4 Day Muscle Building Workout: PPL Split w/ V Taper Intensifier

Josh England
Written By: Josh England
December 2nd, 2019
Updated: May 27th, 2021
244.3K Reads
4 Day Muscle Building Workout: PPL Split w/ V Taper Intensifier
Build lean muscle mass with this 4 day weekly workout routine. The workout is a unique split that combines a push, pull, legs workout with a V-taper day.
Workout Summary
  • Main Goal
    Build Muscle
  • Workout Type
    Split
  • Training Level
    Intermediate
  • Program Duration8 weeks
  • Days Per Week
    4
  • Time Per Workout45-70 minutes
  • Equipment Required
    Barbell, Bodyweight, Cables, Dumbbells, Machines
  • Target Gender Male & Female
  • Recommended Supps
  • Workout PDF Download Workout

Workout Description

Bored and looking for a new routine to spark your interest?

While I don’t normally support program hopping, sometimes you just need a change.

Whether it be because you are tired of the same old protocol or because your progress has stalled, sometimes you just got to move on from your current program.

Whatever your own personal reason is, I think you’ll like this routine.

Recommended: Need help building muscle? Take our Free Muscle Building Course

Workout Overview

The following workout routine is a 4 day per week protocol. It follows a push, pull, legs split and adds in an extra day focused on building the muscles that help provide a “V”-taper illusion.

It’s perfect for most intermediate lifters and can be performed for 6-8 weeks (or longer depending on your goals).

Weight

When selecting a weight, try to choose a weight that will challenge you for the prescribed rep ranges. You should finish each set feeling as though you could get just 1-2 more reps if really pushed to do so.

Tempo

Rep tempo should be relatively slow on each lift. Follow a 2/0/2 tempo when performing each exercise.

Rest

Rest periods will be relatively individualized. I would recommend keeping them to a minimum. Rest just long enough to recover and then jump into your next set. For most, this will be somewhere between 1-2 minutes in between sets.

Day 1: Push Workout

Exercise Sets Reps
Incline Bench Press 4 6-8
Dumbbell Bench Press 3 10-12
Seated Dumbbell Press 4 6-8
Lateral Raises 3 12-15
(Weighted) Dips 4 8

Day 2: Pull Workout

Exercise Sets Reps
Bent Over Row 4 6-8
One Arm Dumbbell Row 3 10-12 Each
(Weighted) Chin Up 4 8
Lat Pull Down 3 10-12
Wide Grip Bicep Curl 3 12

Day 3: Leg Workout

Exercise Sets Reps
Front Squat 4 6-8
Leg Extensions 3 10-12
RDL 4 6-8
Leg Curls 3 10-12
Seated Calf Raise 4 8-10
Standing Calf Raise 4 12-15

Day 4: V Taper Focused Day

Exercise Sets Reps
Incline Dumbbell Press 3 12
Machine Shoulder Press 3 10
Cable Lateral Raise 3 12
Seated Cable Row 3 10
Wide Grip Lat Pull Down 3 12

Wrap Up

The program above is for anyone looking for a change of pace routine and is perfect for helping you build a “V”-taper.

It can be used during both fat loss and muscle building phases depending on how you set up your nutrition at the time of performing it.

One can utilize this program for however long s/he likes, however, the minimum recommended duration is 6 weeks.

If you have any additional questions about the workout, please feel free to leave us a comment below.

57 Comments
Moheb
Posted on: Sun, 04/02/2023 - 10:51

perfect program but can we add more exercises for the biceps & triceps? and if yes please suggest on which day we can add these exercises.

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Roger
Posted on: Thu, 04/06/2023 - 09:21

Triceps for push day and biceps for pull day. Add no more than two for each. We have a lot of great exercises to choose from in the link at the top of the site. Find whichever ones you like based on the equipment you're working with. Hope this helps!

dom
Posted on: Fri, 03/17/2023 - 01:48

what counts as intermediate for a lifter? i've been working out for a year now but i haven't met the benchmarks for the major lifts yet (squats - 215lbs, deadlifts - 245, bench - 125, ohp - 85). woukd you recommend this split for me? im looking for a temporary program before i get back to strength training again

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Roger
Posted on: Fri, 03/24/2023 - 21:13

If you've been training consistently for a year, then you would be an intermediate lifter. Do the best you can with the weights you can use, and the gains will come.

