www.wenningstrength.com 1 A 7-WEEK PROGRAM THE COME BACK MANUAL — A 7-WEEK PROGRAM — If you’ve been out of the gym for a significant period of time because you’ve been injured, lost a lot of weight, or just haven’t had time, this will help you get back into strength training. MATT R. WENNING M.S. Sports Biomechanics www.wenningstrength.com 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Program Overview 04 My Personal Experience 07 Recommended Weekly Schedule 09 Equipment List 10 Before You Start 11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 12 Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale 14 Proven Results! 15 Listen to What People Think About Matt Wenning’s Exercise Plans 16 Week 1: Meso 1 // Strength 18 Week 2: Meso 1 // Strength 33 Week 3: Meso 1 // Strength X Week 4: Meso 2 // Deload Accessory Volume X Week 5: Meso 2 X Week 6: Meso 2 X Week 7: Meso 2 X What Programs Should You Try Next? 36 Unlock the Power of the Exclusive Wenning Strength Membership Site 42 Recommended Resources 43 Conclusion 44 www.wenningstrength.com 3 A DV ERTISEM ENT ATP LAB It takes more than workouts to build big muscles. Are you getting the right supplements? Get the highest quality supplements with the finest in purity because you want to build your body wisely. They’ve worked for 3-time powerlifting world champion Matt Wenning, and they can do the same for you. ATPLAB.COM www.wenningstrength.com 5 RECOMMENDED WEEKLY SCHEDULE Monday DAY 1 MAX EFFORT LOWER TUESDAY DAY 2 MAX EFFORT UPPER wednesday DAY 3 RECOVERY thursday DAY 4 DYNAMIC LOWER friday DAY 5 DYNAMIC UPPER SATURDAY DAY 6 OFF SundaY DAY 7 GPP // RESTORATION www.wenningstrength.com 9 RATED PERCEIVED EXERTION (RPE) SCALE We touched on this briefly in the FAQ section, but the information below is a deeper dive… The RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) scale serves as a tool to gauge the intensity of your physical activity. This scale spans from 0 to 10, with corresponding descriptions to help you assess how easy or demanding an activity feels. For instance, a rating of 0 represents a state of complete rest, akin to sitting in a chair, while 10 signifies an extremely strenuous effort, akin to the exhaustion experienced at the end of an intense exercise stress test or after a particularly challenging activity. 10 Very, Very Heavy 9 8 7 Very Heavy 6 5 Heavy Here’s a breakdown of the RPE scale: • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 - Nothing at all 0.5 - Just noticeable 1 - Very light 2 - Light 3 - Moderate 4 - Somewhat heavy 5 - Heavy 6 7 - Very heavy 8 9 10 - Very, very heavy In most cases, it’s advisable to aim for an exercise intensity level that falls between 4 and 6 on the RPE scale. When using this rating system, consider factors such as your breathing rate, the fatigue in your legs, and your overall sense of tiredness. www.wenningstrength.com 4 Somewhat Heavy 3 Moderate 2 Light 1 Very Light 0.5 Just Noticeable 0 Nothing at all 14 PROVEN RESULTS! www.wenningstrength.com 15 LI STEN TO WH AT PEO PL E T HINK A B OUT MATT WENNING’S EXERCISE PLANS Stone Cold Shares his Experience w i t h M a t t We n n i n g a s H i s Online Coach M a r l ey Pa r r i s h S h a re s H ow M at t We n n i n g ’ s Wo r k o u t P l a n H e l p s H e r L i f t M o r e We i g h t T h a n E v e r B e f o r e Don Saladino Discusses Matt We n n i n g ’ s E x e r c i s e P l a n R o b M a y z e r Te l l s U s A b o u t H i s 1 2 Ye a r s o f Tr a i n i n g w i t h M a t t We n n i n g Gunnar Peterson Shares Thoughts o n M a t t We n n i n g ’ s Wo r k o u t P l a n s H o w M a t t We n n i n g H e l p e d K a r e n Get Healthier www.wenningstrength.com 16 WORKOUTS Now that we’ve gone over a lot of important information, it’s time to start the workouts. Remember to approach each exercise with care, focusing on proper form. While workouts may lead to soreness, they should never cause sharp pain. There’s a difference. If something doesn’t feel right, stop. However, we think we have you well-covered. And with that, let’s hit it: www.wenningstrength.com 17 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 DAY 1 Max effort lower DYNAMIC MOBILITY \ TIME: 10 min \ ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: