeder sets often in the program. They are extremely important. These are low rep sets designed to get you to your working sets carefully, so you do not get injured or exhaust your muscles too soon. Not doing these sets is why many people have been injured executing low volume/high intensity workout plans. These are not official sets as the intensity is extremely low on these. 22 ABOUT JOHN John is an IFBB Professional bodybuilder, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Sports Nutritionist. John has presented multiple times at one of the most prestigious health and fitness seminars in the world known as the SWIS Symposium. He has also lectured across the world in Canada, Australia, Scotland, England, Ireland, and the US. John is currently coaching junior high football in central Ohio. John has competed over 60 times as an amateur bodybuilder and over 10 times as a professional in addition to coaching thousands of people over the course of his 3 decades in the industry. Though not currently competing John continues to connect with and educate through his rapidly growing YouTube channel with a current subscriber base of over 500,000 people and Instagram channel with around 300,000. John continues to be recognized by his peers as one of if not the most influential professional bodybuilders in the industry. John owns and operates a website called Mountain Dog Diet and also owns a supplement company called Granite Supplements which has been recognized for its elite level formulas. Most importantly John is a husband and father of twin boys. His wife Mary often makes guest appearances in his videos and his boys Alexander the Yoyo king and Rubik’s cube solver, and Jonathan the gymnastic Spiderman of the family, do as well. 23 ABOUT DAVE Dave has been involved in strength & conditioning for over forty years and competed in powerlifting from 1983 to 2004. He has squatted over 900 pounds in competition and achieved elite rankings in multiple weight classes. As mentor and training partner to numerous athletes, he has logged more than 40,000 hours of training and consulting with other professional, elite, and beginner athletes and scores of trainers and coaches. With more than 20 books and over 2000 articles for several magazines and websites, Dave also has spoken at over 100 industry events and earned the SWIS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. His company, elitefts, is responsible for helping educate lifters and has outfitted thousands of gyms since 1998. Make - A - Wish. Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Presented elitefts with The 2014 Strength Award for Outstanding Contribution in a region. Dave is married to elitefts co-founder Traci Arnold-Tate where they live in Ohio with their two sons. Personal Credo: Live, Learn, Pass on™ 24 BLOCK 1 OF 3 WEEK 1 25 Week 1 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 13 sets (10 of these are Legs 5 exercises 12 sets Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 15 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 6 exercises 22 sets 8 exercises 34 sets dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 11 sets (9 of these are Shoulders 2 exercises 5 sets Triceps dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 7 sets 6 exercises 23 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets dynamic speed sets) Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 10 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 7 sets 8 exercises 23 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 26 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 13 sets (10 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 22 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls On dynamic squat days we are going to go hard on our leg curls. This will help your hams grow and will have little to no effect on your squat velocity once you get used to them. You will do 3-4 warm up sets and then go right into the high intensity set. It will consist of doing 8 reps, then dropping the weight and doing another 8, followed by 10 slow partials out of the stretch position. 1 total work set This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set (low rep sets designed to get you to your top set without exhausting you) 110 x 8, 90 x 8, 90 x 10 partials – RPE 13 Rest Period – N/A – only 1 work set (17) Lying leg curl with partials 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats Today is dynamic squat day. You are going to use a moderately wide stance. On the leg presses below you will see we use a narrower stance. These two exercises will always be the opposite of each other in set up/stance for overall power and muscular development purposes during this phase. We really focus on speed and producing maximum force as fast as we can here. These squats will feel light. Keep the rest periods to 30 sec. You will be using a percentage of your 1 rep max squat on these. It is tempting to go heavier, but do not do it. These percentages are set for a reason. This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 275 for 10 x 2 - This assumes 275 is 55% of your 1 rep max. 27 Save the heavier squats for later in the week. You will be squatting to a parallel box on these. This can be a bench or box or anything else solid. Do not drop onto the box carelessly. Follow all the instructions Dave and John demonstrate in the video below carefully. We will be adding more sets of these during this training block as we go. Do 10 sets of 2 here. 10 total work sets Rest Period – 30 seconds between work sets Work set % – 55% (16) Dynamic Squats With Dave Tate (How & Why) 3/ Legs | Leg press Use a narrow stance with your feet in the middle of the platform. This is going to hit your quads hard. Do a few warm up sets then 2 tough sets of 10. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 2 plates per side x 6 – Feeder to get feel of movement 3 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 4 plates per side x 10 – RPE 8 4 plates per side x 10 – RPE 8 4/ Low back | Barbell hyperextensions Do these nice and slow. They are brutal. Make sure you are set up on the pad correctly. You should feel this in your low back, hams, and glutes. Do 3 sets of 8. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets (2) Exercise Index - Barbell Hyperextensions This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up 135 x 8 – RPE 8 135 x 8 – RPE 8 135 x 8 – RPE 8 5/ Abs | Decline leg raise Watch the video below for proper form. I’d like to see 3 sets of 10 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 Exercise Index - Decline leg raises This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out this exercise 28 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Do 3 heavy sets of 8 here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 3 total work sets In between ALL sets of calves, you will be doing tibialis anterior work. Do sets of 25. See the link below for options on how to do this. This is for every calf workout you do from here on out! This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder 175 x 8 – RPE 9-10 175 x 8 – RPE 9-10 175 x 8 – RPE 9-10 Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets (48) Exercise Index - Tibia Raises 29 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 11 sets (9 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 2 exercises 5 sets Triceps 2 exercise 7 sets 6 exercises 23 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches Today is dynamic bench day. This means we really focus on speed and producing maximum force as fast as we can. You will be using a percentage of your 1 rep max bench on these. It is tempting to go heavier, but do not do it. These percentages are set for a reason. Use 3 different grips here. We demonstrate this in the video below as well. The first 3 sets are with a grip one finger away from the smooth part of the bar. The next 3 sets are where your pinky will be on the ring. The last 3 sets your forefinger will be on the ring. Do 9 sets of 3 here. 9 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 225 for 9 x 3 - This assumes 225 is 55% of your 1 rep max. For work sets use 55% of max weight. Rest Period – 30 seconds between work sets Work set % – 55% 3 Dynamic Bench Grips (Increase Strength) 30 2/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press I love small angles both incline and decline for chest. Just put a 25 under the end of the bench where your head is. If you have a really good adjustable bench, you can do the setting that is a tad higher (more like 15-20 degrees). Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up set 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and go to failure – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes (48) Slight angle dumbell press 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press You should be pretty warmed up but make sure you still do 1-2 feeder sets to get the feel of the angle and weight. I want a tough set of 8 then 5. Please keep form perfect on these sets. Stop just short of failure. No sloppy form allowed here. Use a medium grip here. For hand placement, your pinkies will go on the rings. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 105 x 4 – Feeder set 135 x 8 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 155 x 5 – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) (4) Exercise Index - High Incline Smith Press Pro Tip Stopping an inch or two short of touching your chest will take away significant stress from the rotator cuff and keep your shoulders healthier. 4/ Shoulders | Dumbbell Y raises Raise the dumbbells to 10 and 2 o’clock and feel the burn! Do 3 sets of 12 here. The key tips in the video are at about 2 minutes in. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 (41) Exercise Index - Incline Prone Laterals | Less Traps and Wider Shoulders Note – If you have had shoulder issues, I would advise adding in Spidercrawls here. 31 Spidercrawls We love these for shoulder health and rear delt pumps. Going up and down 3 times is 1 set. Go down below the waist and come up to over your head. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (41) Exercise Index - Spider Crawls For Rotator Cuff health This is an example of what it could look like: Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 5/ Triceps | Dual rope triceps extensions Do 4 sets of 12 here reaching failure. 4 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 120 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 120 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 120 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 120 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 (41) Exercise Index - Dual Rope Tricep Extensions 6/ Triceps | Dumbbell triceps kickouts Use a slow tempo and absolutely perfect form on these. Do 3 sets of 8. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (41) Dumbbell Tricep Kickout (Great 4 Growth) This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 32 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets 1/ Back | Chest supported row Use a machine that has a chest pad so you can eliminate lower back stress. Use a pronated grip (palms facing down). These are meant to target your lower traps, rhomboids, and rear delts. Do 3 sets of 8 here. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 90 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 140 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 (42) Supported Row for a “THICK BACK” Exercise Index 2/ Back | One arm barbell row The goal here is to work your lats hard. Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. Do two hard sets of 10 to start. Next up is your money set. Do around 10, where 10 is failure. If you do 9 or 11, that’s ok, we just need that last rep to be failure with good form. If you get 12 or more, you didn’t go heavy enough. After you do your 10, drop the weight 25-30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 5 – Feeder set 75 x 5 – Feeder set 100 x 10 – RPE 10 100 x 10 – RPE 10 100 x 10, then 75 x 10 – RPE 12 *It is ok if you lose a few reps on these, as fatigue may start to set in. Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets (41) One Arm Barbell Row Great Back “THICKENER” (Exercise Index) 33 3/ Back | Banded pull ups Do 3 sets to failure here. See the video below on exactly how to do these. Most people use the long orange light band for these. If you are strong at these, you might use a long red pro mini band. If you can, try to get a really good lat stretch at the bottom and make sure you drive up as high as you can. You will feel a very unique pump in that upper and outer lat/teres area that is awesome. On the last set, hold your last rep in the middle part of the range of motion (isohold) for as long as you can. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (41) Exercise Inedex - Banded Pull Up This is an example of what it could look like: Pullups to failure – RPE 10 Pullups to failure – RPE 10 Pullups to failure, isohold at midrange for as long as possible – RPE 12 Pro Tip Keep your sternum arched. In other words, don’t let your chest cave in, that engages your biceps more and your lats less. Drive your elbows down to lift your body, don’t think of pulling with your arms. Flex your lats hard throughout the range of motion! 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 30 here. High reps and fighting through burn equals growth for rear delts. They are also important stabilizers for your bench work. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 5/ Biceps | Slight incline hammer dumbbell curls You are going to do 1 warm up set first. Each work set will be 10 full reps, and then 5 slow partials out of the bottom. Do 3 sets like this. Go to 1:52 in the video to see the angle used. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 (41) 3 Types of Hammer Curls to Build *HUGE* Biceps 6/ Biceps | Preacher curls Do 3 working sets close to failure shooting for about 8 reps. Use slow and controlled form. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 34 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 5 exercises 12 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Calves 15 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 34 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls On max effort squat days we use a little more volume on our leg curls, as opposed to just sky high intensity. You will do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 3 hard sets of 10 reps. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Max effort barbell squats Today is maximal effort squat day. You will be working up to a tough set of 3 with perfect form. You will follow that up with 2 sets of 5 with 70% of your 1 rep squat max. Follow all the instructions Dave and John demonstrate in the video below carefully. Use a medium stance here. If you have a SS Yoke bar or a spider bar (John’s favorite), we prefer you use that here. If not use a high bar position. Stick with the bar you use here for the first 3 weeks during block 1. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 275 x 4 – Feeder set 315 x 3 – RPE 8 275 x 5 – 70% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 275 x 5 – 70% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) Work set % – 70% on last 2 sets Power Building Leg Workout (Get Big & Strong) - YouTube 35 3/ Speed pulls These are standard conventional deadlifts done with high velocity. Use a double overhand grip with straps. You are going to be using 55% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift to do 15 singles. Follow all the instructions Dave and John demonstrate in the video below carefully. 15 total work sets For work sets use 55% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Warm up 185 x 3 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 275 for 15 x 1 - This assumes 275 is 55% of your 1 rep max. Rest Period – 10 seconds between work sets Work set % – 55% (How To) Speed Pulls with John Meadows & Dave Tate 4/ Legs | Hack squat Use the foot placement that allows you to use the most range of motion safely. We like these to be done deep. You are going to work up to a hard set of 8 for your first set. On your next set, you are doing a cluster set. We added a video below describing cluster sets. It is basically 3 mini sets in one with 20 second breaks. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 1 plate per side x 6 – Feeder set 2 plates per side x 4 – Feeder set 3 plates per side x 8 – RPE 8 3 plates per side x 8, rest 20 seconds and then go very close to failure, rest 20 seconds and then go right up to failure – RPE 13 (48) How To Use “Cluster Sets” | High Intensity Techniques 5/ Legs | Bulgarian drop set of death Get right mentally for this. Do 3 sets of 5 working your way up with dumbbells. These are meant to be easy, and not brutal. However, the work set will be brutal. You will use the dumbbells that you used working up for a drop set. Each set will involve 8 reps ending with an 8 second isohold then dropping the weight. If you do the isohold right it will feel like a knife going into your glute. See the rep scheme and video below for all the details. Make sure you rest 3 minutes before doing the 2nd leg. You will need the break. Do not rush straight into the 2nd leg. 1 total work set This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 30 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 40 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 50 lbs. x 8 and then an 8 second isohold near the top, then drop to 40 lbs. x 8 and an 8 second isohold, then drop to 30 lbs. and repeat, and finally 20 lbs. to finish. Many people cannot complete this and do bodyweight only at the end. Let’s see how you do. – RPE 13 Rest Period – Rest 3 minutes and then do other leg. (48) Bulgarian Drop Set Of Death - Hardcore Leg Workout 36 6/ Legs | Barbell stiff legged deadlifts You are going to be pretty smoked at this point, and your quads will have a massive pump. Do these nice and slow. Do 3 sets of 8. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 4 – Feeder set 185 x 8 – RPE 8 185 x 8 – RPE 8 185 x 8 – RPE 8 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Do 4 sets of 15 here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. Don’t forget to do your tibialis work in between sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | Sit ups Make sure you watch the video below for proper form on these, as they are not just a standard sit up. I’d like to see 3 sets of 10 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out exercis RPE 8-10 (25) Exercise Index - How To Do a Proper Sit Up 37 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 10 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 7 sets 8 exercises 23 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Slight decline dumbbell press Put a 25 under the end of the bench where your feet are. Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25’s x 20 – Warm up 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 6 – Feeder set 85’s x 6 – Feeder set 105’s x4 – Feeder set 120’s x 8 – RPE 9 120’s x 8. Dropped to 90 and got 6 more – RPE 12 2/ Chest | Max effort medium grip high incline benches Today is a maximal strength bench day. There is a really heavy emphasis on shoulders and triceps here. This grip allows for more range of motion as your elbows should be tucked in slightly (not flared). This is key, and also aids in injury prevention. You are going to work up to a set of 3 here with perfect form. You will then follow that up with 2 sets of 2 with 80% of your 1 rep maximum done with a very slow and controlled tempo. Lower with a 3 count. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set Work set % – 80% on last 2 sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 205 x 3 – RPE 9 200 x 2 (slow tempo) - This assumes 200 is 80% of your 1 rep max. (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 200 x 2 (slow tempo) - This assumes 200 is 80% of your 1 rep max. (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 38 3/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press Put a 25 under the end of the bench where your head is. If you have a really good adjustable bench, you can do the setting that is a tad higher (more like 15-20 degrees). Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 4 – Feeder set 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and get 6 more – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 4/ Chest | Dips Make sure you watch the video on these to use the form we suggest. Try to do these with your feet out in front as shown in the video. If you can’t that is ok. Also, do not keep your elbows tight to your body, let them travel out a little bit. Shoot for 3 sets of around 8 to 10 reps. If you can do more than that, simply add weight. If you can’t do that, use an assist machine. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets (48) How To Perform The Perfect Dip (Must Try Tips) 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell heavy side lateral partials/swings Do 1 warm up set here before doing your heavy sets. Do 3 hard sets of 20 reps here. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets Exercise Index - Partial Dumbbell Side Laterals This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 35 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 35 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 35 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 15 here today. We are bringing the reps down from earlier in the week to use a little more weight. All of this rear delt work is going to pay off. You will have sledgehammer rear delts. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 135 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 135 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 39 7/ Triceps | Kettlebell Tate press Do 4 sets of 12 here reaching failure. If you do not have kettlebells you can use dumbbells. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets Exercise Index - Kettlebell Tate Press For Triceps This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 25 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 25 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 25 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 8/ Triceps | Dumbbell lying extensions Use a slow tempo and absolutely perfect form on these. Do these lying on the floor and pause each rep at the bottom. Do 3 sets of 8. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 (48) Exercise Index - Lying Tricep Extensions 40 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 41 BLOCK 1 OF 3 WEEK 2 PROGRESSIONS ARE IN BOLD DO YOUR BEST TO HIT ALL THE NEW GOALS! 42 Week 2 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 18 sets (15 of these are Legs 5 exercises 13 sets Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 15 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 6 exercises 27 sets 8 exercises 35 sets dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 14 sets (12 of these are Shoulders 2 exercises 5 sets Triceps dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 7 sets 6 exercises 26 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets dynamic speed sets) Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 10 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 7 sets 8 exercises 23 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 43 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 18 sets (15 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 27 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Repeat what you did last week but add 5 additional partials out of the bottom for 15 partials as part of the last set. It will consist of doing 8 reps, then dropping the weight and doing another 8, followed by 15 slow partials out of the stretch position. 1 total work set This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up 70 x 12 – Warm up 90 x 6 – Feeder set 110 x 8, 90 x 8, 90 x 15 partials – RPE 13 Rest Period – N/A – only 1 work set 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats We are adding 5 additional sets here this week. Continue to focus on speed and producing force as fast as you can here. Do 15 sets of 2 here. 15 total work sets For work sets use 55% of your 1 rep maximum squat. Rest Period – 30 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 275 for 15 x 2 - This assumes 275 is 55% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 55% 44 3/ Legs | Leg press Use a narrow stance with your feet in the middle of the platform. This is going to hit your quads hard. Do a few warm up sets then 2 tough sets of 12 using the same weight you did last week for 10. Use the same weight as last week but try to get 2 additional reps. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 2 plates per side x 6 – Feeder to get feel of movement 3 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 4 plates per side x 12 – RPE 8 4 plates per side x 12 – RPE 8 4/ Low back | Barbell hyperextensions Do these nice and slow. Try to add 2 additional reps to what you did last week with the same weight. Make sure you are set up on the pad correctly. You should feel this in your low back, hams, and glutes. Do 3 sets of 10. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – RPE 8 135 x 10 – RPE 8 135 x 10 – RPE 8 5/ Abs | Decline leg raise We would like to see 3 sets of 11 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 Exercise Index - Decline leg raises This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out this exercise 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Do 3 heavy sets of 10 here with the same weight you used last week for sets of 8. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 3 total work sets In between ALL sets of calves, you will be doing tibialis anterior work. Do sets of 25. This is for every calf workout you do from here on out! This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder 175 x 10 – RPE 9-10 175 x 10 – RPE 9-10 175 x 10 – RPE 9-10 Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets 45 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 14 sets (12 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 2 exercises 5 sets Triceps 2 exercise 7 sets 6 exercises 26 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches We are adding 3 additional sets here this week. Continue to focus on speed and producing maximum force as fast as you can. Remember to use 3 different grips here. The first 4 sets are with a grip one finger away from the smooth part of the bar. The next 4 sets are where your pinky will be on the ring. The last 4 sets your forefinger will be on the ring. Do 12 sets of 3 here. 12 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 225 for 12 x 3 - This assumes 225 is 55% of your 1 rep max. For work sets use 55% of max weight. Rest Period – 30 seconds between work sets Work set % – 55% 2/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. Try to use 5 lbs. more then what you used last week here. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 90’s x 8 – RPE 9 90’s x 8. Drop to 65’s and go to failure – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets (48) Slight angle dumbell press 46 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press You should be pretty warmed up but make sure you still do 1-2 feeder sets to get the feel of the angle and weight. On the work sets hold the first rep at the top for a 2 count. Next, do the rest of the reps with normal tempo. On the last rep, before racking, hold for a two count at the top again. This hold will be key for strength development We want a tough set of 8 then 5. Please keep form perfect on these sets. Try to beat what you did last week by at least 5 lbs. this week. No sloppy form allowed here. Use a medium grip here. For hand placement, your pinkies will go on the rings. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 4 – Feeder set 140 x 8 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 160 x 5 – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 4/ Shoulders | Dumbbell Y raises Raise the dumbbells to 10 and 2 o’clock and feel the burn! Do 3 sets of 14 here. This is 2 more reps than last week with the same weight. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20’s x 14 – RPE 9 20’s x 14 – RPE 9 20’s x 14 – RPE 9 Note – If you have had shoulder issues, I would advise adding in Spidercrawls here. Spidercrawls We are adding a set here for your progression. Next week we will go to 5 sets, then we will swap this out. Going up and down 3 times is 1 set. Go down below the waist and come up to over your head. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 5/ Triceps | Dual rope triceps extensions Do 4 sets of 12 here reaching failure. Go heavier this week on these and still get 12 reps on your sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 130 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 130 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 130 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 130 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 47 6/ Triceps | Dumbbell triceps kickouts Use a slow tempo and absolutely perfect form on these. Do 3 sets of 8. For your progression here, slow down your tempo even more than last week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 30’s x 8 – RPE 9 48 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets 1/ Back | Chest supported row Use a machine that has a chest pad so you can eliminate lower back stress. Use a pronated grip (palms facing down). These are meant to target your lower traps, rhomboids, and rear delts. Do 3 sets of 8 here again but try to add 10-20 lbs. more than you used last week. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 90 lbs. x 6 – Feeder set 150 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 2/ Back | One arm barbell row Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. Bump your reps to 12 this week with the same weight you used last week. Do two hard sets of 12 to start. Next up is your money set. After you do your 12, drop the weight 25-30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 5 – Feeder set 75 x 5 – Feeder set 100 x 12 – RPE 10 100 x 12 – RPE 10 100 x 12, then 75 x 10 – RPE 12 *It is ok if you lose a few reps on these, as fatigue may start to set in. Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 3/ Back | Banded pull ups Do 3 sets to failure here. On the last set, hold your last rep in the middle part of the range of motion (isohold) for as long as you can. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Pullups to failure – RPE 10 Pullups to failure – RPE 10 Pullups to failure, isohold at midrange for as long as possible – RPE 12 49 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 30 here. High reps and fighting through burn equals growth for rear delts. They are also important stabilizers for your bench work. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 5/ Biceps | Slight incline hammer dumbbell curls You are going to do 1 warm up set first. Each work set will be doing 10 full reps, and then 5 slow partials out of the bottom. Do 3 sets like this. Reduce your rest period by 15 seconds on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute and 45 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 6/ Biceps | Preacher curls Do 3 working sets close to failure shooting for about 8 reps. Use slow and controlled form. Reduce your rest period by 15 seconds on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute and 45 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 50 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 5 exercises 13 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Calves 15 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 35 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls We are adding one work set on these this week. You will do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 4 hard sets of 10 reps. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up 70 x 12 – Warm up 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 51 2/ Legs | Max effort barbell squats You will be working up to a tough set of 3 with perfect form. You will follow that up with 3 sets of 5 with 70%, 75%, and 70% of your 1 rep squat max. This is an additional set more then we did last week. The added set is also at 75%. Notice the holds on the first and last reps in the example below. This means holding the bar at the top, not bottom. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets Work set % – 70%, 75% and 70% on last 3 sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 275 x 4 – Feeder set 315 x 3 – RPE 8 275 x 5 – 70% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 285 x 5 – 75% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 275 x 5 – 70% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 3/ Speed pulls Remember to always use a double overhand grip with straps. You are going to be using 60% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift to do 15 singles. This is 5% more weight than last week, and you must keep your speed. 15 total work sets For work sets use 60% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift Rest Period – 10 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Warm up 185 x 3 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 285 for 15 x 1 - This assumes 285 is 60% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 60% 4/ Legs | Hack squat Use the foot placement that allows you to use the most range of motion safely. We like these to be done deep. You are going to work up to a hard set of 8 for your first set. On your next set, you are doing a cluster set. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 1 plate per side x 6 – Feeder to get feel of movement 2 plates per side x 4 – Feeder set 3 plates per side x 8 – RPE 8 3 plates per side x 8, rest 20 seconds and then go very close to failure, rest 20 seconds and then go right up to failure – RPE 13 52 5/ Legs | Bulgarian drop set of death Do 3 sets of 5 working your way up with dumbbells. These are meant to be easy, and not brutal. However, the work set will be brutal. You will use the dumbbells that you used working up for a drop set. Each set will involve 8 reps ending with an 8 second isohold then dropping the weight. Make sure you rest 3 minutes before doing the 2nd leg. You will need the break. Do not rush straight into the 2nd leg. 1 total work set Rest Period – Rest 3 minutes and then do other leg. This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 30 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 40 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 50 lbs. x 8 and then an 8 second isohold near the top, then drop to 40 lbs. x 8 and an 8 second isohold, then drop to 30 lbs. and repeat, and finally 20 lbs. to finish. Many people cannot complete this and do bodyweight only at the end. Let’s see how you do. – RPE 13 6/ Legs | Barbell stiff legged deadlifts You are going to be pretty smoked at this point, and your quads will have a massive pump. Do these nice and slow. Do 3 sets of 8. Try to increase your weight by 10 lbs. on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 4 – Feeder set 195 x 8 – RPE 8 195 x 8 – RPE 8 195 x 8 – RPE 8 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Do 4 sets of 15 here. Try to add 10 lbs. on all your sets here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. Don’t forget to do your tibialis work in between sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | Sit ups I’d like to see 3 sets of 11 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out exercis 53 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 10 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 7 sets 8 exercises 23 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Slight decline dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. Add 5 more lbs. this week to your dumbbells. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25’s x 20 – Warm up 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 6 – Feeder set 85’s x 6 – Feeder set 105’s x4 – Feeder set 125’s x 8 – RPE 9 125’s x 8. Dropped to 90 and got 6 more – RPE 12 2/ Chest | Max effort medium grip high incline benches Today is a maximal strength bench day. You are going to work up to a hard set of 3 here with perfect form. The goal is to beat what you did last week by 10 lbs. Notice how we implemented the holds here as well. Hold at the top, not the bottom. Own and control the weight. You will then follow that up with 2 sets of 4 (increased from 2) with 80% of your 1 rep maximum done with a very slow and controlled tempo. Lower the weight with a 3 count. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set Work set % – 80% on last 2 sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 215 x 3 – RPE 9. (Hold the start of the first rep for a two count and then hold the last rep for another 2 count before racking) 200 x 4 - This assumes 200 is 80% of your 1 rep max. (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 200 x 4 - This assumes 200 is 80% of your 1 rep max. (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 54 3/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 4 – Feeder set 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and go to failure – RPE 12 4/ Chest | Dips Shoot for 3 sets of around 8 to 10 reps. If you can do more than that, simply add weight. If you can’t do that, use an assist machine. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell heavy side lateral partials/swings Do 1 warm up set here before doing your heavy sets. Do 3 hard sets of 20 reps here. Try to use 5 more lbs. than you did last week and still get the reps. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 40 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 40 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 40 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 15 here today. We are bringing the reps down from earlier in the week to use a little more weight. All of this rear delt work is going to pay off. You will have sledgehammer rear delts. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 135 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 135 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 55 7/ Triceps | Kettlebell Tate press Do 4 sets of 12 here reaching failure. Do your best to use 5 more lbs. here, even 2.5’s would be good! If you do not have kettlebells you can use dumbbells. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 8/ Triceps | Dumbbell lying extensions Use a slow tempo and absolutely perfect form on these. Do these lying on the floor and pause each rep at the bottom. Do 3 sets of 10 using the same weight you used last week (you did 8 reps last week). 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 56 BLOCK 1 OF 3 WEEK 3 FINAL WEEK OF BLOCK 1 HIGHEST VOLUME WEEK OF BLOCK PROGRESSIONS ARE IN BOLD DO YOUR BEST TO HIT ALL THE NEW GOALS! 57 Week 3 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 23 sets (20 of these are Legs 5 exercises 13 sets Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 15 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 6 exercises 32 sets 8 exercises 35 sets dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 17 sets (15 of these are Shoulders 2 exercises 5 sets Triceps dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 7 sets 6 exercises 29 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets dynamic speed sets) Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 10 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 7 sets 8 exercises 23 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 58 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 23 sets (20 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 32 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Repeat what you did last week but add 5 additional partials out of the bottom for 20 partials as part of the last set. It will consist of doing 8 reps, then dropping the weight and doing another 8, followed by 20 slow partials out of the stretch position. These are going to burn like fire but work through it. 1 total work set This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set (low rep sets designed to get you to your top set without exhausting you) 110 x 8, 90 x 8, 90 x 20 partials – RPE 13 Rest Period – N/A – only 1 work set 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats We are adding 5 additional sets here this week. Do 20 sets of 2 here. 20 total work sets For work sets use 55% of your 1 rep maximum squat. Rest Period – 30 seconds between work sets Work set % – 55% This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 275 for 20 x 2 - This assumes 275 is 55% of your 1 rep max. 59 3/ Legs | Leg press Do a few warm up sets then 2 tough sets of 14 using the same weight you did last week for 12. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 2 plates per side x 6 – Feeder to get feel of movement 3 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 4 plates per side x 14 – RPE 9 4 plates per side x 14 – RPE 9 4/ Low back | Barbell hyperextensions Do these nice and slow. Try to add 2 additional reps to what you did last week with the same weight. Make sure you are set up on the pad correctly. You should feel this in your low back, hams, and glutes. Do 3 sets of 12. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up 135 x 12 – RPE 8 135 x 12 – RPE 8 135 x 12 – RPE 8 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 5/ Abs | Decline leg raise We’d like to see 3 sets of 12 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out this exercise 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Do 3 heavy sets of 12 here with the same weight you used last week for sets of 10. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder 175 x 12 – RPE 9-10 175 x 12 – RPE 9-10 175 x 12 – RPE 9-10 60 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 17 sets (15 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 2 exercises 5 sets Triceps 2 exercise 7 sets 6 exercises 29 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches We are adding 3 additional sets here this week. The first 5 sets are with a grip one finger away from the smooth part of the bar. The next 5 sets are where your pinky will be on the ring. The last 5 sets your forefinger will be on the ring. Do 15 sets of 3 here. 15 total work sets For work sets use 55% of max weight. This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 225 for 15 x 3 - This assumes 225 is 55% of your 1 rep max. Rest Period – 30 seconds between work sets Work set % – 55% 2/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. Try to use 5 lbs. more then what you used last week here. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and shoot for another 6. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 65’s x 4 95’s x 8 – RPE 9 95’s x 8. Drop to 70’s and go to failure – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 61 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press On the work sets continue to hold the first rep at the top for a 2 count. Next, do the rest of the reps with normal tempo. On the last rep, before racking, hold for a two count. This hold will be key for strength development We want a tough set of 8 then 5. Please keep form perfect on these sets. Try to beat what you did last week by at another 5 lbs. this week. No sloppy form allowed here. Use a medium grip here. For hand placement, your pinkies will go on the rings. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 205 x 4 145 x 8 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 165 x 5 – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 4/ Shoulders | Dumbbell Y raises Raise the dumbbells to 10 and 2 o’clock and feel the burn! Do 3 sets of 16 here. This is 2 more reps than last week with the same weight. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20’s x 16 – RPE 9 20’s x 16 – RPE 9 20’s x 16 – RPE 9 Note – If you have had shoulder issues, I would advise adding in Spidercrawls here. Spidercrawls We are adding a set here for your progression. We go to 5 sets this week. This is your last week on these. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 Red short pro mini band – Up and down 3 times – RPE 9 5/ Triceps | Dual rope triceps extensions Do 4 sets of 14 here reaching failure. You are adding two more reps this week. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 130 lbs. x 14 – RPE 9-10 130 lbs. x 14 – RPE 9-10 130 lbs. x 14 – RPE 9-10 130 lbs. x 14 – RPE 9-10 62 6/ Triceps | Dumbbell triceps kickouts Continue to use a slow tempo and absolutely perfect form on these. Do 3 sets of 8. For your progression here, use more weight this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 35’s x 8 – RPE 9 35’s x 8 – RPE 9 35’s x 8 – RPE 9 63 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets 1/ Back | Chest supported row Use a pronated grip (palms facing down). These are meant to target your lower traps, rhomboids, and rear delts. Do 3 sets of 8 here again but try to add another 10 lbs. more than you used last week. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 90 lbs. x 6 – Feeder set 160 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 160 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 160 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Back | One arm barbell row Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. Bump your weight this week by 10 lbs. Do two hard sets of 12 to start. Next up is your money set. After you do your 12, drop the weight 25-30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 5 – Feeder set 75 x 5 – Feeder set 110 x 12 – RPE 10 110 x 12 – RPE 10 110 x 12, then 80 x 10 – RPE 12 *It is ok if you lose a few reps on these, as fatigue may start to set in. Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 3/ Back | Banded pull ups Do 3 sets to failure here. On the last set, hold your last rep in the middle part of the range of motion (isohold) for as long as you can. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Pullups to failure – RPE 10 Pullups to failure – RPE 10 Pullups to failure, isohold at midrange for as long as possible – RPE 12 64 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 30 here. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 115 lbs. x 30 – RPE 8-9 5/ Biceps | Slight incline hammer dumbbell curls You are going to do 1 warm up set first. Each set will be doing 10 full reps, and then 5 slow partials out of the bottom. Do 3 sets like this. Reduce your rest period by 15 more seconds on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute and 30 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 10, then 5 partials – RPE 12 6/ Biceps | Preacher curls Do 3 working sets close to failure shooting for about 8 reps. Use slow and controlled form. Reduce your rest period by 15 seconds on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute and 30 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 55 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9-10 65 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 5 exercises 13 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Calves 15 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 35 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls We are adding more weight on these as your progression this week. 10 lbs. added would be great. You will do 3-4 warm up sets and then do hard sets of 10 reps. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up 70 x 12 – Warm up 90 x 6 – Feeder set 140 x 10 – RPE 9 140 x 10 – RPE 9 140 x 10 – RPE 9 140 x 10 – RPE 9 66 2/ Legs | Max effort barbell squats You will be working up to a tough set of 3 with perfect form. You will follow that up with 3 sets of 5 with 70%, 75%, and 80% of your 1 rep squat max. The final set is now at 80%. Notice the holds again on the first and last reps in the example below. Use a medium stance and go a little deeper than the box squats you did on Day 1. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets Work set % – 70%, 75% and 80% on last 3 sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 275 x 4 – Feeder set 315 x 3 – RPE 8 275 x 5 – 70% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 285 x 5 – 75% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 295 x 5 – 80% of 1 rep maximum squat (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 3/ Speed pulls You are going to be using 65% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift to do 15 singles. This is 5% more weight than last week, and you must keep your speed. 15 total work sets For work sets use 60% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift Rest Period – 10 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Warm up 185 x 3 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 295 for 15 x 1 - This assumes 295 is 65% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 65% 4/ Legs | Hack squat Use the foot placement that allows you to use the most range of motion safely. You are going to work up to a hard set of 8 for your first set. On your next set, you are doing a cluster set. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 1 plate per side x 6 – Feeder to get feel of movement 2 plates per side x 4 – Feeder set 3 plates per side x 8 – RPE 8 3 plates per side x 8, rest 20 seconds and then go very close to failure, rest 20 seconds and then go right up to failure – RPE 13 67 5/ Legs | Bulgarian drop set of death Do 3 sets of 5 working your way up with dumbbells. These are meant to be easy, and not brutal. However, the work set will be brutal. You will use the dumbbells that you used working up for a drop set. Each set will involve 8 reps ending with an 8 second isohold then dropping the weight. Make sure you rest 3 minutes before doing the 2nd leg. You will need the break. Do not rush straight into the 2nd leg. 1 total work set Rest Period – Rest 3 minutes and then do other leg. This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 30 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 40 lbs. x 5 – Feeder set 50 lbs. x 8 and then an 8 second isohold near the top, then drop to 40 lbs. x 8 and an 8 second isohold, then drop to 30 lbs. and repeat, and finally 20 lbs. to finish. Many people cannot complete this and do bodyweight only at the end. Let’s see how you do. – RPE 13 6/ Legs | Barbell stiff legged deadlifts Do these nice and slow. Do 3 sets of 8. Try to increase your weight by 10 more lbs. on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 4 – Feeder set 205 x 8 – RPE 8 205 x 8 – RPE 8 205 x 8 – RPE 8 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Do 4 sets of 15 here. Try to add 10 lbs. on all your sets here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. Don’t forget to do your tibialis work in between sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | Sit ups I’d like to see 3 sets of 12 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out exercis 68 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 10 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 7 sets 8 exercises 23 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Slight decline dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 10 reps there. That’s 2 more than you did last week. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25’s x 20 – Warm up 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 6 – Feeder set 85’s x 6 – Feeder set 105’s x4 – Feeder set 125’s x 10 – RPE 9 125’s x 10, Dropped to 90 and go to failure – RPE 12 2/ Chest | Max effort medium grip high incline benches Work up to a hard set of 3 here with perfect form. The goal is to again beat what you did last week by 10 lbs. You will then follow that up with 2 sets of 6 (last week you did 4) with 80% of your 1 rep maximum. Lower the weight on these with a 3 count. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set Work set % – 80% on last 2 sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 225 x 3 – RPE 9. (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 200 x 6 - This assumes 200 is 80% of your 1 rep max. (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 200 x 6 - This assumes 200 is 80% of your 1 rep max. (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 69 3/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 4 – Feeder set 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and go to failure – RPE 12 4/ Chest | Dips Shoot for 3 sets of around 8 to 10 reps. If you can do more than that, simply add weight. If you can’t do that, use an assist machine. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 Bodyweight plus added weight via dip belt or hanging chain around neck x 8 – RPE 10 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell heavy side lateral partials/swings Do 1 warm up set here before doing your heavy sets. Do 3 hard sets of 20 reps here. Try to use 5 more lbs. than you did last week and still get the reps. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 45 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 45 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 45 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 10 here today. We are bringing the reps down even more from earlier in the week to use a little more weight. Use a 2 second hold and flex in the contracted position on these. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 140 lbs. x 10 – RPE 8-9 140 lbs. x 10 – RPE 8-9 140 lbs. x 10 – RPE 8-9 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 7/ Triceps | Kettlebell Tate press Do 4 sets of 12 here reaching failure. Try again to use 5 more lbs. here, even 2.5’s would be good! If you do not have kettlebells you can use dumbbells. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 35 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 35 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 35 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 35 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 70 8/ Triceps | Dumbbell lying extensions Use a slow tempo and absolutely perfect form on these. Do these lying on the floor and pause each rep at the bottom. Do 3 sets of 12 using the same weight you used last week (you did 10 reps last week). 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 12 – RPE 9 30’s x 12 – RPE 9 30’s x 12 – RPE 9 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 71 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 72 BLOCK 2 OF 3 WEEK 4 73 Week 4 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 10 sets (6 of these are Legs 4 exercises 12 sets Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 15 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 3 sets Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 19 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 27 sets dynamic speed sets) dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 8 sets (6 of these are Shoulders 3 exercises 9 sets Triceps Day 5 – Upper body push focus dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 8 sets 7 exercises 25 sets Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 8 sets 8 exercises 25 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 74 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 10 sets (6 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 19 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls During this phase we are going to continue to go hard on leg curls. You will do 3-4 warm up sets to start. You will then do a hard set of 10. For your next set, you will do the same weight, but make it a cluster set. So, it will be 8 reps, rest 20 seconds and do as many as you can, then rest 20 seconds and do as many as you can again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 120 x 10 – RPE 9 120x 8, rest 20 seconds and then go very close to failure, rest 20 seconds and then go right up to failure – RPE 11 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats These squats will still feel a bit light even with the increase in the % of your 1 rep max you are using. In this training block, the % you are using will go up weekly. The number of work sets will not. Make sure to keep the rest periods at 120 sec. Do 6 sets of 5 here. 6 total work sets For work sets use 65% of your 1 rep maximum squat. This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 285 for 6 x 5 - This assumes 285 is 65% of your 1 rep max. Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets Work set % – 65% 75 3/ Legs | Leg press Use a wide stance with your feet high on the platform this phase. Turn your toes slightly out. This is going to hit adductors in addition to your quads. Do a few warm up sets then 2 tough sets of 10 here with a 3 second decent on all reps. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 2 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 3 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 4 plates per side x 10 – RPE 8 4 plates per side x 10 – RPE 8 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 4/ Low back | Dumbbell hyperextensions We are going to replace the barbell with a dumbbell here and bump the reps up. Hold the dumbbell against your chest. Do 3 sets of 15. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up 50 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 50 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 50 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 5/ Abs | Decline leg raise We would like to see 3 sets of 13 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out this exercise 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Do 3 heavy sets of 8 here. On each set add in 10 slow partials out of the bottom. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 76 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 8 sets (6 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 3 exercises 9 sets Triceps 2 exercise 8 sets 7 exercises 25 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches As with your squats, continue to focus on speed and producing maximum force here. These benches will still feel a bit light even with the increase in the % of your 1 rep max you are using. In this training block, the % you are using will go up weekly. Make sure to keep the rest periods at 120 sec. Do 6 sets of 5 here. The first 2 sets are with a grip one finger away from the smooth part of the bar. The next 2 sets are where your pinky will be on the ring. The last 2 sets your forefinger will be on the ring. Do 6 sets of 5 here. 6 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 225 for 6 x 5 - This assumes 225 is 65% of your 1 rep max. For work sets use 65% of max weight. Rest Period – 120 seconds between work sets Work set % – 65% 2/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and go to failure – RPE 12 77 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press We want a tough set of 8 then 5. Lastly, we are adding a heavy set of 3 here during this phase. On all 3 work sets keep a slow and controlled tempo. This allows you to go heavy and use lower reps, without getting injured. Also, before your first rep, and after you complete the last rep do your 2 second hold. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 4 – Feeder set 135 x 8 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 155 x 5 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 175 x 3 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 4/ Shoulders | Dumbbell side laterals These are just standard dumbbell side laterals. Do 2 sets of 10, and then on your last set do a massive drop set. Do 10, drop the weight and shoot for another 10, then drop the weight and shoot for another 10. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10, then drop to 20’s and do 10, then drop to 10’s and do 10 – RPE 12 5/ Shoulders | Overhead plate raises Raise the plate up to directly over your head. Do 3 sets of 10 here. Please watch the video below to see the proper form. These are great for delts but are also meant to hit your lower traps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lb. plate x 10 – RPE 9 25 lb. plate x 10 – RPE 9 25 lb. plate x 10 – RPE 9 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (16) Plate Raise for Lower Traps (Do Them Now) 6/ Triceps | Single arm triceps extensions This is a great cable exercise for triceps. We like for these to be done for higher reps. Do 4 sets of 20 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 50 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 50 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 50 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 50 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 (100) Single Arm Triceps Extension ( START TODAY ) 78 7/ Triceps | Tricep pushdowns with dual handles Use two attachments as shown in the video. We prefer something with a spongy grip. Drive the weight straight down and flex your triceps hard. Do 4 hard sets of 8 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 150 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 (100) Tricep pushdowns with single handles 79 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets 1/ Back | Chest supported row Use a machine that has a chest pad so you can eliminate lower back stress. Use a neutral grip on these during this block (palms facing each other). These are meant to target your lats a little more in addition to traps, and rhomboids. Do 3 sets of 8 here. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. Even with a neutral grip you will feel your rhomboids stretching. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 90 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 140 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets (42) Supported Row for a “THICK BACK” Exercise Index 2/ Back | Meadows row The goal here is to work your upper back hard in addition to your lats. Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. Do two hard sets of 10 to start. Next up is your money set. Do around 10, where 10 is failure. If you do 9 or 11, that’s ok, we just need that last rep to be failure with good form. If you get 12 or more, you didn’t go heavy enough. After you do your 10, drop the weight 25-30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 5 – Feeder set 75 x 5 – Feeder set 100 x 10 – RPE 10 100 x 10 – RPE 10 100 x 10, then 75 x 10 – RPE 12 *It is ok if you lose a few reps on these, as fatigue may start to set in. Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets (100) Exercise Index - Meadows Row 80 3/ Back | Stretch pulldowns Do 3 sets of 8 here. You can pick either version that you see in the video below. Whichever version you pick, stick with it throughout the block. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 170 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 170 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 170 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 (100) Epic Upper Back Development (Stretch Pulldown) 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 15 here. After each set add on 10 partials out of the stretch position. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 125 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 125 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 125 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 5/ Biceps | Standing hammer dumbbell curls You are going to do 1 warm up set first. Do 3 sets of 12 here followed by 3 slow partials out of the bottom. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (41) 3 Types of Hammer Curls to Build *HUGE* Biceps This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 12, then 3 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 12, then 3 partials – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 12, then 3 partials – RPE 12 6/ Biceps | Concentration preacher curls Do 2 working sets close to failure shooting for about 10 reps. Do a 3rd set where you add in one drop. Use slow and controlled form. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10, then drop to 15’s and do 10 – RPE 12 (100) Exercise Index - Concentration Preacher Curls 81 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 4 exercises 12 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 37 sets 15 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 3 hard sets of 8 reps. Try to lower the weight with a 3 count on all reps. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up 70 x 12 – Warm up 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 82 2/ Legs | Max effort front squats We want you to get great depth on these. Use something like a 5 lb. plate under your heels to help facilitate this. Do not use a large plate and raise your heels too much or you will create excessive knee stress. You can use Prime wedges if your knees are ok with those. You will probably not know your 1 rep max here, so we will not be using a %. You will be working based on RPE. Do 3 sets of 5 increasing weight as you go. See the example below. We will use the 2 seconds holds here as well. This just means stand tall and hold the weight for 2 seconds before first rep and after you complete the last rep. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 255 x 5 – RPE 7 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 265 x 5 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 275 x 5 – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 3/ Modified speed pulls (trap bar) We want you to change how you pull in this block. Ideally this now becomes a Trap bar deadlift. That is our #1 option for you. If you do not have access to a trap bar, you will do block pulls. You would then elevate the plates on small blocks (you can use anything to raise the weight up a few inches). You are going to be using 55% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift to do 15 singles. Since this variation may be new for you, just try to best guesstimate your max. It should not be too far off from the standard pull. 15 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Warm up 185 x 3 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 275 for 15 x 1 - This assumes 275 is 55% of your 1 rep max. For work sets use 55% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift Rest Period – 10 seconds between work sets Work set % – 55% 4/ Spinal erectors | Zercher carry Our goal here is for you to work your lower traps and upper spinal erectors. We love doing these carries with a Yolk but realize that most gyms will not have this piece of equipment. Watch the video below on how to do these. You have the option of doing these with a barbell or dumbell. Either way works fine. On each set, make sure you take 20 total steps. Do 3 sets. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 lbs. (barbell) x 20 steps – RPE 7 135 lbs. (barbell) x 20 steps – RPE 7 135 lbs. (barbell) x 20 steps – RPE 7 Or 100 lb. dumbbell x 20 steps – RPE 7 100 lb. dumbbell x 20 steps – RPE 7 100 lb. dumbbell x 20 steps – RPE 7 Zercher Carry “TOP Secret” Spinal Erector Exercise (MUST TRY) 83 5/ Legs | Leg extensions Do a couple feeder sets to find the right weight and then do 3 sets of 10 here. On the last set add on an additional 10 partials out of the bottom. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 3 – Feeder set 185 x 10 – RPE 9 185 x 10 – RPE 9 185 x 10, then 10 partials – RPE 12 6/ Legs | Dumbbell stiff legged deadlifts Do these nice and slow. Do 3 slow sets of 6. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 135 x 3 – Feeder set 195 x 6 – RPE 8 195 x 6 – RPE 8 195 x 6 – RPE 8 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Do 4 sets of 15 here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. Don’t forget to do your tibialis work in between sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 135 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | Sit ups I’d like to see 3 sets of 13 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out exercis 84 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 8 sets 8 exercises 25 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Machine press Use your favorite chest pressing machine here. You will do 2 hard sets of 8 to start. On your last set do another 8, and then drop the weight 25% and shoot for another 8 reps. See the example below. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 105 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 135 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 8 – RPE 9 155 x 8 – RPE 9 155 x 8, then 115 for another 8 – RPE 12 2/ Chest | Max effort floor presses with straight legs Today is a maximal strength bench day. There continues to be a really heavy emphasis on shoulders and triceps here. You are going to work up to a set of 3 here with perfect form. You will then follow that up with 2 sets of 2 with 80% of your 1 rep maximum done with a very slow and controlled tempo. Lower with a 3 count. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set Work set % – 80% on last 2 sets (101) Exercise Index - Floor Press For Triceps This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 255 x 3 – RPE 9 235 x 2 (slow tempo) - Assumes 235 is 80% of your 1 rep max (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 235 x 2 (slow tempo) - Assumes 235 is 80% of your 1 rep max (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 85 3/ Chest | Pec minor dips These are really tough. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some practice. When you get it, you will experience a phenomenal pump and get sore in a very unique way. Make sure you watch the video below to learn the form. Do 3 sets to failure. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (102) Exercise Index - Pec Minor Dip | Chest Exercise 4/ Chest | Slight decline dumbbell press Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 4 65’s x 4 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and get 6 more – RPE 12 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell medium side lateral partials/swings Do 1 warm up set here before doing your medium heavy sets. Do 3 hard sets of 30 reps here. On this block we are using a little less weight but doing more reps than the last block. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 30 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 30 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 30 – RPE 9 Exercise Index - Partial Dumbbell Side Laterals 6/ Shoulders | Supine cable laterals Do 3 sets of 15 here today. Do these with a nice slow tempo as well. