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Phase 2

Stability & Control

Weeks 7-12

In this phase, the focus shifts to stability and control by incorporating dumbbells and kettlebells. These tools require greater muscle activation and coordination, helping to improve balance, core engagement, and joint stability. This phase builds on the strength developed in Phase 1 while adding an element of unilateral training to correct muscle imbalances.

Weekly Schedule

  • Day 1: Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps

  • Day 2: Back and Biceps

  • Day 3: Lower Body

Optional Active Recovery (2-3x per week): Light cardio, yoga, mobility work, or recreational sports.

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Warm-Up (5-10 Minutes)

Choose 3-4 dynamic movements:

  • Jump rope (1-2 min)

  • Bodyweight squats (15 reps)

  • Arm circles (30 sec each direction)

  • Glute bridges (15 reps)

  • Walking lunges (10 reps per leg)

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Workout Structure

Each session consists of compound lifts and accessory exercises. Rest 90-120 seconds between sets.​​

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Day 1: Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps

  1. Incline Barbell Press – 4 sets of 6 reps

  2. Barbell Shoulder Press – 3 sets of 8 reps

  3. Dumbbell Bench Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps

  4. Optional - Ring Dips (Assisted if needed) – 3 sets of 8-10 reps

  5. Tricep Skull Crushers – 3 sets of 10 reps

  6. Upper Circle Crunches – 3 sets of 20 reps (10 per direction)

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Day 2: Back and Biceps

  1. Kettlebell Deadlift – 4 sets of 12 reps

  2. Chin Ups (Assisted if needed) – 3 sets of 6-8 reps

  3. Optional - Wide Grip Cable Row – 3 sets of 12 reps

  4. Single-Arm Dumbbell Rows – 3 sets of 8-10 reps per arm

  5. Hammer Curls – 3 sets of 10 reps

  6. Russian Twists (Weighted Optional) – 3 sets of 20 reps (10 per side)

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Day 3: Lower Body

  1. Barbell Front Squats – 4 sets of 6 reps

  2. Bulgarian Split Squats (Dumbbells or Kettlebell) – 3 sets of 8 reps

  3. Single Leg Russian Deadlifts (Kettlebell) – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg

  4. Optional - Good Mornings – 3 sets of 8-10 reps

  5. Weighted Calf Raises – sets of 10-12 reps

  6. Hanging Leg Raises or Knee Tucks – 3 sets of 10-12 reps

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Cool-Down and Stretching (5-10 Minutes)

  • Hamstring stretch (30 sec/leg)

  • Shoulder stretch (30 sec)

  • Cat-Cow stretch (10 reps)

  • Child’s pose (1 min)

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Active Recovery Suggestions

  • Walking or Hiking (30-45 min)

  • Yoga or Mobility Flow (20-30 min)

  • Light Jogging or Cycling (20-30 min)

  • Swimming or Recreational Sports (30-45 min)

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Progressive Overload Guidelines

To continue progressing in strength, implement one of the following each week:

  • Increase Weight: Add 2.5-5% more weight if you can complete all prescribed reps with proper form.

  • Increase Reps: Add 1-2 additional reps per set when possible.

  • Improve Tempo: Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase to enhance muscle engagement.

  • Enhance Range of Motion: Improve flexibility and form to execute lifts with better mechanics.

Note: Apply only one progression method at a time to avoid overtraining and reduce injury risk.​​​​

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After completing Phase 2, you will transition to Phase 3, which emphasizes muscular endurance with higher rep schemes and intensity techniques.

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