Fo c u s o n yo u r l owe r b a c k a n d h a m s t r i n g s. WENNING WARMUP CIRCUIT (NO REST) glute bridges \ SETS & REPS: \ 3x20 \ RPE: 4 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: Pe r fo r m t h i s exe rc i s e by o n l y u s i n g yo u r b o d y we i g h t . Light Hamstring C u r l s w/ a B a n d \ SETS & REPS: 3x20 www.wenningstrength.com \ RPE: 4 18 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 Main Lift: B a r b e l l S q u at s \ SETS & REPS: 10x10 \ \ RPE: Wo r k i n g U p To A 7 R P E ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: E m p l oy a we i g ht l i f t i n g b e l t exc l u s i ve l y ( avo i d b ox wo r k ) a n d p r i o r i t i z e t h e d eve l o p m e n t o f reve rs a l s t re n g t h . I m p l e m e nt a o n e - s e c o n d p au s e, o n e i n c h a b ove p a ra l l e l , o n t h e u pwa rd p h a s e o f t h e l i f t ( t h i s t e c h n i q u e p re s e n t s a r i g o ro u s c h a l l e n g e ) . M a i nt a i n re l at i ve l y b r i ef re s t i nt e r va l s, ra n g i n g fro m 8 0 t o 1 0 0 s e c o n d s . www.wenningstrength.com 19 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 NOTE: Once the main lift is concluded, transition into a series of accessory exercises arranged in circuits to amplify the onset of muscle fatigue. ACCESSORIES: Trap Bar Shrugs \ SETS & REPS: \ 3x8 ( 3 - 3 Te m p o ) d e c l i n e s i t- u p s \ SETS & REPS: 8 \ 2x10 ( 2 - 2 Te m p o ) \ RPE: RPE: 6 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: U s e a m o d e rat e we i g h t d u m b b e l l ; m a i n t a i n a s t ra i g h t b a c k . Sled Drags \ SETS & REPS: 6x100 \ \ RPE: 7 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: Ta ke l a rg e s t r i d e s w h i l e m a i nt a i n i n g p ro p e r fo r m . www.wenningstrength.com 20 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 DAY 2 Max effort UPPER DB Internal E x t e r n a l R o tat i o n \ TIME: \ RPE: X 10 min WENNING WARMUP CIRCUIT (NO REST) N ot e : Ke e p i n m i n d t h at t h e i n i t i a l exe rc i s e s a re m e a n t t o b e l i g h t a n d i n t ro d u c t o r y. r e a r d e lt r o w s \ SETS & REPS: \ 3x25 tricep pushdowns \ SETS & REPS: 4 \ 3x25 \ RPE: RPE: 4 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: U t i l i z e a ro p e h a n d l e. l at p u l l d o w n \ SETS & REPS: 3x25 www.wenningstrength.com \ RPE: 4 21 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH CYCLE - WEEKS 1-6 MAIN LIFT: bench press \ SETS & REPS: 8x10 \ \ RPE: 8 Burnout Set 1x10 (Wide Grip // 7 0 % o f t h e we i g ht yo u ac h i eve d d u r i n g y o u r 1 0 R M // 3 - 1 - 3 Te m p o ) \ Burnout Set 1x10 (Narrow G r i p // 7 0 % of the weight yo u ac h i eve d d u r i n g yo u r 1 0 R M // 3 - 1 - 3 Te m p o ) \ ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: G ra d u a l l y b u i l d u p t o a c h a l l e n g i n g 1 0 - re p m a x ( 1 0 R M ) ove r t h e c o u rs e o f 8 s et s , c u l m i n at i n g i n yo u r p e a k p e r fo r m a n c e s et . D u r i n g t h e a s c e nt t o yo u r 1 0 R M , m a i nt a i n a c o n s i s t e n t 1 0 - re p c o u n t fo r e a c h s et . O n c e yo u ’ ve d et e r m i n e d yo u r 1 0 R M we i g ht , t ra n s i t i o n i nt o t wo b u r n o u t s et s : o n e w i t h a w i d e r g r i p a n d a n ot h e r w i t h a n a r rowe r g r i p. T h e s e b u r n o u t s et s s h o u l d b e p e r fo r m e d w i t h 7 0 % of t h e we i g ht yo u a c h i eve d d u r i n g yo u r 1 0 R M , a d h e r i n g t o a c o n t ro l l e d 3 - 1 - 3 t e m p o www.wenningstrength.com 22 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 ACCESSORIES (CIRCUIT) Hammer Strength Rows \ \ SETS + REPS: \ 3x1min RPE: 6 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: G ra d u a l l y i n c re a s e t h e we i g ht w i t h e a c h s u c c e s s i ve s et , e n s u r i n g a s t e a d y p ro g re s s i o n . Ad d i t i o n a l l y, i n c o r p o rat e a d e l i b e rat e 2 - s e c o n d s q u e e z e at t h e p i n n a c l e o f e a c h re p et i t i o n . Incline DB Tricep Extensions \ \ SETS + REPS: \ 3x45sec each arm RPE: 6 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: Pe r fo r m t h i s exe rc i s e o n e