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (102) Exercise Index - Supine Cable Side Laterals This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 25 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 25 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8-9 86 7/ Triceps | Seated rope extensions If you do not have a bench to support your back as shown in the video, you can do these standing facing away from cable station. Do 4 sets of 12 here reaching failure. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 (102) Seated overhead rope extensions 8/ Triceps | Decline lying extensions Do these lying on a slight decline. Do 4 sets of 8. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (102) Decline lying triceps extensions This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 87 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 88 BLOCK 2 OF 3 WEEK 5 PROGRESSIONS ARE IN BOLD DO YOUR BEST TO HIT ALL THE NEW GOALS! 89 Week 5 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 10 sets (6 of these are Legs 4 exercises 13 sets Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 15 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 3 sets Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 19 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 38 sets dynamic speed sets) dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 8 sets (6 of these are Shoulders 3 exercises 10 sets Triceps Day 5 – Upper body push focus dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 8 sets 7 exercises 26 sets Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 12 sets 8 exercises 29 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 10 sets 6 exercises 22 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 90 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 10 sets (6 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 19 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls You will do 3-4 warm up sets to start. You will then do a hard set of 12. This is an extra 2 reps from what you did last week using the same weight. For your next set, you will do the same weight, but make it a cluster set. So, it will be 10 reps, rest 20 seconds and do as many as you can, then rest 20 seconds and do as many as you can again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 120 x 12 – RPE 9 120x 10, rest 20 seconds and then go very close to failure, rest 20 seconds and then go right up to failure – RPE 11 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats You will increase the percentage of your 1 rep max by 5% this week. This means using slightly heavier weight. Make sure to keep the rest periods at 120 sec. Do 6 sets of 5 here. 6 total work sets For work sets use 70% of your 1 rep maximum squat. Rest Period – 120 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 295 for 6 x 5 - This assumes 295 is 70% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 70% 91 3/ Legs | Leg press Do a few warm up sets then 2 tough sets of 12 here with a 3 second decent on all reps. This is 2 reps more than you got last week with the same weight. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 2 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 3 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 4 plates per side x 12 – RPE 8 4 plates per side x 12 – RPE 8 4/ Low back | Dumbbell hyperextensions Increase the weight of the dumbbell here by 5 lbs. over what you did last week. Do 3 sets of 15. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up 55 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 55 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 55 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 5/ Abs | Decline leg raise We would like to see 3 sets of 14 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out this exercise 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Use 10 lbs. more here this week then you used last week. Do 3 heavy sets of 8 here. On each set add in 10 slow partials out of the bottom. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 3 total work sets Reminder - In between ALL sets of calves, you will be doing tibialis anterior work. Do sets of 25. This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 185 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 185 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 185 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 92 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 8 sets (6 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 3 exercises 10 sets Triceps 2 exercise 8 sets 7 exercises 26 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches You will increase the percentage of your 1 rep max by 5% this week. This means using slightly heavier weight. Make sure to keep the rest periods at 120 sec. Do 6 sets of 5 here. The first 2 sets are with a grip one finger away from the smooth part of the bar. The next 2 sets are where your pinky will be on the ring. The last 2 sets your forefinger will be on the ring. Do 6 sets of 5 here. 6 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 235 for 6 x 5 - This assumes 225 is 70% of your 1 rep max. For work sets use 70% of max weight. Rest Period – 120 seconds between work sets Work set % – 70% 2/ Chest | Slight incline dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Use 5 lbs. more than you used last week here. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 90’s x 8 – RPE 9 90’s x 8. Drop to 65’s and go to failure – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 93 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press We want a tough set of 8 then 5. We are adding a 2nd heavy set of 3 here this week. On all 4 work sets keep a slow and controlled tempo. Before your first rep, and after you complete the last rep do your 2 second hold. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 4 – Feeder set 135 x 8 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 155 x 5 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 175 x 3 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 175 x 3 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 4/ Shoulders | Dumbbell side laterals These are just standard dumbbell side laterals. Do 2 sets of 12, and then on your last set do a massive drop set. Do 12, drop the weight and shoot for another 12, then drop the weight and shoot for another 12. You are adding 2 reps to what you did last week with the same weight. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 12 – RPE 9 30’s x 12 – RPE 9 30’s x 12, then drop to 20’s and do 12, then drop to 10’s and do 12 – RPE 12 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 5/ Shoulders | Overhead plate raises Raise the plate up to directly over your head. Do 3 sets of 12 here. You are doing 2 more reps here this week with the same weight on each set. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lb. plate x 12 – RPE 9 25 lb. plate x 12 – RPE 9 25 lb. plate x 12 – RPE 9 6/ Triceps | Single arm triceps extensions This is a great cable exercise for triceps. Use slightly more weight on these this week. 4 sets of 20 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 94 7/ Triceps | Tricep pushdowns with dual handles Use two attachments. We prefer something with a spongy grip. Drive the weight straight down and flex your triceps hard. Do 4 hard sets of 10 here using the same weight you did 8 with last week. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 95 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 10 sets 6 exercises 22 sets 1/ Back | Chest supported row Do 3 sets of 10 here using the same weight that you used for 8 last week. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. Even with a neutral grip you will feel your rhomboids stretching. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 90 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 140 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Back | Meadows row Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. Start with two hard sets of 10 using 10 lbs. more than last week. Next up is your money set. Do around 10, where 10 is failure. If you do 9 or 11, that’s ok, we just need that last rep to be failure with good form. If you get 12 or more, you didn’t go heavy enough. After you do your 10, drop the weight 25-30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 5 – Feeder set 75 x 5 – Feeder set 110 x 10 – RPE 10 110 x 10 – RPE 10 110 x 10, then 85 x 10 – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 3/ Back | Stretch pulldowns Do 3 sets of 10 here using the same weight you used last week for 8. Whichever version you pick, stick with it throughout the block. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 170 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 170 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 170 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 96 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 20 here using the weight you used last week for 15. You will not do partials this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 115 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 115 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 115 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 5/ Biceps | Standing hammer dumbbell curls You are going to do 1 warm up set first. You are adding two work sets this week. Do 5 sets of 12 here. Drop the partials this week. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 10 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 10 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 10 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 10 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 10 6/ Biceps | Concentration preacher curls You are adding two work sets this week. Do 5 working sets close to failure shooting for about 10 reps. There will be no drop set this week. Use slow and controlled form. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 97 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 4 exercises 13 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 38 sets 15 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 4 hard sets of 8 reps. You are adding one work set this week. Try to lower the weight with a 3 count on all reps. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up 70 x 12 – Warm up 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Max effort front squats Do 3 sets of 5 increasing weight as you go. See the example below though for the progression. You are starting at what you did in your 2nd set last week, then going higher on your next two sets. We will use the 2 seconds holds here as well. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 265 x 5 – RPE 7 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 275 x 5 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 285 x 5 – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 98 3/ Modified speed pulls (trap bar) You are going to be using 60% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift this week as opposed to the 55% you used last week. 15 total work sets For work sets use 60% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift Rest Period – 10 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Warm up 185 x 3 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 285 for 15 x 1 - This assumes 285 is 60% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 60% 4/ Spinal erectors | Zercher carry On each set, make sure you take 24 total steps. This is an extra 2 steps with each leg this week. Do 3 sets. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 lbs. (barbell) x 24 steps – RPE 7 135 lbs. (barbell) x 24 steps – RPE 7 135 lbs. (barbell) x 24 steps – RPE 7 Or 100 lb. dumbbell x 24 steps – RPE 7 100 lb. dumbbell x 24 steps – RPE 7 100 lb. dumbbell x 24 steps – RPE 7 5/ Legs | Leg extensions Do a couple feeder sets to find the right weight and then do 3 sets of 10 here. On the last set add on an additional 15 partials out of the bottom. This is 5 more partials this week. This will involve even more pain. Work through it. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 3 – Feeder set 185 x 10 – RPE 9 185 x 10 – RPE 9 185 x 10, then 15 partials – RPE 12 6/ Legs | Dumbbell stiff legged deadlifts Do these nice and slow with a small amount of extra weight. Do 3 slow sets of 6. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Feeder set 200 x 6 – RPE 8 200 x 6 – RPE 8 200 x 6 – RPE 8 99 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Do 4 sets of 15 here. Use 10 more lbs. this week. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. Don’t forget to do your tibialis work in between sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 145 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | Sit ups We’d like to see 3 sets of 14 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out exercis 100 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 12 sets 8 exercises 29 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Machine press Use your favorite chest pressing machine here. You will do 2 hard sets of 8 to start. On your last set do another 8, and then drop the weight 25% and shoot for another 8 reps. See the example below. Use 10 more lbs. on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 105 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 135 x 5 – Feeder set 165 x 8 – RPE 9 165 x 8 – RPE 9 165 x 8, then 125 for another 8 – RPE 12 2/ Chest | Max effort floor presses with straight legs Today is a maximal strength bench day. There continues to be a really heavy emphasis on shoulders and triceps here. You are going to work up to a set of 3 here with perfect form. You will then follow that up with 2 sets of 4 with 80% of your 1 rep maximum done with a very slow and controlled tempo. This is 2 extra reps per set on the last two sets. Lower with a 3 count. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set Work set % – 80% on last 2 sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 255 x 3 – RPE 9 235 x 4 (slow tempo) - Assumes 235 is 80% of your 1 rep max (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 235 x 4 (slow tempo) - Assumes 235 is 80% of your 1 rep max (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 101 3/ Chest | Pec minor dips Do 3 sets to failure. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 4/ Chest | Slight decline dumbbell press Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. Go up 5 lbs. this week on the work sets. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 4 65’s x 4 90’s x 8 – RPE 9 90’s x 8. Drop to 65’s and get 6 more – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell medium side lateral partials/swings Do 1 warm up set here before doing your medium heavy sets. Do 3 hard sets of 35 reps here. This is 5 more reps than last week, and you will feel every rep. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 35 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 35 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 35 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Supine cable laterals Do 3 sets of 17 here today. Squeeze out 2 more reps with the same weight this week. Do these with a nice slow tempo as well. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 17 – RPE 8-9 25 lbs. x 17 – RPE 8-9 25 lbs. x 17 – RPE 8-9 7/ Triceps | Seated rope extensions If you do not have a bench to support your back you can do these standing facing away from cable station. Do 6 sets of 12 here reaching failure. This is two extra sets. 6 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 102 8/ Triceps | Decline lying extensions Do these lying on a slight decline. Do 6 sets of 8. This is two extra sets. 6 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 103 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 104 BLOCK 2 OF 3 WEEK 6 PROGRESSIONS ARE IN BOLD DO YOUR BEST TO HIT ALL THE NEW GOALS! 105 Week 6 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 12 sets (6 of these are Legs 4 exercises 13 sets Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 15 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 4 sets Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 22 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 38 sets dynamic speed sets) dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 8 sets (6 of these are Shoulders 3 exercises 10 sets Triceps Day 5 – Upper body push focus dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 12 sets 7 exercises 30 sets Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 14 sets 8 exercises 31 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 10 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 4 sets Biceps 2 exercises 12 sets 6 exercises 26 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 106 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 12 sets (6 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 6 exercises 22 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls You will do 3-4 warm up sets to start. You are adding a work set this week. Last week it was 2 sets, this week it is 3. Start with 2 sets of 12. For your last set, you will do the same weight, but make it a cluster set. So, it will be 10 reps, rest 20 seconds and do as many as you can, then rest 20 seconds and do as many as you can again. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 120 x 12 – RPE 9 120 x 12 – RPE 9 120x 10, rest 20 seconds and then go very close to failure, rest 20 seconds and then go right up to failure – RPE 11 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats You will increase the percentage of your 1 rep max by 5% more this week. This means using slightly heavier weight. Make sure to keep the rest periods at 120 sec. Do 6 sets of 5 here. 6 total work sets For work sets use 75% of your 1 rep maximum squat. Rest Period – 120 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 305 for 6 x 5 - This assumes 305 is 75% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 75% 107 3/ Legs | Leg press Do a few warm up sets then 3 tough sets of 12 here with a 3 second decent on all reps. This is one more work set than you did last week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 2 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 3 plates per side x 6 – Feeder set 4 plates per side x 12 – RPE 8 4 plates per side x 12 – RPE 8 4 plates per side x 12 – RPE 8 4/ Low back | Dumbbell hyperextensions Increase the weight of the dumbbell here by 5 lbs. over what you did last week. Do 3 sets of 15. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up 60 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 60 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 60 lb. dumbbell x 15 – RPE 8 5/ Abs | Decline leg raise We would like to see 3 sets of 15 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out this exercise 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Do 4 heavy sets of 8 here. This is one more set than you did last week. On each set add in 10 slow partials out of the bottom. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 4 total work sets Reminder - In between ALL sets of calves, you will be doing tibialis anterior work. Do sets of 25. Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 185 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 185 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 185 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 185 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 108 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 8 sets (6 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 3 exercises 10 sets Triceps 2 exercise 12 sets 7 exercises 30 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches You will increase the percentage of your 1 rep max by 5% this week. This means using slightly heavier weight. Make sure to keep the rest periods at 120 sec. Do 6 sets of 5 here. The first 2 sets are with a grip one finger away from the smooth part of the bar. The next 2 sets are where your pinky will be on the ring. The last 2 sets your forefinger will be on the ring. Do 6 sets of 5 here. 6 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 235 for 6 x 5 - This assumes 235 is 75% of your 1 rep max. For work sets use 75% of max weight. Rest Period – 120 seconds between work sets Work set % – 75% 2/ Chest | Slight decline dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Use 5 lbs. more than you used last week here. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 95’s x 8 – RPE 9 95’s x 8. Drop to 70’s and go to failure – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 109 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press We want a tough set of 8 then 5. We are adding a rep to your sets of 3 from last week. On your last 2 sets you will now do 4 reps with the same weight used last week. On all 4 work sets keep a slow and controlled tempo. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 4 – Feeder set 135 x 8 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 155 x 5 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 175 x 4 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 175 x 4 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 4/ Shoulders | Dumbbell side laterals These are just standard dumbbell side laterals. Do 2 sets of 14 with what you did for 12 last week, and then on your last set do a massive drop set. Do 14, drop the weight and shoot for another 12, then drop the weight and shoot for another 12. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 14 – RPE 9 30’s x 14 – RPE 9 30’s x 14, then drop to 20’s and do 12, then drop to 10’s and do 12 – RPE 12 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 5/ Shoulders | Overhead plate raises Raise the plate up to directly over your head. Do 3 sets of 13 here. You are doing 1 more rep here this week with the same weight on each set. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lb. plate x 13 – RPE 9 25 lb. plate x 13 – RPE 9 25 lb. plate x 13 – RPE 9 6/ Triceps | Single arm triceps extensions This is a great cable exercise for triceps. Add 2 work sets this week. Do 6 sets of 20 here. 6 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 55 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 110 7/ Triceps | Tricep pushdowns with dual handles Use two attachments. We prefer something with a spongy grip. Drive the weight straight down and flex your triceps hard. Add 2 work sets this week. Do 6 hard sets of 10. 6 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 150 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 111 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 10 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 4 sets Biceps 2 exercises 12 sets 6 exercises 26 sets 1/ Back | Chest supported row Do 3 sets of 12 here using the same weight that you used for 10 last week. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. Even with a neutral grip you will feel your rhomboids stretching. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 90 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 140 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9 140 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9 2/ Back | Meadows row Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. Start with two hard sets of 10 using 10 lbs more than last week. Next up is your money set. Do around 10, where 10 is failure. If you do 9 or 11, that’s ok, we just need that last rep to be failure with good form. If you get 12 or more, you didn’t go heavy enough. After you do your 10, drop the weight 25-30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 5 – Feeder set 75 x 5 – Feeder set 120 x 10 – RPE 10 120 x 10 – RPE 10 120 x 10, then 95 x 10 – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 3/ Back | Stretch pulldowns Add a set from last week and do 4 sets of 10 here using the same weight you used last week. You can pick either version. Whichever version you pick, stick with it throughout the block. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 170 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 170 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 170 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 170 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 112 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Do 4 sets of 20 here using the weight you used last week. This is an extra set this week. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 115 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 115 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 115 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 115 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 5/ Biceps | Standing hammer dumbbell curls You are going to do 1 warm up set first. You are adding one more work sets this week. Do 6 sets of 12 here. 6 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 12 30 lbs. x 12 – RPE 12 6/ Biceps | Concentration preacher curls You are adding one work sets this week. Do 6 working sets close to failure shooting for about 10 reps. Use slow and controlled form. 6 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 113 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 4 exercises 13 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 38 sets 15 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 4 hard sets of 10 reps. You are adding 2 reps with the same weight you did last week for 8. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up 70 x 12 – Warm up 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 130 x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Max effort front squats Do 3 sets of 5 increasing weight as you go. See the example below though for the progression. You are starting at what you did in your 2nd set last week again (3rd set during week 4), then going higher on your next two sets. We will use the 2 seconds holds here as well. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 275 x 5 – RPE 7 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 285 x 5 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 295 x 5 – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count at the top) 114 3/ Modified speed pulls (trap bar) You are going to be using 65% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift this week as opposed to the 60% you used last week. 15 total work sets For work sets use 65% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift Rest Period – 10 seconds between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Warm up 185 x 3 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 295 for 15 x 1 - This assumes 295 is 65% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 65% 4/ Spinal erectors | Zercher carry On each set, make sure you take 28 total steps. This is an extra 2 steps with each leg this week. Do 3 sets. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 lbs. (barbell) x 28 steps – RPE 7 135 lbs. (barbell) x 28 steps – RPE 7 135 lbs. (barbell) x 28 steps – RPE 7 Or 110 lb. dumbbell x 24 steps – RPE 7 110 lb. dumbbell x 24 steps – RPE 7 110 lb. dumbbell x 24 steps – RPE 7 5/ Legs | Leg extensions Do a couple feeder sets to find the right weight and then do 3 sets of 10 here. On the last set add on an additional 20 partials out of the bottom. This is 5 more partials this week. This will involve even more pain. Work through it. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 3 – Feeder set 185 x 10 – RPE 9 185 x 10 – RPE 9 185 x 10, then 20 partials – RPE 12 6/ Legs | Dumbbell stiff legged deadlifts Do these nice and slow with a small amount of extra weight. Do 3 slow sets of 6. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 6 – RPE 8 205 x 6 – RPE 8 205 x 6 – RPE 8 115 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Do 4 sets of 15 here. Use 10 more lbs. this week. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. Don’t forget to do your tibialis work in between sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 15 – RPE 9-10 155 x 15 – RPE 9-10 155 x 15 – RPE 9-10 155 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | Sit ups We’d like to see 3 sets of 15 if possible. If this is not possible, just do what you can. If this is too easy, then do 3 sets of 15-20. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets RPE 8-10 This is an example of what it could look like: Week 1 – 3 x 10 (30 total reps) Week 2 – 3 x 11 (33 total reps) Week 3 – 3 x 12 (36 total reps) Week 4 – 3 x 13 (39 total reps) Week 5 – 3 x 14 (42 total reps) Week 6 – 3 x 15 (45 total reps) Week 7 – We will rotate out exercis 116 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 14 sets 8 exercises 31 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Machine press Use your favorite chest pressing machine here. You will do 2 hard sets of 8 to start. On your last set do another 8, and then drop the weight 25% and shoot for another 8 reps. See the example below. Use 10 more lbs. on these this week. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 105 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 135 x 5 – Feeder set 175 x 8 – RPE 9 175 x 8 – RPE 9 175 x 8, then 135 for another 8 – RPE 12 2/ Chest | Max effort floor presses with straight legs Today is a maximal strength bench day. There continues to be a really heavy emphasis on shoulders and triceps here. You are going to work up to a set of 3 here with perfect form. You will then follow that up with 2 sets of 6 with 80% of your 1 rep maximum on the incline done with a very slow and controlled tempo. This is 2 extra reps per set on the last two sets. Lower with a 3 count. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set Work set % – 80% on last 2 sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 255 x 3 – RPE 9 235 x 6 (slow tempo) - Assumes 235 is 80% of your 1 rep max (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 235 x 6 (slow tempo) - Assumes 235 is 80% of your 1 rep max (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 117 3/ Chest | Pec minor dips Do 3 sets to failure. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 4/ Chest | Slight decline dumbbell press Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. Go up 5 lbs. this week on the work sets. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 4 65’s x 4 95’s x 8 – RPE 9 95’s x 8. Drop to 70’s and get 6 more – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell medium side lateral partials/swings Do 1 warm up set here before doing your medium heavy sets. Do 3 hard sets of 35 reps here. No progression on this one, as the 35’s will produce maximum pain. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 35 lbs. x 35 – RPE 9 35 lbs. x 35 – RPE 9 35 lbs. x 35 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Supine cable laterals Do 3 sets of 19 here today. Squeeze out 2 more reps with the same weight this week. Do these with a nice slow tempo as well. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 19 – RPE 8-9 25 lbs. x 19 – RPE 8-9 25 lbs. x 19 – RPE 8-9 7/ Triceps | Seated rope extensions If you do not have a bench to support your back you can do these standing facing away from the cable station. Do 8 sets of 12 here reaching failure. This is two extra sets. 8 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 118 8/ Triceps | Decline lying extensions Do these lying on a slight decline. Do 6 sets of 8. No progression here, as your arms will be destroyed. 6 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 85 x 8 – RPE 9 119 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 120 BLOCK 3 OF 3 WEEK 7 121 Week 7 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 15 sets (9 of these are Legs 4 exercises 13 sets Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 10 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 3 sets Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 24 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 33 sets dynamic speed sets) dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 11 sets (9 of these are Shoulders 3 exercises 10 sets Triceps Day 5 – Upper body push focus dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 8 sets 7 exercises 29 sets Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 8 sets 8 exercises 25 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 122 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 15 sets (9 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 6 exercises 24 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls During this phase we are going to continue to go hard on leg curls. It will consist of straight sets. Do 3 tough sets of 8 here. Lower the weight with a 3 count. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats You are going to be squatting to a box this week. Squat to parallel depth. Use 80% of your 1 rep max squat and do 9 sets of 3. This will get very hard as you go. Push hard and explode up. 9 total work sets For work sets use 80% of your 1 rep maximum squat. Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets Work set % – 80% This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 285 x 3 – Feeder 305 for 9 x 3 - This assumes 350 is 80% of your 1 rep max. 123 3/ Legs | Split squats I prefer to do these in a Smith machine with a slow tempo. Also, elevate your lead leg with a plate or aerobic step bench. Do 3 sets of 8 here. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: No weight x 10 – Warm up set 10 lbs. per side x 6 – Feeder set 20 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 9 20 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 9 20 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 9 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (113) Exercise Index - Split Squats 4/ Low back | Banded good mornings Go to about 5 minutes into the video below to see the proper form for these. Most people use an orange light band on these or if you are stronger a grey average band. Do 3 sets of 15. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up Orange light band x 15 – RPE 7 Orange light band x 15 – RPE 7 Orange light band x 15 – RPE 7 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (113) Top 3 Good Morning Exercises | How To Perform Them 5/ Abs | Ab crunches These are simple ab crunches. Do 3 sets to failure. 3 total work sets Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Do 3 heavy sets of 8 here. On each set add in 10 slow partials out of the bottom. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 3 total work sets Reminder - In between ALL sets of calves, you will be doing tibialis anterior work. Do sets of 25. Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 124 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 11 sets (9 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 3 exercises 10 sets Triceps 2 exercise 8 sets 7 exercises 29 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches Use 80% of your 1 rep max bench and do 9 sets of 3. Continue to do what we have been doing with your grip. The first 3 sets are with a grip one finger away from the smooth part of the bar. The next 3 sets are where your pinky will be on the ring. The last 3 sets your forefinger will be on the ring. Do 9 sets of 3 here. 9 total work sets For work sets use 80% of max weight. This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 225 x 4 – Feeder set 280 for 9 x 3 - This assumes 280 is 80% of your 1 rep max. Rest Period – 2 minutesbetween work sets Work set % – 80% 2/ Chest | Flat dumbbell press Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and go to failure – RPE 12 125 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press We want a tough set of 8 then 5. Also, we are adding a heavy set of 2 here during this phase. On all 4 work sets keep a slow and controlled tempo. This allows you to go heavy and use lower reps, without getting injured. Lastly, before your first rep, and after you complete the last rep do your 2 second hold. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 4 – Feeder set 135 x 8 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 155 x 5 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 175 x 3 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 185 x 2 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 4/ Shoulders | Cable side laterals These are the cable version of standard dumbbell side laterals. Do 3 sets of 20 here. This is going to burn. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 5/ Shoulders | Incline front delt raise Make sure you check out the form below in the video. Do 3 sets of 15 here. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets (113) Exercise Index - Incline Front Delt Raise This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 6/ Triceps | Pronated kickbacks Watch how my palms are facing up when I contract on these. This grip really forces the medial head of your triceps to work hard. Do 4 sets of 15 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 (113) Tricep Kickbacks with Pronated Grip 126 7/ Triceps | JM press The pronated kickbacks were a perfect lead for these. You will continue to smash the medial head of your triceps here. See the video below at about the 1:20 mark. Do a couple sets to get the feel of these and to ensure the elbows are warmed up. Do 4 hard sets of 8 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 3 Most Underrated Triceps Exercises (DO THEM NOW) This is an example of what it could look like: Bar only x 8 – Warm up Bar only x 6 – Warm up 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 127 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 9 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 6 sets 6 exercises 18 sets 1/ Back | Dumbbell row On these take note of how I have my feet on floor, and not kneeling on a bench. You do not have to straddle the bench like I am in the video, you can just back up and lean on it. Do 3 sets of 8 here. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets No Low Back Pain Dumbbell Row - Exercise Index This is an example of what it could look like: 30 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 70 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 90 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 90 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 90 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Back | Incline row You can use dumbbells or kettlebells on these. Use the pronated (overhead) grip to target more rhomboids and lower traps. Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. Do two hard sets of 10 to start. Next up is your money set. Do around 10, where 10 is failure. After you do your 10, drop the weight 30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30 x 5 – Feeder set 45 x 5 – Feeder set 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10, then 40 x 10 – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets Exercise Index | Incline Dumbbell Rows 3/ Back | Dumbbell pullover Do 3 sets of 10 here. I would prefer you do these banded as shown in the video below. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets Exercise Index - Banded Dumbbell Pullovers This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 128 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Do 3 sets of 15 here. After each set add on 10 partials out of the stretch position. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 5/ Biceps | One arm cable curl You are going to do 1 warm up set first. Do 3 sets of 10. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Exercise Index - One Arm Cable Curl This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 8 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 6/ Biceps | Pinwheel curls Do 2 working sets close to failure shooting for about 10 reps. Do a 3rd set where you add in one drop. Use slow and controlled form. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10, then drop to 15’s and do 10 – RPE 12 Pinwheel curls 129 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 4 exercises 13 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 33 sets 10 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 4 hard sets of 8 reps. Try to lower the weight with a 3 count on all reps. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Max effort front squats Use a slightly closer stance on these this week. Work up to a heavy triple for your first set. Drop the weight 15% and do 2 sets of 5 for your next two sets. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 335 x 3 – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 285 x 5 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 285 x 5 – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 130 3/ Speed pulls Go back to your regular barbell speed pulls this week. You are going to be using 50% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift to do 5 singles. Then you are going to use 55% of your 1 rep max for 5 more singles. 10 total work sets For 5 sets use 50% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift for 5 singles For 5 sets use 55% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift for 5 singles Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Feeder set 185 x 3 – Feeder set 225 x 3 – Feeder set 270 for 5 x 1 - This assumes 270 is 50% of your 1 rep max 280 for 5 x 1 – This assumes 280 is 55% of your 1 rep max Work set % – 50%, 55% 4/ Spinal erectors | Farmers walk Hold heavy dumbbells by your side and walk 50 yards. Keep your chest up and your back straight. Use wrist wraps to help you hold on to the dumbbells if your grip fails. Do 3 sets.3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 120 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 120 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 120 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 5/ Legs | Leg extensions Do a couple feeder sets to find the right weight and then do 3 sets of 25 here. Get ready for fire. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 5 – Feeder set 105 x 5 – Feeder set 135 x 25 – RPE 9 135 x 25 – RPE 9 135 x 25 – RPE 9 6/ Legs | Dumbbell stiff legged deadlifts Do these nice and slow. Do 3 slow sets of 6. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 135 x 3 – Feeder set 195 x 6 – RPE 8 195 x 6 – RPE 8 195 x 6 – RPE 8 131 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Do 4 sets of 15 here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. Don’t forget to do your tibialis work in between sets. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | V ups Do 3 sets of 10-15. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 RPE 7-10 132 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 11 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 6 sets Triceps 2 exercises 14 sets 8 exercises 31 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Machine press Use your favorite chest pressing machine here as you did in block 2. You will do 3 hard sets of 10. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 105 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 135 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 10 – RPE 9 155 x 10 – RPE 9 155 x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Chest | Max effort close grip incline barbell press Work up to a heavy triple for your first set. Drop the weight 15% and do 2 sets of 5 for your next two sets. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 255 x 3 – RPE 9 215 x 5 (slow tempo) - RPE 8 215 x 5 (slow tempo) - RPE 8 133 3/ Chest | Dips Do 3 sets to failure. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 4/ Chest | Machine flyes Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 105 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 135 lbs. x 8 – RPE 10 135 lbs. x 8. Drop to 105 lbs. and get 6 more – RPE 12 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell side laterals Do 1 warm up set here before doing your medium heavy sets. Do 3 hard sets of 15 reps here. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Dumbbell Y raises Raise the dumbbells to 10 and 2 o’clock. Do 3 sets of 12 here. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 7/ Triceps | Seated rope extensions Let’s keep these going this block. If you do not have a bench to support your back as shown in the video, you can do these standing facing away from cable station. Do 4 sets of 12 here reaching failure. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 (102) Seated overhead rope extensions 134 8/ Triceps | Incline lying extensions Do 4 sets of 10. 4 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 135 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 136 BLOCK 3 OF 3 WEEK 8 137 Week 8 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 17 sets (9 of these are Legs 4 exercises 12 sets Low back 1 exercise 2 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 10 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 4 sets Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 26 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 32 sets dynamic speed sets) dynamic speed sets) Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 11 sets (9 of these are Shoulders 3 exercises 11 sets Triceps Day 5 – Upper body push focus dynamic speed sets) 2 exercises 8 sets 7 exercises 30 sets Chest 4 exercises 12 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 8 sets Triceps 2 exercises 10 sets 8 exercises 30 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 11 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 8 sets 6 exercises 22 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 138 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 17 sets (9 of these are dynamic speed sets) Low back 1 exercise 2 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 6 exercises 26 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls We are adding an extra set this week as our progression. Do 4 tough sets of 8 here. Lower the weight with a 3 count. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Dynamic squats You are going to be squatting to a box again this week. Squat to parallel depth. This week we drop down to 55% for your 9 sets of three. Do not go heavier than this. This is done specifically to prepare you for next week. 9 total work sets For work sets use 55% of your 1 rep maximum squat. Rest Period – 1 minute between sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 275 for 9 x 3 - This assumes 275 is 55% of your 1 rep max. Work set % – 55% 139 3/ Legs | Split squats We add an extra set here this week for your progression. Do 4 sets of 8 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: No weight x 10 – Warm up set 10 lbs. per side x 6 – Feeder set 20 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 9 20 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 9 20 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 9 20 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 9 4/ Low back | Banded good mornings Reduce your sets by one set this week. You will see why later this week. Do 2 sets of 15. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up Orange light band x 15 – RPE 7 Orange light band x 15 – RPE 7 5/ Abs | Ab crunches Do 3 sets to failure. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises We will add one set this week. Do 4 heavy sets of 8 here. On each set add in 10 slow partials out of the bottom. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 4 total work sets Reminder - In between ALL sets of calves, you will be doing tibialis anterior work. Do sets of 25. Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 140 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 11 sets (9 of these are dynamic speed sets) Shoulders 3 exercises 11 sets Triceps 2 exercise 8 sets 7 exercises 30 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Dynamic benches Use 55% of your 1 rep max squat and do 9 sets of 3. We are dropping our % used here just like we did on the dynamic squats yesterday. Continue to do what we have been doing with your grip. Do 9 sets of 3 here. 9 total work sets For work sets use 55% of max weight. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Work set % – 55% This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 225 x 4 – Feeder set 225 for 9 x 3 - This assumes 225 is 55% of your 1 rep max. 2/ Chest | Flat dumbbell press Keep this the same as last week. Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and go to failure – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 141 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press We want a tough set of 8 then 5. Also, we are dropping the heavy set of 2 from this week. On the work sets keep a slow and controlled tempo. Lastly, before your first rep, and after you complete the last rep do your 2 second hold. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 4 – Feeder set 135 x 8 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 155 x 5 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 175 x 3 (slow tempo) – RPE 9 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 4/ Shoulders | Cable side laterals We are adding one set here this week. Do 4 sets of 20 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 5/ Shoulders | Incline front delt raise We are adding one set here this week. Do 4 sets of 15 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 6/ Triceps | Pronated kickbacks We are keeping these the same as last week. Do 4 sets of 15 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 (113) Tricep Kickbacks with Pronated Grip 142 7/ Triceps | JM press We are keeping these the same as last week. Do a couple sets to get the feel of these and to ensure the elbows are warmed up. Do 4 hard sets of 8 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bar only x 8 – Warm up Bar only x 6 – Warm up 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 143 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 11 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 3 sets Biceps 2 exercises 8 sets 6 exercises 22 sets 1/ Back | Dumbbell row Add 2 reps on these to what you did last week. Do 3 sets of 10 this time. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 70 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 90 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 90 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 90 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Back | Incline row Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. We are adding a working set this week. Do three hard sets of 10 to start. Next up is your money set. Do around 10, where 10 is failure. After you do your 10, drop the weight 30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30 x 5 – Feeder set 45 x 5 – Feeder set 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10, then 40 x 10 – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 3/ Back | Dumbbell pullover Do 4 sets of 10 here. This is an additional set this week. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 144 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes Keep these the same this week. Do 3 sets of 15 here. After each set add on 10 partials out of the stretch position. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 5/ Biceps | One arm cable curl You are going to do 1 warm up set first. We are adding an extra set this week. Do 4 sets of 10. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 8 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 6/ Biceps | Pinwheel curls We are adding a set here this week. Do 3 working sets close to failure shooting for about 10 reps. Do a 4thrd set where you add in one drop. Use slow and controlled form. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10, then drop to 15’s and do 10 – RPE 12 145 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 4 exercises 12 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 32 sets 10 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Keep these the same this week. Do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 4 hard sets of 8 reps. Try to lower the weight with a 3 count on all reps. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Barbell good mornings We are replacing your max effort work here this week. Use 30% of your 1 rep squat max. Use a nice slow controlled tempo with a focus on hamstrings. Do 3 sets of 5. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bar x 10 – Warm up 95 x 10 – Warm up 140 x 5 – RPE 7 140 x 5 – RPE 7 140 x 5 – RPE 7 146 3/ Speed pulls You are going to be using 60% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift to do 5 singles. Next you are going to use 65% of your 1 rep max for 5 more singles. 