Intermediate Muscle Building Workout

M&S Writers
Written By: M&S Writers
September 27th, 2009
Updated: May 11th, 2021
1.4M Reads
Muscular man doing front squat in the gym
Shock your muscle into growth by rotating this workout with your current routine. This workout hits each major muscle group twice per week.
Workout Summary
  • Main Goal
    Build Muscle
  • Workout Type
    Split
  • Training Level
    Intermediate
  • Program Duration6 weeks
  • Days Per Week
    5
  • Time Per Workout45 minutes
  • Equipment Required
    Barbell, Bodyweight, Cables, Dumbbells, EZ Bar, Machines
  • Target Gender Male & Female
  • Recommended Supps
  • Workout PDF Download Workout

Workout Description

Shock your muscle into growth by rotating this workout with your current routine. This workout hits each major muscle group twice per week. Monday is chest/triceps/shoulders, Tuesday is back/biceps, Wednesday heavy leg routine, Thursday is chest/triceps/shoulders and Friday is back/biceps. This workout is ideal for people stuck on a plateau. The change in routine will shock your muscles and when you change back to your original program your muscles will be shocked again.

Monday - Chest, Shoulders and Triceps
Chest
Exercise Sets Reps
Dumbbell Bench Press 3 10, 10, 8 (adding weight)
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press 3 10
Chest Dip 3 MAX
Triceps
Exercise Sets Reps
Lying Tricep Extension 3 8-10
One Arm Dumbbell Extension 3 10
Tricep Extension 3 10
Shoulders
Barbell Front Raise 4 12
Dumbbell Lateral Raise 4 15, 12, 8, 8 (adding weight)
Notes
None.
Tuesday - Back and Biceps
Back
Exercise Sets Reps
Wide Grip Pull Up 3 MAX
Lat Pull Down 3 10
Straight Arm Lat Pull Down 3 10

Machine Reverse Fly

3 10
Upright Row 3 8-10
Biceps
Exercise Sets Reps
Standing Barbell Curl 3 8-10
Preacher Curl 3 10
Incline Dumbbell Curl 3 10
Notes
None.
Wednesday - Legs
Quads, Glutes and Hamstrings
Exercise Sets Reps
Squat 4 10,10,8,8
Dumbbell Lunge 3 8 on each leg
45 Degree Leg Press 3 12
Leg Curl 3 15
Leg Extension 3 15
Calves
Exercise Sets Reps
Standing Calf Raise 5 10,8,8,8,6 (heavy)
Seated calf Raise 5 15 (light)
Notes
None.
Thursday - Chest, Triceps and Shoulders
Chest
Exercise Sets Reps
Barbell Bench Press 4 10, 10, 8, 6
Dumbbell Flys 3 10
Cable Crossovers 3 10
Triceps
Exercise Sets Reps
Close Grip Bench Press 4 10, 10, 8, 6
Lying Dumbbell Extension 3 10
Tricep Kickback 3 10
Shoulders
Seated Dumbbell Press 4 10, 10, 8, 8
One Arm Cable Lateral Raise 3 12
Notes
Every second week superset bench press and dumbbell flys.
Crossovers: Ultra slow rep timing with 2 second pause and squeeze at the top of the movement.
Friday - Back and Biceps
Back
Exercise Sets Reps
Seated Row 4 10
Bent Over Barbell Row 3 10
Bent Over Row 3 12
Smith Machine Upright Row 3 8-10
Biceps
Exercise Sets Reps
Cable Curl 4 8-10
Concentration Curl 3 10
Reverse Barbell Curl 3 10
Notess
None.

WEEKEND - REST AND RECOVER

408 Comments
Yegor
Posted on: Fri, 04/24/2026 - 01:46

Thank you for this great program. I just completed it and what would be the best next program?
Thank you!

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Roger
Posted on: Sat, 04/25/2026 - 19:16

Hi Yegor, we think your next program can be found here.

https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-choose-your-next-train...

Doug
Posted on: Mon, 03/23/2026 - 16:51

Can I do this workout as my normal routine or should I just so the recommend weeks its telling us to use the program for?

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Roger
Posted on: Mon, 03/23/2026 - 19:14

Hi Doug, you could use this as your normal routine for a while before needing to adjust. As long as you see progress, keep going with it. Once you plateau, come on back and we can find another one for you.

Thanks for reading M&S!

Ceren
Posted on: Tue, 12/24/2024 - 03:24

Hi,
I am returning to the gym after a year-long break from working out. How could I alter this program so that it hits legs twice? Or could you recommend me another split that has two leg days?

