Phase 1
Strength & Power
Weeks 1-6
The first phase of this program focuses on developing a strong foundation using core barbell lifts. This phase emphasizes heavy, compound movements to build maximal strength and improve lifting mechanics. Lifts will be performed in a lower rep range with heavier weights to stimulate muscle growth and neurological adaptations.
Weekly Schedule
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Day 1: Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps
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Day 2: Back and Biceps
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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:
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Jump rope (1-2 min)
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Bodyweight squats (15 reps)
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Arm circles (30 sec each direction)
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Glute bridges (15 reps)
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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
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Barbell Bench Press – 4 sets of 6 reps
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Incline Dumbbell Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
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Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press – 3 sets of 8 reps
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Chest Dips (Assisted if needed) – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
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Cable Tricep Extensions – 3 sets of 10 reps
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Plank – 3 sets of 30-45 sec
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Day 2: Back and Biceps
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Deadlift – 4 sets of 5 reps
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Weighted Pull-Ups (Assisted if needed) – 3 sets of 6-8 reps
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Barbell Bent-Over Rows – 3 sets of 8 reps
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Barbell Curl – 3 sets of 10 reps
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Face Pulls – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
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Russian Twists (Weighted Optional) – 3 sets of 20 reps (10 per side)
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Day 3: Lower Body
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Back Squat – 4 sets of 6 reps
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Romanian Deadlift – 3 sets of 8 reps
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Hip Thrusts – 3 sets of 8 reps
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Walking Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
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Weighted Calf Raises – 3 sets of 10
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Hanging Leg Raises or Knee Tucks – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
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Cool-Down and Stretching (5-10 Minutes)
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Hamstring stretch (30 sec/leg)
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Shoulder stretch (30 sec)
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Cat-Cow stretch (10 reps)
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Child’s pose (1 min)
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Active Recovery Suggestions
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Walking or Hiking (30-45 min)
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Yoga or Mobility Flow (20-30 min)
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Light Jogging or Cycling (20-30 min)
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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:
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Increase Weight: Add 2.5-5% more weight if you can complete all prescribed reps with proper form.
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Increase Reps: Add 1-2 additional reps per set when possible.
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Improve Tempo: Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase to enhance muscle engagement.
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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 1, you will transition to Phase 2, which emphasizes Stability & Control by incorporating dumbbell and kettlebell movements.
Move On