a r m at a t i m e, u s i n g a 3 0 - s e c o n d h a m m e r g r i p fo r e a c h a r m . Bicep Machine \ SETS + REPS: 3x1min (3-3 tempo) \ \ RPE: 6 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: S e l e c t a we i g ht t h at i s b ot h m a n a g e a b l e a n d a p p ro p r i at e fo r yo u r f i t n e s s l eve l . www.wenningstrength.com 23 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 DAY 3 massage / foam roller \ RECOVERY \ TIME: 10-20 min ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: E n g a g e i n a 5 - 2 0 m i n u t e fo a m ro l l i n g ro u t i n e, b e g i n n i n g by a d d re s s i n g yo u r b a c k m u s c l e s , t h e n p ro c e e d i n g t o t a rg et yo u r u p p e r b a c k , l owe r b a c k , a n d f i n a l l y t ra n s i t i o n i n g t o yo u r l owe r ex t re m i t i e s . C o n c e n t rat e yo u r e f fo r t s o n s p e c i fi c m u s c l e g ro u p s, i n c l u d i n g t h e q u a d r i c e p s, h a m s t r i n g s , I T b a n d , i n n e r t h i g h , a n d c a l f m u s c l e s . H o t- C o l d C o n t r a s t \ Shower \ TIME: 10mins ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: B e g i n w i t h wa r m wat e r fo r 3 - 5 m i n u t e s t o re l a x yo u r m u s c l e s , t h e n g ra d u a l l y i n c re a s e t h e t e m p e rat u re t o h ot fo r 1 - 2 m i n u t e s. Q u i c kl y s w i t c h t o c o l d wat e r fo r 3 0 s e c o n d s t o 1 m i n u t e, a n d re p e at t h i s c yc l e 2 - 3 t i m e s . F i n i s h w i t h a 1 - 2 m i n u t e c o l d wat e r p h a s e. www.wenningstrength.com 24 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 DAY 4 DYNAMIC LOWER Dynamic Mobility \ Time : \ 10 minutes RPE: X WENNING WARM UP CIRCUIT (NO REST) Sled Drags \ Sets & Reps: 4 x 5 0 Yd s www.wenningstrength.com \ RPE: 4 25 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 MAIN LIFT; S p e e d S q u at s \ Sets & Reps : \ 10x3 \ RPE: 8 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: U t i l i z e 3 0 % o f yo u r 1 - R e p et i t i o n M ax i m u m ( 1 - R M ) i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h a s i n g l e c h a i n , a l l w i t h o u t t h e u s e o f a b ox . M a ke s u re t o i n c o r p o rat e 3 - s e c o n d p au s e s at t h e l owe s t p o i n t o f t h e m ove m e n t . I n t h e eve nt t h at c h a i n s a re n ot a c c e s s i b l e, a dj u s t t h e p e rc e n t a g e by i n c re a s i n g i t by 5 % . Speed Deadlifts \ Sets & Reps : 8x3 \ \ RPE: 8 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: C o m m e n c e yo u r wo r ko u t by s t a r t i n g w i t h 6 0 % o f yo u r e s t i m at e d 1 R e p et i t i o n M a x i m u m ( 1 - R M ) . C o n t i n u e t o i n c re m e nt t h e we i g ht u nt i l yo u n ot i c e a d e c re a s e i n t h e s p e e d o f yo u r b a r m ove m e n t . U p o n re a c h i n g t h e 8 t h s et , s t r i ve t o s u s t a i n a c o n t ro l l e d yet c h a l l e n g i n g b a r s p e e d d u r i n g t h e c o n c e n t r i c p h a s e. I n t h e fi n a l 3 s et s , fo c u s o n l owe r i n g t h e we i g ht g ra d u a l l y ove r a 5 - s e c o n d d u rat i o n . www.wenningstrength.com 26 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 Accessories: Stiff Leg Trap Bar Deadlifts \ Leg Curls \ Sets & Reps : \ 3x10 (3-3 tempo) Sets & Reps : Up to 8 RPE \ 3x1min \ RPE: RPE: Up to 8 RPE ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: I n c re a s e t h e we i g h t w i t h e a c h c o n s e c u t i ve s et t o p ro g re s s i ve l y c h a l l e n g e yo u rs e l f. S e at e d C a l f R a i s e \ Sets & Reps : 3x1min \ \ RPE: 6 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: G ra d u a l l y i n c re a s e t h e we i g ht i n e a c h s et t o i nt e n s i f y yo u r wo r ko u t . Fo l l ow i n g yo u r wo r ko u t , e n g a g e i n p o s t - t ra i n i n g re c ove r y, s u c h a s a h ot - c o l d c o n t ra s t s h owe r, l a s t i n g fo r a p p rox i m at e l y 10 minutes Fo l l ow i n g yo u r wo r ko u t , e n g a g e i n p o s t - t ra i n i n g re c ove r y, s u c h a s a h ot - c o l d c o n t ra s t s h owe r, l a s t i n g fo r a p p rox i m at e l y 1 0 m i n u t e s. www.wenningstrength.com 27 