8 Week Big And Bold Workout: Simple, Brutal Muscle Building

M&S Writers
Written By: M&S Writers
August 6th, 2014
Updated: December 28th, 2017
530.2K Reads
So simple, so brutal, so effective. This bodybuilding workout packs a punch and is a great alternative to programs that revolve around 5 rep or low rep sets. Sample meal plan included.
Workout Summary

Workout Description

This approach is a 4 day split that focuses on big, heavy-hitting exercises. You won't find a lot of bells and whistles in this workout. Just simple, straightforward, ball-busting hard work.

The premise is simple...hammer the compound lifts, and follow them up with intense 10 rep sets to complete each workout. Here is how the split shakes out:

  • Monday - Workout A
  • Tuesday - Workout B
  • Wednesday - OFF
  • Thursday - Workout C
  • Friday - Workout D
  • Saturday - OFF
  • Sunday - OFF

This plan revolves around heavy sets and is perfect for the intermediate muscle builder (or strength trainee looking to add more muscle and strength). If you're tired of workouts that revolve around 5 rep protocols, consider this program a godsend. 

To lead off each training day you will perform 5 total sets of a heavy, compound exercise. The reps for these sets are listed as: "5, 4, 3, 2, MAX". Here is how this 5 set scheme works.

Start with a weight that is approximately 75% of your one rep max. Using this weight perform sets as follows:

  • Set 1 - 5 reps
  • Set 2 - 4 reps
  • Set 3 - 3 reps
  • Set 4 - 2 reps
  • Set 5 - As many reps as possible (MAX)

When you are able to perform 3 or more reps during the last set, add 5 pounds to this lift the following week. If you stall, meaning you are unable to reach your 3 rep goal on the final set for 3 straight weeks, drop the weight by 7.5 to 10% and start the climb again.

For the 10 rep sets, use the same weight for a given exercise and add weight when you can.

Run this program for a total of 8 weeks before taking a week away from training. After this point you may either switch to a different program, or run this routine for another 8 weeks.

Workout A
Squat Day
Exercise Sets Reps
Squats 5 5, 4, 3, 2, MAX
Barbell Shrugs 5 10
Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlift 5 10
Seated Calf Raise 4 10
Planks 4 60 seconds
Workout B
Bench Press Day
Exercise Sets Reps
Bench Press 5 5, 4, 3, 2 MAX
Close Grip Pull Downs 5 10
Seated Arnold Press 5 10
Cable Tricep Extensions 4 10
EZ Bar Curl 4 10
Workout C
Deadlift Day
Exercise Sets Reps
Deadlift 5 5, 4, 3, 2, MAX
Leg Press 5 10
Leg Curl 5 10
Standing Calf Raise 4 10
Ab Wheel Rollouts 4 10
Workout D
Military Press Day
Exercise Sets Reps
Military Press 5 5, 4, 3, 2, MAX
Barbell Rows 5 10
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press 5 10
Lying Tricep Extensions 4 10
Dumbbell Curl 4 10

Sample Eating Plan

This section contains a sample eating plan. If you are young with a reasonably fast metabolism, I recommend about 3,500 calories per day. The rest of you should consider starting with about 2,750 to 3,250 calories per day.

Understand that these suggestions are merely starting points. Daily calories should be adjusted as needed.