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Roger
Posted on: Thu, 12/26/2024 - 06:43

Hello Ceren, I would suggest running this as is for a few weeks to rebuild your training stamina before adding in a second leg day. After about four weeks, you could split up quads and calves on one day and hamstrings/glutes on another.

Steven tip
Posted on: Fri, 08/29/2025 - 21:38

You could also just take 1 rest day off and do legs twice.

Lamont
Posted on: Tue, 11/26/2024 - 09:40

Which article and workout routine follows this one? There are several. I am sure they are interchangeable, I just wanna know which one is next. This workout has been great. I am on week 4 and have noticed significant gains in mass and strength.

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Roger
Posted on: Fri, 11/29/2024 - 06:39
Luis
Posted on: Tue, 11/19/2024 - 13:48

Hello, I was wondering is there a second phase to this?

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 11/27/2024 - 06:52

Hey Luis, this was the closest thing I could find. Hope it helps!

https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/advanced-bodybuilder-workout....

Ryan
Posted on: Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:40

Hi again,

Quick question if you wouldn't mind answering!

So I'm assuming the other sets from Tuesday onwards which go down in incremental reps i.e. 10, 8, 8 etc.. are also adding weight as specified in Monday's routine. My question is, what is the recommended amount of weight added? Do we add another 5-10% of 1RM? Or is it whatever weight would get us to fail at 10,8,8 which is a little harder to work out and progress?

Thanks for the help in advance!

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Roger
Posted on: Sun, 09/01/2024 - 10:07

Always here for the questions, Ryan!

Yes, you are go up in weight, the amount is up to you and how you are feeling. If you think you could even go over 10%, go for it. If you only have 5% more in you, that is fine too. I hope this helps.

Sean Reeve
Posted on: Fri, 08/16/2024 - 06:17

Hi, what are the rest times between sets for this program?

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Roger
Posted on: Sun, 08/18/2024 - 08:27

Hello, Sean. No rest time is established, but I would suggest 60 seconds between sets. Hope this helps.

Amit
Posted on: Thu, 07/25/2024 - 23:22

Hi,
Please share alternative to cable cross over for chest as in my gym this machine is highly engaged. So would be better if there is any other alternative... Pls help... Thanks in Advance

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Roger
Posted on: Mon, 07/29/2024 - 20:12

Hi Amit, does your gym have chest fly machines such as a pec-deck? That would be the best bet.

Jeferson Moreir...
Posted on: Fri, 05/31/2024 - 15:21

Boa tarde. No treino A, eu posso trocar o tríceps testa por supino com pegada fechada? Obrigado

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Roger
Posted on: Fri, 06/07/2024 - 13:19

Sim você pode. Espero que isso ajude você.

Jeferson's question translated from Portuguese - Good afternoon. In training A, can I exchange the triceps press for a close-grip bench press? Thanks

My answer - Yes you can. I hope this helps you.

Jeferson Moreir...
Posted on: Tue, 04/23/2024 - 12:19

Boa tarde. Ao invés de fazer mergulho nas paralelas eu posso trocar e fazer crucifixo no banco reto? Abraço

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Roger
Posted on: Sat, 04/27/2024 - 20:47

Sim você pode. Boa sorte e obrigado por ler M&S!

The question in Portuguese: Good afternoon. Instead of doing dips on the parallels, can I switch and do crucifixes on the straight bench?

My answer, Yes you can. Good luck, and thank you for reading M&S!

Jeferson Moreira
Posted on: Sun, 10/15/2023 - 13:44

Boa tarde.
Pergunta 1: Posso começar com o supino inclinado?
Pergunta 2: Posso fazer um treino no sábado só de posterior de coxas? Obrigado

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Roger
Posted on: Mon, 10/23/2023 - 20:06

Sim e sim, desde que você não faça mais do que alguns exercícios.

His questions (Portuguese)
1. Can he start with Incline Bench Press? Yes.
2, Can he do a Saturday workout for Hamstrings? Also, yes, as long as you don't do more than a couple of exercises.

Hazain
Posted on: Tue, 09/12/2023 - 05:52

Any alternative for Straight Arm Lat Pull Down (
Tuesday - Back and Biceps day)

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Roger
Posted on: Tue, 09/12/2023 - 11:13

Why do you need the alternative? Asking so I can give you the best option possible.

Cameron B
Posted on: Mon, 08/28/2023 - 15:24

Quick question for each day's workout: am I supposed to proceed from top to bottom or do one muscle group and then the next. For example, Day 1, once I finish dumbbell bench press, do I then go to incline bench press or do I do the first exercise in the tricep muscle group? I would guess to go from top to bottom (meaning bench press to incline bench) but I have never seen a workout that does 3 or 4 consecutive workouts in the same muscle group before moving on to the next muscle group.

