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Westside Conjugate (12-Week)

A 12-week conjugate example with four weekly sessions, rotating heavy lifts and speed work. Review the preset exercises and assistance loads.

Schedule
4 days/week
Length
12 weeks
Main lifts
15

What you’ll train

The main movements in this program.

  • Board Press
  • Floor Press
  • Incline Bench Press
  • Box Squat
  • Good Morning
  • Rack Pull
  • Bench Press
  • Overhead Press
  • Deadlift
  • Barbell Row
  • Dips
  • Face Pulls
  • Glute-Ham Raise
  • Reverse Hyper
  • Tricep Pushdowns
Review exercise technique

Before you start

No measured max is needed to start. Guided setup lets you choose a comfortable working weight in the gym and adjust your logged sets as you go.

If you already know your lifting numbers, you can enter them during setup instead. Review the program guide for this template's load and progression rules.

Optional max estimation tools

Max-effort and speed strength

Experienced lifters familiar with exercise variations, speed work and judging heavy attempts.

Before choosing this plan

Needs specialist equipment and exercise-specific load judgment. This is a preset example, not individualized conjugate coaching.

Equipment

  • Barbell and plates
  • Squat rack with safeties
  • Bench
  • Squat box and board-press boards
  • Adjustable bench
  • Dip station
  • Cable station or bands
  • Glute-ham developer
  • Reverse hyper machine

Progression in this app

Loads follow the supplied set and percentage schedule. There is no automatic increase after each session; review your reference weights before repeating the cycle. Guided starting weights remain under your control.

About this template

A repeating three-week rotation of max-effort variations with fixed speed prescriptions and example accessory loads. It does not choose variations or loads from your weaknesses.

Sessions and prescriptions

The first week is open below. Expand later weeks to compare their schedules. Percentages use the reference described in the program guide; guided starting loads are chosen in your first workout.

Week 1

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Board Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Box Squat main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 2

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Floor Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Good Morning main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 3

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Incline Bench Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Rack Pull main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 4

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Board Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Box Squat main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 5

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Floor Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Good Morning main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 6

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Incline Bench Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Rack Pull main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 7

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Board Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Box Squat main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 8

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Floor Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Good Morning main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 9

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Incline Bench Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Rack Pull main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 10

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Board Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Box Squat main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 11

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Floor Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Good Morning main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30

Week 12

4 sessions

Day 1 · Max Effort Upper

Incline Bench Press main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Take adequate rest between heavy singles.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

    Max effort — grind through it

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Go for a PR if it feels right

Dips assistance

Bodyweight dips for triceps assistance. Add weight if too easy.

  • 3 × 12 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Face Pulls assistance

Light weight, focus on rear delt contraction. Band or cable.

  • 3 × 15 @ 30 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 2 · Max Effort Lower

Rack Pull main

Work up to a heavy 1–3RM. Full depth on squats, full ROM on pulls.

  • 1 × 5 @ 50%warmup

    Rest 1:00

  • 1 × 3 @ 60%warmup

    Rest 1:30

  • 1 × 3 @ 75%working

    Rest 2:00

  • 1 × 2 @ 85%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 90%working

    Rest 3:00

  • 1 × 1 @ 95%working

    Rest 4:00

    Max effort single

Glute-Ham Raise assistance

Bodyweight GHR. Use a band for assistance if needed.

  • 3 × 10 · Bodyweightworking

    Rest 1:30

Reverse Hyper assistance

Light and controlled. Focus on glute squeeze at the top.

  • 3 × 12 @ 90 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 3 · Dynamic Effort Upper

Speed is king. Every rep should be explosive. Short rest between sets.

Bench Press main

Speed bench — move the bar as fast as possible. Change grip every 3 sets.

  • 9 × 3 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. 3 grips × 3 sets.

Overhead Press accessory

Strict press. No leg drive.

  • 4 × 8 @ 65%working

    Rest 1:30

Tricep Pushdowns assistance

Cable or band pushdowns for lockout strength.

  • 3 × 15 @ 50 lbworking

    Rest 1:00

Day 4 · Dynamic Effort Lower

Explosive speed work. Sit back on the box, pause, explode up.

Box Squat main

Speed box squats — sit back, pause on box, explode. Use bands/chains if available.

  • 10 × 2 @ 55%working

    Rest 0:45

    Max bar speed. Submaximal weight.

Deadlift accessory

Speed pulls from the floor. Reset each rep.

  • 8 × 1 @ 60%working

    Rest 0:45

    Dead stop each rep. Fast and violent.

Barbell Row assistance

Pendlay rows — chest to floor each rep.

  • 4 × 8 @ 50%working

    Rest 1:30