3,500 calorie bulking meal plan

  • 7 am - 3 egg omelet with diced onion (1 oz), green pepper (1 oz) and pepper jack cheese (1 oz). 1 cup cooked oatmeal with half a diced banana. Nutrition - 640 cals, 38.3g protein, 50.3g carbs, 32g fat.
  • 9:30 am - 2 scoops of whey protein in 16 ounces of water, almonds (1 oz) and strawberries (1 cup). Nutrition - 450 cals, 53g protein, 22.7g carbs, 18.2g fat.
  • Noon - cubed chicken (6 oz) with a dipping sauce of salsa (3 oz) and full-fat sour cream (2 oz), 1 cup cooked rice. Nutrition - 530 cals, 46.3g protein, 50.3g carbs, 14.4g fat.
  • 2:30 pm - 1 scoop of whey protein in 8 ounces of water, medium bagel with cream cheese (1 oz). Nutrition - 508 cals, 36.1g protein, 59.9g carbs, 13.1g fat.
  • 3:30 pm - Workout
  • 5 pm - 2 hamburger patties made with 80% lean ground beef (3 oz each), each topped with 1 slice of provolone cheese and mustard, 2 baked potatoes. Nutrition - 945 cals, 66.2g protein, 67.1g carbs, 44.7g fat.
  • 7:30 pm - 1 scoop casein protein in 8 ounces of whole milk, 2 cups popped popcorn with 2 pats of butter. Nutrition - 448 cals, 34g protein, 28.5g carbs, 23.2g fat.

Calorie and macronutrient totals:

  • Calories - 3,521
  • Protein - 273.9 grams
  • Carbs - 278.8 grams
  • Fats - 145.6 grams
77 Comments
Andy
Posted on: Fri, 12/15/2023 - 03:02

For the main lifts is it the same weight for every set?

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 12/27/2023 - 20:12

It can be, or you can go from light to heaviest, whatever you feel works best for you.

brotherskaramazov
Posted on: Mon, 11/27/2023 - 10:18

Hello thank you for this amazing plan It's been
4weeks for me but I'm having difficulty in taking
more calories but always calculate the amount of protein i take. Can you please tell me if it's possible
to continue this without bulking.

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 11/29/2023 - 21:12

Of course. As long as you're not starving yourself, you should be fine with maintenance calories.

Austin
Posted on: Fri, 03/10/2023 - 10:09

Should I drop the weight on last set and do maximum reps?

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Roger
Posted on: Wed, 03/22/2023 - 16:56

Yes, you drop weight and do max reps. Go with what you feel comfortable working with.

Ryan
Posted on: Wed, 02/22/2023 - 10:06

Can I add chest fly and lay raises in each upper body workout, and if yes should it be 5 sets of 10 reps too?

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Roger
Posted on: Sun, 02/26/2023 - 21:51

You can, Ryan. Three sets may be all you need, but if you feel five would be better, go for it.

Adam
Posted on: Tue, 05/11/2021 - 11:23

I love doing pull-ups.

What's the best day to work these in?

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Abigail
Posted on: Thu, 05/13/2021 - 10:18

Hey Adam - you can incorporate those in on your squat or deadlift day.

Luke
Posted on: Sat, 12/28/2019 - 21:47

Hi, just wondering whether the 10 reps of dumbbell curls in your programme are in total or per arm? Thanks in advance!

Mateo
Posted on: Tue, 11/19/2019 - 04:16

I've finished it and I loved it. What should I do now?

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Tue, 11/19/2019 - 11:25

Hi Mateo,

If you're still enjoying the program and seeing results from it, you can always continue on with it.

If your goals have changed, you might want to browse the workouts that align with your new goals in our workouts database: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workout-routines

Jackie Ngo
Posted on: Sun, 06/09/2019 - 00:19

for the big compound lifts (Bench, Deadlift, Squat, OHP), are you using the same weight for all sets?

Jesus
Posted on: Thu, 10/25/2018 - 12:25

What about chest? There are only two chest exercises per week

Sklar
Posted on: Sun, 05/26/2019 - 08:39

2 exercises for the small muscle group is more than enough. Aslong as you pefrom them correctly

Sep
Posted on: Wed, 11/08/2017 - 05:56

Hi there. How should i take mass gainer my ? Is there a change of intake if i weighted 55kg ? What is your best advise

shekhar Goa
Posted on: Fri, 01/08/2016 - 13:25

hi how much time it for workout A to do . Can I take creatin powder

Tim
Posted on: Mon, 06/01/2015 - 12:43

How long should you wait between these sets?

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MikeWines
Posted on: Mon, 06/01/2015 - 13:18

Tim, I would shoot for anywhere between 2-3 minutes. Perhaps more if you're going for a maximal attempt on a squat or deadlift. When in doubt, rest a bit more if you're not pressed for time.