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Roger
Posted on: Tue, 08/29/2023 - 06:54

Follow the exercises in the order you see them from top to bottom. Hope this helps.

Mokh
Posted on: Wed, 08/23/2023 - 09:44

Any replacements for bent over row?? The one with a close grip. My gym got the incline bench but with a wide grip.

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Roger
Posted on: Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:23

I would go with a T-Bar row or one arm row, myself.

Jeferson
Posted on: Tue, 08/22/2023 - 09:42

Bom dia. Pelo pouco volume apresentado neste programa pra parte posterior da coxa no treino de pernas, a minha pergunta é a seguinte: posso trocar o leg press por stiff? Obrigado

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Roger
Posted on: Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:22

Sim você pode. Você também pode considerar fazer leg press com os pés no alto da placa para atingir também os isquiotibiais. Espero que você veja os resultados desejados com o que você escolher.

Jeferson's question translated from Portugese:
Good morning. Due to the little volume presented in this program for the posterior part of the thigh in leg training, my question is the following: can I change the leg press for a stiff one? Thanks. (My guess is this means a stiff-legged deadlift.)

My answer: yes, you can. You could also consider doing leg press with your feet high up on the plate to target the hamstrings as well. I hope you see the desired results with whichever you choose.

Subhadeep kirtonia
Posted on: Mon, 08/21/2023 - 09:53

I'm working out for more than 2 years can I still follow this workout routine for gaining muscle the thing is I'm stuck in same bodyweight past 1 year so it will me to get out

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Roger
Posted on: Tue, 08/22/2023 - 20:47

It could help you, but we also have other options for you to consider. Check this link out.

https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-choose-your-next-train...

Ethan
Posted on: Thu, 12/22/2022 - 10:31

Really great workout. It seems to lack much focus on core, is this detrimental to long-term gains?

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 12/28/2022 - 18:17

Can't explain why there is no core work in this one, but no, it won't be detrimental to focus on core work. This sample program can help you out, Ethan.

https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/12-week-ab-workout-for-ab-def...

Adil
Posted on: Sat, 11/05/2022 - 23:54

Hey, I have been doing full body workout for 6 week. Can I start this plan?
I am skinny fat and on a calorie deficit.

Thanks

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Roger
Posted on: Thu, 11/10/2022 - 06:58

You can try it and see how it goes for you, Adil. Keep us posted!

Karim
Posted on: Sat, 09/10/2022 - 12:43

Hey, Iam in the gym for 2 months , is this programm good for me ? Btw Im skinny …

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Roger
Posted on: Sun, 09/18/2022 - 10:51

Great choice for you. Let us know how it goes. Thanks for reading M&S!

lele
Posted on: Wed, 07/27/2022 - 01:40

Is it me or there is no rear delts exercise in this program/ rear delts are hitted only rarely.

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Roger
Posted on: Fri, 08/05/2022 - 21:30

Reverse fly and upright rows both hit the rear delts, but if you want something else, add face pulls to the shoulders section.

lele
Posted on: Mon, 08/08/2022 - 00:33

tnx bro i thought you would never reply

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Roger
Posted on: Mon, 08/08/2022 - 17:49

Sometimes it may take a little longer than expected, but I will eventually answer. This isn't only my only responsibility.

Saif
Posted on: Wed, 06/08/2022 - 18:59

Hello,
This is a great program, thank you fo taking the time to create it.

Do you have any recomendation for abs?
Also, does this program his your forearms?

TIA

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Roger
Posted on: Fri, 06/10/2022 - 09:13

Hello, Saif. This ab workout should work well with this program.

https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/core-destroyer-8-week-home-ab...

The reverse barbell curl actually directly hits forearms. You can also do hammer curls if you like. Other than that, using the strongest grip possible when training will also benefit your forearms.

Joanne
Posted on: Thu, 05/19/2022 - 03:45

Can I do this workout if I am skinny fat, female who is trying to get toned?

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 05/25/2022 - 19:16

You sure can!

Kyle Card
Posted on: Fri, 03/25/2022 - 13:09

Hey question I’m 26 and going to start this workout April 1st I read doing each body park twice a week can help
Increase size, what would be recommend after the 6 weeks can I do this again ? Thanks a lot !!

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2022 - 20:32

Hi, Kyle. If you feel this program would still serve you well, then yeah, give it another run. Let us know how it goes for you. Thanks for reading M&S!

Hakan
Posted on: Sun, 03/20/2022 - 06:49

by Bent Over Row, do you mean T-Bar Row?? ! Because the link says so, after seated row ??!