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 DAY 5 DYNAMIC LOWER WENNING WARMUP CIRCUIT (NO REST) DB Bench Press \ SETS + REPS: \ 4x25 \ RPE: 3 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: E m p l oy a reve rs e g r i p fo r t h i s exe rc i s e L at P u l l d o w n s \ SETS + REPS: 4x25 \ \ RPE: 3 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: U t i l i z e a w i d e r g r i p fo r t h i s p a r t i c u l a r exe rc i s e. www.wenningstrength.com 28 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 MAIN LIFT: Bench Press \ SETS + REPS: 10x3 \ \ RPE: 8 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: G ra d u a l l y wo r k yo u r way u p t o 3 0 % of yo u r o n e - re p et i t i o n m a x i m u m ( 1 R M ) w h i l e a d d i n g o n e c h a i n t o e a c h s i d e. D u r i n g e a c h re p et i t i o n , i n c o r p o rat e a d e l i b e rat e 3 - s e c o n d e c c e n t r i c p h a s e, p au s i n g m o m e nt a r i l y w h e n t h e b a r re a c h e s yo u r c h e s t . C o n c e nt rat e o n exe r t i n g m ax i m a l fo rc e a s yo u p e r fo r m t h e c o n c e n t r i c p h a s e. I f yo u d o n’ t h ave a c c e s s t o c h a i n s, a dj u s t yo u r p e rc e n t a g e u pwa rd t o 3 5 % t o e n s u re a n e f fe c t i ve wo r ko u t . www.wenningstrength.com 29 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 ACCESSORIES: DB Decline Tricep Fold-Ins \ B a n d R e a r D e lt P u l l-A pa r t s \ D B L at e r a l R a i s e \ SETS + REPS: \ 3x1min SETS + REPS: 7 \ 3x25 SETS + REPS: 3x45 sec www.wenningstrength.com RPE: RPE: 8 \ RPE: 5 30 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 Mini-Workout (6 Hours Pre or Post): Overhead Tricep Extensions \ \ SETS + REPS: 1x100 \ RPE: 6 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: U t i l i z e a l i g ht b a n d o r a s m o ot h , c o n c e n t rat e d ro p e fo r ove r h e a d exe rc i s e s . www.wenningstrength.com 31 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 DAY 6: OFF www.wenningstrength.com 32 [ WEEK 1 - MESO 1 ] STRENGTH - WEEKS 1-3 DAY 7 G P P // R E S T O R A T I O N Mini-Workout (No Rest) KB SWINGS \ SETS + REPS: 3x30 \ \ RPE: 4 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: U t i l i z e m o d e rat e ket t l e b e l l s ( K B ) o r d u m b b e l l s ( D B ) d u r i n g t h e 2 0 - m i n u t e s e s s i o n . Hot Tub \ TIME: 15mins Stretch \ TIME: 20 min www.wenningstrength.com 33 WHAT PROGRAMS SHOULD YOU TRY NEXT? The Off-Season Transition Manual https://wenningstrength.com/product/off-season-transition-manual/ This is ideal for athletes who want to train in the off-season while avoiding burnout and protecting progress. • • Overcome Mental Hurdles Keep Moving Forward For many competitive athletes or consistent gym-goers, an off-season of training is highly recommended to protect previous progress, all while looking ahead to future blocks of heavy or strenuous training or competition. • • • Learn the right mindset for off-season progress Address your weak areas Keep your motivation intact Basketball, Soccer, Football, Baseball, Tennis, Golf, Rugby, Ice Hockey, Swimming, Track and Field, Volleyball, Boxing, Wrestling, MMA, Cycling, Triathlon and used for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hypertrophy Manual https://wenningstrength.com/product/hypertrophy-manual/ If you want to grow big muscles, 3-time powerlifting champion Matt Wenning has the correct path for you to follow. • • Get Buff … the Right Way Avoid Injury, Become Healthier If you want to pack on a lot of muscle, this is a must-read manual that is stuffed with information you need to know. • • • Written by a 3-time world champion powerlifter Photos included to aid in comprehension Includes important information about how muscles grow We’re often bombarded with images of barrel chests and bulging biceps every day, whether it’s an advertisement for the latest superhero movie or seeing fellow weightlifters in the gym. Learn how to put on mass to become the powerhouse you’ve always wanted to be. www.wenningstrength.com 123 A DV ERTISEM ENT WENNING STRENGTH EQUIPMENT Avoid people, noise, and traffic. Meet your goals in peace using our home equipment. What will work in your