Tim
Posted on: Mon, 06/01/2015 - 14:43

Ok awesome, thanks!

Peter
Posted on: Fri, 05/29/2015 - 11:44

Week 1, will let you know how I get on...

Dan
Posted on: Sat, 04/18/2015 - 22:47

Hi Steve,
Would you recomend pushing to close to or failure on every set.

Stefan
Posted on: Wed, 03/25/2015 - 09:24

Started the programe 2 weeks ago
Have to say really enjoying it so far
1 question thou can i swap v-bar pull downs for either bodweight pull ups or lat raises

Alex
Posted on: Fri, 03/06/2015 - 05:24

Hey Steve, I'm about to start on this regime next week and I wanted to know whether the Mon-Fri workout plan needs to be done in this order? After a heavy leg day it takes my legs a few day to recover before, for example, doing deadlifts.

Thanks in advance

Alex

Nick
Posted on: Tue, 01/20/2015 - 13:47

Hi Steve,

Loving your program. I broke my collarbone over the summer, and the military press has been really tough. Is there another workout you would suggest replacing the military press with on military press day?

Thanks a lot.

seppe
Posted on: Mon, 01/12/2015 - 12:43

hi, i have a question about those powersets (heavy compound exercises) how would you warm up?
maybe something like 1set of 5 with 60% of your 75% one rep max, a second set with 80% of your 75% one rep max and then start for the real 5 sets? or do you have a better plan?

Rob
Posted on: Tue, 12/23/2014 - 05:27

Hi Steve,
for the 5-4-3-2-max at the start, how long do you rest between sets?
Thanks

Martin
Posted on: Fri, 12/05/2014 - 01:38

Why mostly high volume routines is overtrain for me?that where 3-4 sets 10,8,8 and the three
close to failure 50-60-80%?.

Jason
Posted on: Tue, 12/02/2014 - 11:34

Hi Steve, great program! I have 2 questions: 1) On the 5 sets of 10 reps, what if you cannot complete the 10 reps in the last 2 sets (only getting 8 reps then 7 reps, respectively)? Should the starting weight be lower to allow completion of all 50 reps? 2) Could another chest movement be added to Workout B? It seems like chest is only stimulated on bench, incline bench, and military press.

Thanks!!

Tyler
Posted on: Thu, 11/20/2014 - 00:26

I don't feel like there is enough focus on the chest or the arms in this routine. Does this program adequately cover the upper body? It seems to have a primary focus on the legs.

Manojit
Posted on: Fri, 11/14/2014 - 06:26

hi steve,, only EZ bar curl and dumble curl ? arm excersic? add some extra item or not?

alaa
Posted on: Mon, 11/10/2014 - 03:53

I need programe with Big muscle. please help me steve

dylan
Posted on: Wed, 10/22/2014 - 17:57

How should we do the military press?

Rob
Posted on: Tue, 10/21/2014 - 16:55

Hi Steve,
Great plan! I'm looking through here and there is so much great content.
I like the ramp up and test of strength at the start.
Then the hypertrophy style approach.

Just not sure which to go for in terms of cutting fat from midsection.

I know this is more bulk-orientated, but would it work for a cutting diet?

Not sure which to go for between this one and 6 Day Push, Pull, Legs Powerbuilding Split & Meal Plan
or Fast & Furious: 21 Day Shredding Workout Cycle And Diet

Thanks!

Jay
Posted on: Thu, 10/09/2014 - 18:34

Also how important is it that I adhere to the one week off? And if I do need to take one week off any suggestions on things I may be able to do during the off week? Thanks so much!

Jay
Posted on: Tue, 10/07/2014 - 21:44

Steve,

I've been doing this workout and now I'm in week 8. What I've been doing is doing this workout Mon - Thurs and then on Fri I do the run the rack chest workout. Is this okay for me to continue? If so after I take the one week off I plan on doing this workout again. What if I alternated my Fri with the run the rack and the 135lb workout...or should I stick to one or the other?