10 total work sets For 5 sets use 60% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift for 5 singles For 5 sets use 65% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift for 5 singles Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Work set % – 60%, 65% This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Feeder set 185 x 3 – Feeder set 225 x 3 – Feeder set 290 for 5 x 1 - This assumes 290 is 60% of your 1 rep max 310 for 5 x 1 – This assumes 305 is 65% of your 1 rep max 4/ Spinal erectors | Farmers walk Hold heavier dumbbells than you did last week. 5 to 10 lbs. should do it. Hold your chest up and your back straight. Use wrist wraps to help you hold on to the dumbbells if your grip fails. Do 3 sets. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 120 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 120 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 120 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 5/ Legs | Leg extensions Back the reps and intensity down on these this week. Do a couple feeder sets to find the right weight and then do 3 sets of 10 here. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 5 – Feeder set 105 x 5 – Feeder set 150 x 10 – RPE 8 150 x 10 – RPE 8 150 x 10 – RPE 8 6/ Legs | Dumbbell stiff legged deadlifts Keep these the same as last week and only do 2 sets as these are similar to the good mornings. Do these nice and slow. Do 2 slow sets of 6. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Feeder set 195 x 6 – RPE 8 195 x 6 – RPE 8 147 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Keep these the same as last week. Do 4 sets of 15 here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | V ups Do 3 sets of 10-15. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 RPE 7-10 148 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 12 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 8 sets Triceps 2 exercises 10 sets 8 exercises 30 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Machine press Keep these the same this week. You will do 3 hard sets of 10. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 105 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 135 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 10 – RPE 9 155 x 10 – RPE 9 155 x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Chest | Max effort floor press with legs straight Work up to a heavy single for your first set. Drop the weight 20% and do 2 sets of 3 for your next two sets. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 285 x 1 – RPE 9 235 x 3 (slow tempo) - RPE 8 235 x 3 (slow tempo) - RPE 8 149 3/ Chest | Dips Add a work set on these this week. Do 4 sets to failure. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 4/ Chest | Machine flyes Keep these the same this week. Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 105 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 135 lbs. x 8 – RPE 10 135 lbs. x 8. Drop to 105 lbs. and get 6 more – RPE 12 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell side laterals Do 1 warm up set here before doing your work sets. Add a work set this week. Do 4 hard sets of 15 reps here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Dumbbell Y raises Add a work set on these this week. Do 4 sets of 12 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 7/ Triceps | Seated rope extensions Add a work set on these this week. Do 5 sets of 12 here reaching failure. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 150 8/ Triceps | Incline lying extensions Add a work set on these this week. Do 5 sets of 10. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 151 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 152 BLOCK 3 OF 3 WEEK 9 153 Week 9 Day 1 – Lower body focus Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 10 sets Legs 4 exercises 12 sets Low back 1 exercise 2 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise 10 sets (these are all Calves 1 exercise 4 sets Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets 6 exercises 19 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 32 sets Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 5 sets Shoulders 3 exercises 12 sets Triceps 2 exercises 10 sets 7 exercises 27 sets Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 13 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 4 sets Biceps 2 exercises 10 sets 6 exercises 27 sets dynamic speed sets) Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 13 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 10 sets Triceps 2 exercises 10 sets 8 exercises 33 sets Days 6 & 7 - OFF - Family Days 154 Day 1 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 3 exercises 10 sets Low back 1 exercise 2 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 6 exercises 19 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Seated leg curls Do 4 tough sets of 8 here again this week. Lower the weight with a 3 count. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Max effort squats Ok let’s see what you got! Today you are working up to 85% of your 1 rep max and doing 2 reps. Next you are going to do 90% for 2. Lastly you do 95% for 2. 3 total work sets For work sets use 85, 90, and 95% of your 1 rep maximum squat. Rest Period – 3 minutes between sets Work set % – 85%, 90%, 95% This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 8 – Warm up 225 x 4 – Feeder set 315 x 3 – Feeder set 375 x 2 – Feeder set 425 x 2 – This assumes 425 is 85% of your 1 rep max. 450 x 2 – This assumes 450 is 90% of your 1 rep max. 475 x 2 – This assumes 475 is 95% of your 1 rep max. 155 3/ Legs | Split squats We reduce the sets intensity here this week to prepare you for next the leg workout. Do 3 sets of 8 here. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: No weight x 10 – Warm up set 10 lbs. per side x 6 – Feeder set 10 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 7 10 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 7 10 lbs. per side x 8 – RPE 7 4/ Low back | Banded good mornings Keep this the same this week. Do 2 sets of 15. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x 10 – Warm up Orange light band x 15 – RPE 7 Orange light band x 15 – RPE 7 5/ Abs | Ab crunches Do 3 sets to failure. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Goal – Progress weekly on these by adding 1 rep per set. Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Bodyweight x Failure – RPE 10 Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets 6/ Calves | Standing calf raises Do 4 heavy sets of 8 here. On each set add in 10 slow partials out of the bottom. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 4 total work sets Reminder - In between ALL sets of calves, you will be doing tibialis anterior work. Do sets of 25. Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 175 x 8 then 10 partials – RPE 11 156 Day 2 – Upper body push focus Chest 2 exercises 5 sets Shoulders 3 exercises 12 sets Triceps 2 exercise 10 sets 7 exercises 27 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Flat dumbbell press We will be going heavy on our benches this week, so the smart thing is to do these first. Keep this the same as last week. Do a few warm ups, then low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 45’s x 15 – Warm up 65’s x 4 – Feeder set 85’s x 8 – RPE 9 85’s x 8. Drop to 60’s and go to failure – RPE 12 Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets 2/ Chest | Max effort close grip benches We are using the same rep pattern we used with our squats here. You do 85% for 2, then 90% for 2, then 95% for 2. Use a close grip on these. We don’t want flared out elbows. 3 total work sets For work sets use 85, 90, and 95% of max weight. Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Rest Period – 85%, 90%, 95% This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 4 – Feeder set 240 x 2 – This assumes 240 is 85% of your 1 rep max 255 x 2 – This assumes 255 is 90% of your 1 rep max 270 x 2 – This assumes 270 is 95% of your 1 rep max 157 3/ Shoulders | High incline Smith press We are bumping the reps here this week, but keep the holds in. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 95 x 3 – Feeder set 205 x 4 – Feeder set 125 x 10 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 125 x 10 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 125 x 10 (slow tempo) – RPE 8 (Hold the first and last rep for a two count) 4/ Shoulders | Cable side laterals We are adding one set here this week. Do 5 sets of 20 here. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 25 lbs. x 20 – RPE 9 5/ Shoulders | Incline front delt raise Keep these the same this week. Do 4 sets of 15 here. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 6/ Triceps | Pronated kickbacks We are adding one set here this week. Do 5 sets of 15 here. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 20 lbs. x 15 – RPE 8 158 7/ Triceps | JM press We are adding one set here this week. Do 5 hard sets of 8 here. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bar only x 8 – Warm up Bar only x 6 – Warm up 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 75 lbs. x 8 – RPE 9 159 Day 3 – Upper body pull focus Back 3 exercises 13 sets Rear delts 1 exercise 4 sets Biceps 2 exercises 10 sets 6 exercises 27 sets 1/ Back | Dumbbell row We are adding one set on these this week. Do 4 sets of 10 this time. Use a full range of motion really stretching out in the lengthened position. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30 lbs. x 15 – Warm up 50 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 70 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 90 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 90 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 90 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 90 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Back | Incline row Do two low rep feeder sets to get you to your working weight. We are adding another working set this week. Do four hard sets of 10 to start. Next up is your money set. Do around 10, where 10 is failure. After you do your 10, drop the weight 30% and grind out as many more reps as you can. Treat your arms as simple attachments, do not pull with your biceps. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30 x 5 – Feeder set 45 x 5 – Feeder set 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10 – RPE 10 60 x 10, then 40 x 10 – RPE 12 3/ Back | Dumbbell pullover Do 4 sets of 10 here. This is the same as last week. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 50 lbs. + Long red Pro mini band x 10 – RPE 9 160 4/ Rear delts | Machine rear delt flyes We are adding a work set here this week. Do 4 sets of 15 here. After each set add on 10 partials out of the stretch position. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 115 lbs. x 15, then 10 partials – RPE 12 5/ Biceps | One arm cable curl You are going to do 1 warm up set first. We are adding another set this week. Do 5 sets of 10. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 8 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 10 – RPE 9 6/ Biceps | Pinwheel curls We are adding a set here this week. Do 4 working sets close to failure shooting for about 10 reps. Do a 5th set where you add in one drop. Use slow and controlled form. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10 – RPE 9 30’s x 10, then drop to 15’s and do 10 – RPE 12 161 Day 4 – Lower body focus Abs 1 exercise 3 sets Legs 4 exercises 12 sets Speed pulls 1 exercise Spinal erectors 1 exercise 3 sets Calves 1 exercise 4 sets 8 exercises 32 sets 10 sets (these are all dynamic speed sets) Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Legs | Lying leg curls Keep these the same this week. We are getting ready to go hard again on the squats. Do 3-4 warm up sets and then do 4 hard sets of 8 reps. Try to lower the weight with a 3 count on all reps. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 50 x 15 – Warm up set 70 x 12 – Warm up set 90 x 6 – Feeder set 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 130 x 8 – RPE 9 2/ Legs | Max effort squats You are working up to a heavy single here. You are going to use a narrow squat stance for these. After that back the weight down by 20% and do 2 sets of 3. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 3 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 10 – Warm up 225 x 3 – Feeder set 275 x 2 – Feeder set 315 x 2 Feeder set 365 x 1 – RPE 9-10 295 x 3 – This assumes 295 is 80% of your 1 rep max 295 x 3 – This assumes 295 is 80% of your 1 rep max 162 3/ Speed pulls You are going to be using 70% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift to do 5 singles. Next you are going to use 75% of your 1 rep max for 5 more singles. 10 total work sets For 5 sets use 70% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift for 5 singles For 5 sets use 75% of your 1 rep maximum deadlift for 5 singles Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Work set % – 70%, 75% This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 3 – Feeder set 185 x 3 – Feeder set 225 x 3 – Feeder set 320 for 5 x 1 - This assumes 320 is 70% of your 1 rep max 350 for 5 x 1 – This assumes 350 is 75% of your 1 rep max 4/ Spinal erectors | Farmers walk Hold even heavier dumbbells than you did last week. 5 to 10 lbs. should do it. Hold your chest up and your back straight. Use wrist wraps to help you hold on to the dumbbells if your grip fails. Do 3 sets. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 135 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 135 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 135 lb. dumbbell x 50 yards – RPE 8 Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 5/ Legs | Leg extensions Back the reps and intensity down on these this week. Do a couple feeder sets to find the right weight and then do 3 sets of 10 here. Add a 2 second pause at the top on every rep. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 5 – Feeder set 105 x 5 – Feeder set 140 x 10 – RPE 9 140 x 10 – RPE 9 140 x 10 – RPE 9 6/ Legs | Dumbbell stiff legged deadlifts Do 2 slow sets of 6. 2 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets 135 x 3 – Feeder set 195 x 6 – RPE 8 195 x 6 – RPE 8 163 7/ Calves | Seated calf raises Keep these the same as last week. Do 4 sets of 15 here. Work the stretch hard at the bottom. 4 total work sets Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 125 x 5 – Feeder set 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 125 x 15 – RPE 9-10 8/ Abs | V ups Do 3 sets of 10-15. 3 total work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Rest Period – 1 minute between work sets Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 Bodyweight x 10 – RPE 7 RPE 7-10 164 Day 5 – Upper body push focus Chest 4 exercises 13 sets Shoulders 2 exercises 10 sets Triceps 2 exercises 10 sets 8 exercises 33 sets Warm up rotation 1. Hanging Leg Raises - 6-10 reps 2. Plank – 15 seconds 3. Band Pull Apart with long micro mini band – 15 reps Do 3 rounds here. 1/ Chest | Machine press Keep these the same this week. You will do 3 hard sets of 10. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 75 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 105 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 135 x 5 – Feeder set 155 x 10 – RPE 9 155 x 10 – RPE 9 155 x 10 – RPE 9 2/ Chest | Max effort close grip incline press Work up to a heavy single for your first set. Drop the weight 20% and do 2 sets of 3 for your next two sets. 3 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work set This is an example of what it could look like: 135 x 10 – Warm up 135 x 10 – Warm up 185 x 3 – Feeder set 255 x 1 – RPE 9 205 x 3 (slow tempo) - This assumes 205 is 80% of your 1 rep max 205 x 3 (slow tempo) - This assumes 205 is 80% of your 1 rep max 165 3/ Chest | Dips Add a work set on these this week. Do 5 sets to failure. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 Bodyweight x F – RPE 10 4/ Chest | Machine flyes Keep these the same this week. Do a few low rep feeder sets until you get to your big set. Do about 8 reps there. We’ll then do a 2nd all out set there where you try to match the number, and then drop the weight 30% and go to failure again. 2 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 105 lbs. x 4 – Feeder set 135 lbs. x 8 – RPE 10 135 lbs. x 8. Drop to 105 lbs. and get 6 more – RPE 12 5/ Shoulders | Dumbbell side laterals Do 1 warm up set here before doing your work sets. Add a work set this week. Do 5 hard sets of 15 reps here. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20 lbs. x 10 – Warm up 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 30 lbs. x 15 – RPE 9 6/ Shoulders | Dumbbell Y raises Add a work set on these this week. Do 5 sets of 12 here. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 20’s x 12 – RPE 9 166 7/ Triceps | Seated rope extensions Add a work set on these this week. Do 5 sets of 12 here reaching failure. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 125 lbs. x 12 – RPE 9-10 8/ Triceps | Incline lying extensions Keep these the same this week. Do 5 sets of 10. 5 total work sets Rest Period – 2 minutes between work sets This is an example of what it could look like: 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 85 x 10 – RPE 9 167 DAYS 6 & 7 OFF - FAMILY DAY 168 Did you make it through?? If so let me know on Instagram at mountaindog1 @mountaindog1 @cedmonds18 Follow John on YouTube at mountaindog1 for many more complete workouts! If you are looking to ask questions directly or access 10 years worth of information contained on the member site, download the Mountain Dog Diet app. Thank you so much for your support! John Meadows 169