home gym? Take a gander. www.wenningstrength.com 124 A DV ERTISEM ENT TrainHeroic Personal trainers watch the clock. We don’t. Save money and take your time getting the info you need through our TrainHeroic channel. Learn from the master himself: Matt Wenning www.wenningstrength.com 125 A DV ERTISEM ENT PATREON Enjoy richer resources and talk to Matt Wenning directly. Get exclusive access to in-depth videos, comprehensive exercises, and more. It’s cheaper than you think and more rewarding than you can know. Click on Matt to get started. www.wenningstrength.com 126 A DV ERTISEM ENT IN-PERSON ASSESSMENTS WITH MATT WENNING Learn from THE CHAMP HIMSELF. Matt Wenning, 3-time powerlifting world champion, has reached the peak of powerlifting success. That’s why countless people travel far and wide to see him— because they want the real deal. Do you? Schedule YOUR in-person assessment today to transform your life. www.wenningstrength.com 127 A DV ERTISEM ENT TRAINING VIDEOS Watch. Learn. Grow. Why pay an expensive, clock-watching personal trainer? Check out on-demand videos of 3-time powerlifting champion Matt Wenning to show you how it’s done. Buy once, watch as many times as you want. Training can be tough, but getting the right info should be easy. Look at our video selections with your primary goal in mind today. www.wenningstrength.com 128 UNLOCK THE POWER OF THE EXCLUSIVE WENNING STRENGTH MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE! GAIN ACCESS TO SPECIAL TRAINING VIDEOS + MANUALS Matt will personally grant you entry to a treasure trove of resources including: - Exclusive Training Videos - Private Seminars - World-Class Collaboration Videos - Expert Technique Demonstrations - Limited-Time-Only Videos - Updated On A Regular Basis But that’s not all! As a token of our appreciation, all members receive these fantastic discounts: - Save 35% on Training Manuals - Enjoy a 15% discount on Fitness Apparel - Get 10% off all ATP Labs Supplements with the code ‘wenningstrength’. Start your membership today HERE. www.wenningstrength.com 129 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES I’m glad we can work together to restore your body through this manual. I have no doubt you’ll find it incredibly impactful. In the meantime, there are numerous other resources you can take advantage of to keep getting stronger and better. In other words, I’m asking a simple question: How else can I help you? 01 LET’S CHAT DIRECTLY This manual is packed with a lot of wellresearched, science-backed information. But perhaps what you learn here inspires other questions. I’m here to answer them. Head on over to my Patreon page, where you can interact with me directly. Remember, I’m here to help you. 03 FIND ME ON YOUTUBE Looking for more important workout advice but not ready for any further spending yet? I hear you. Head on over to my YouTube page for loads of free and important tips. Like I said, I’m here to help you any way I can. www.wenningstrength.com 02 TALK TO A COACH While I’m more than happy to answer your questions, you might be looking for some outright personal training. We have online coaches who are ready to help you achieve your goals and further transform your life. 04 EMPLOY SUPPLEMENTS Hitting a plateau in your results? We can also connect you with supplements that will help push you into the next level of your fitness journey. These are safe and I definitely recommend them. 130 CONCLUSION I hope this program was helpful in restoring you to where you were before something in life kept you out of the gym. It’s been my honor and privilege to guide you through these workouts, and it’s my sincere hope they have been as effective for you as they were for me. Remember to check out my Patreon page if you want to chat with me directly. I will be happy to answer your questions and help guide you to the next step of your fitness journey. Looking for a more personalized experience? Want to work with me directly? Now is your chance, sign up for my online coaching. Have a question? Curious about other programs and services? Contact us at www.wenningstrength.com/contact/ Because who wants to stop now? Let’s keep moving forward … together. M AT T WE NNING www.wenningstrength.com 131