Nick
Posted on: Tue, 02/07/2023 - 17:44

Shall i add 1 or 2 exercises for triceps at push day? Any recommendations about rep & sets range? I didn't notice something relevant at the "push" day.

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Roger
Posted on: Mon, 02/20/2023 - 21:13

Dips are for triceps, but you can also do dumbbell skull crushers and overhead extensions. You can also find others in our Exercises section.

Follow similar sets and rep ranges in the workout.

Dan
Posted on: Tue, 11/15/2022 - 14:07

Where do you fit in the rest days?

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Roger
Posted on: Tue, 11/22/2022 - 08:53

You can either take one day rest after two workouts, or you can take two days rest after doing all four workouts if you've been training for a while.

Wayne
Posted on: Mon, 10/17/2022 - 10:11

I have nerv damage in my wrist, what can I di instead of dips ?

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Roger
Posted on: Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:09

Training in a gym or at home? Want to make the best recommendation possible, so long as your doctor has given you clearance to train.

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 10/19/2022 - 08:02

Any chest press machine or decline press would work. Make sure you wear wrist wraps so you have extra support.

Wayne
Posted on: Mon, 10/17/2022 - 14:48

In the gym

Or
Posted on: Sat, 10/15/2022 - 09:23

2 questions:
1. Is it possible to do a back squat instead of a front squat? I'm really not comfortable with the front squat.
2. What can I do instead of deadlift

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Roger
Posted on: Sat, 10/15/2022 - 11:35

1. Yes, you can do back squat instead of front squat.

2. Why do you want to swap the deadlift? I don't want to make a recommendation if you can't do that one, either. The reason will help me make the best choice.

Or
Posted on: Sat, 10/15/2022 - 13:33

Thanks
It's just that I don't really know deadlift but I wil learn, thanks.

2 more questions:
1. Is there any alternative for Seated Calf Raise? I don't have it in my gym
2. I also don't have the Standing Machine Calf Raise in my gym. Is it possible to do it standing with a dumbell ?
Thanks

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Roger
Posted on: Sun, 10/16/2022 - 19:41

Rack deadlifts or hyperextensions are good substitutions. In the meantime, work on the form because the deadlift will return results that will benefit you for a long time to come.

Seated calf raises with dumbbells work well. I train at home, and that is my go to. Same with the standing version. You can also do calf raises on the leg press as a sub for the standing calf raise. Hope this helps!

Sherif omar
Posted on: Sun, 06/26/2022 - 04:53

shall i substitute flat barbell bench press instead of dumbell flat bench press ?

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Roger
Posted on: Mon, 06/27/2022 - 08:55

Sure, Sherif. Go for it. Let us know how the program goes for you!

Nadav
Posted on: Wed, 08/04/2021 - 11:05

After day 4 to repeat the cycle?

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Marina
Posted on: Wed, 08/04/2021 - 20:07

Nadav -

You'll work out 4 days a week with 3 off days. You will repeat that schedule for 8 weeks.

Nadav
Posted on: Thu, 08/05/2021 - 06:04

Thx

Alex Coker
Posted on: Sat, 07/31/2021 - 02:46

My gym doesn't have heavy enough dumbbells and I'm ready to progress on the incline dumbbell press. Would a standing upward fly using cables be a good alternative?

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Marina
Posted on: Wed, 08/04/2021 - 20:26

Alex - have you thought about trying Incline Cable Flys? Check out the video below.

https://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/incline-cable-flys.html

Alex Coker
Posted on: Fri, 08/06/2021 - 06:47

Tried it today and they were fantastic! Thank you. I'm also having problems with the wide grip lat pull downs on day 4 due to shoulder pain. What would be a good alternative for this?

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Marina
Posted on: Fri, 08/06/2021 - 14:57

Is it definitely shoulder pain? I ask because wide grip lat pulldowns are really targeting your back.

Alex Coker
Posted on: Fri, 08/06/2021 - 15:44

Yes, my left shoulder. I had an injury there a few years ago but I only get pain when doing the wide lat pull downs
Not the normal ones.

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Roger
Posted on: Thu, 09/02/2021 - 12:34

Hi, Alex. Sorry to read that you deal with shoulder issues, and kudos for trying to find ways to still make progress. If you have good experience with pull ups, then do those instead. I would also suggest something with a neutral grip so that the rear delts aren't as involved. A neutral grip pulldown or a pullover would be great examples. If those don't help, you might need to speak to a physician about your specific injury.

Alex Coker
Posted on: Sun, 08/08/2021 - 15:38

Yes, defiantly my shoulder. It's from a previous injury from years ago. Would I be able to swap them with pull ups?

Colby
Posted on: Mon, 06/28/2021 - 15:27

This is a good routine. Similar to one I’ve kind build myself with an Upper/Lower/Push/Pull. The only thing I’d do is add a a couple more arm exercises in to give them some extra love.

Filipe
Posted on: Tue, 06/01/2021 - 18:45

Do you advice to add one or two ABS exercise in the end of each workout?

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Abigail
Posted on: Fri, 06/04/2021 - 09:46

Hey Filipe - you can definitely do that

Stewart
Posted on: Mon, 05/31/2021 - 02:26

Hi I'm an experienced trainer. I use PPL or UL regularly due to ever changing work schedules. Legs are a focus so I'm planning on using this programme & adding another leg day on the end so it would be P/P/L/V TAPER/LEGS over 7-8 days. Ill also fit cardio/active recovery in where possible. Is it the same weight for all working sets & increase when target reps are met ?

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Abigail
Posted on: Tue, 06/01/2021 - 09:45

Hey Stewart - all of that sounds great! And yes, you'll use the same weight for all working sets and increase weight when target reps are met.

Klaus
Posted on: Thu, 05/27/2021 - 05:38

The rep range for all the exercises are 8-12..so if I get 12 on my first set..do I need to increase the weight for the 2,3, and the 4th set?

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Abigail
Posted on: Fri, 05/28/2021 - 09:20

Hey Klaus - no you don't have to increase weight for the other sets. You can complete all sets at 12 reps and then increase weight the following week.

Hein
Posted on: Fri, 05/14/2021 - 09:22

Hi! Can I do like this? Push, Pull, Rest, Leg, V Taper, Rest, Rest? Or How should I do?

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Abigail
Posted on: Mon, 05/17/2021 - 09:59

Hey Hein - yes, you can use that schedule

Thomas
Posted on: Fri, 09/18/2020 - 06:57

Is this enough volume for true muscle building? All of the total reps (for each muscle group) is way under the recommended 90-120 reps per week to stimulate muscle growth. I’ve been doing PHAT with decent results but that one is a huge time eater. Trying this to save some time if possible.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

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Abigail
Posted on: Fri, 09/25/2020 - 15:54

Hey Thomas - if you're looking for a program with more volume, check out this one: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/5-day-muscle-and-strength-bui...

Jacob David
Posted on: Fri, 06/19/2020 - 19:48

What about rest days ?

williamB
Posted on: Mon, 04/27/2020 - 15:47

a really good program,what comes after you finish this?

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Yoshi
Posted on: Mon, 07/20/2020 - 16:48

Hey William

There are lots of great workouts you can check out on our site. If you like the 4-Day split, I recommend this one.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/6-week-workout-program-to-bui...

Juan Toscano
Posted on: Mon, 02/10/2020 - 19:33

Even though there is a day dedicated for pull and push. are any of these workouts targetting biceps and triceps directly?

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Tue, 02/11/2020 - 13:04

Hi Juan,

Wide Grip curls and dips will both target those groups. There is plenty of direct and indirect arm work in this workout.

MC
Posted on: Thu, 02/06/2020 - 11:01

Hi, I have completed three other routines and feel it is time for me to get into intermediate lifting. How should I go about increasing my weight on the lifts?

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Fri, 02/07/2020 - 14:15

Hi MC,

If you're asking how to increase your weight on lifts, you're likely still very much in the beginner stage. Everyone progresses differently. It may take some additional experimentation or working with a coach in person to learn what progressions are best for your individual goals.

John
Posted on: Wed, 01/22/2020 - 12:14

Looks good. Will give it a try after I finish up my current upper/lower routine

Any tips on better learning when you’re truly getting near failure? Sometimes I think I am two away but then I’ll do a set where I just push all out and find I can do way more reps than when I stopped thinking I was two away from failure.

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Thu, 01/23/2020 - 11:49

Hi John,

Unfortunately, for most, the only way to truly test failure is to have a spotter - and not many people do. Just do your best and be in tune with your body during your workouts.

hesham
Posted on: Mon, 01/20/2020 - 06:24

Nothing for rear delts?

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Mon, 01/20/2020 - 08:58

Hi Hersham,

The workouts you find online are simply templates and wont meet every individual's specific needs and goals. If you'd like to add more work for rear delts, you're more than welcome to.