Rob
Posted on: Tue, 10/07/2014 - 14:16

Hi, i've done loads of your workouts and have had some great results. I tend to only do a workout for 3 to 4 weeks before I get bored and used to a routine and then change to another. I want to have a go at this one but would also like to do your "Bulldozer Training 4 Day Workout Split". I was wondering, could I do one week of this and then one week of the other and continue like that for the 8 weeks? Or am I best sticking with this one consistently for 8 weeks and then trying your other one?

Aiman
Posted on: Fri, 09/26/2014 - 12:55

Hey Steve
Love this workout and I want to follow it
But the problem is the chest routine. Because in the past I messed up my workout and now it is overly bulked and is ugly so now (for my chest) I just want to cut and shape it. Would you have any recommendations for that?
Other than that
Thanks for the great routine!

Chase
Posted on: Wed, 09/24/2014 - 23:18

Hey steve, I havent lifted weights for about 3 years, and im now starting to get back into it. I've put on a decent amount of weight since then and I'm looking to lose about 15 lbs and gaining mainly shoulder, chest, and arm muscle. is there a workout that would specialize in those areas?

abraham
Posted on: Mon, 09/22/2014 - 18:37

Is there a advanced upper lower split or once your advanced you do body part splits?

Jon
Posted on: Tue, 09/16/2014 - 20:09

Would it be acceptable to perform super sets in this routine? Ex: chest/back, triceps/biceps? Just trying to minimize workout time and see if there would be any benefit. Or maybe alternate every other workout where I perform supersets? Thanks!

mike s
Posted on: Wed, 09/10/2014 - 19:05

Steve I have been training for over 20 years competed in powerlifting for 10 years in the uspf I have never been able to achieve the cut body builder look that I would like I have followed several routines found on this website and all of the diets that I have found and cannot get that look I put on size easily but cannot get the definition I'm 50 years old now my best lifts are bench 435 squat 630 deadlift 698 right now ive been following your 4 day power muscle burn what the heck am I doing wrong

abraham
Posted on: Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:16

Hi steve. Why would you have barbell shrugs on a leg day? Thanks

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Steven
Posted on: Mon, 09/08/2014 - 08:42

This routine is based around the big lifts. You are working both deadlifts and a deadlift variation (shrugs), and squats and leg press. They are on posterior chain-heavy days. Deadlift days you leg press. Squat days you shrug.

Ronald L.Shaffer Sr.
Posted on: Wed, 09/03/2014 - 20:45

Hi Steve,
I am retired Army(88)and I am 6'2"@173...
Are any of the programs you talk about designed for my age group or are they
Designed for the younger people?
I would assume I could use your programs but scale them a tad... Would that make sense?
I have lifted weights off and on but now I would like to dedicate myself to lifting
I want to improve my overall image..
Also would machines work as well in the beginning then switch to free weights ?
Thank you,
Ronald l.Shaffer Sr.

Ronald L.Shaffer Sr.
Posted on: Wed, 09/03/2014 - 20:38

Steve,
All the plans that speak about are they geared towards 18-50?
I am 6'2"@173 Retired Army .. Okay shape eat healthy.. However
I have off and on lifted weights and a member of 24hour Fitness
Work 8-10 hours @5days
I am 69 plenty of energy..but I really want to build myself up and dedicate myself
To weight lifting and Art...
Are any of the programs for my age?
Thank you
Ronald L.Shaffer Sr.

Sigit
Posted on: Fri, 08/29/2014 - 12:42

Hey steve, i have been following your posts and they are all wonderful. Thank you.

I only have dumbbells to work with due to my current working location. I have been following your dumbbell only home workout which is 3 days full body. I hope you could help me out and help me write a workout system with only dumbbells and pull up bar for minimum 4 days, split type intermediate level. Thank you so much in advance sir.

Bobby
Posted on: Thu, 08/28/2014 - 19:08

What's should my rest times be between sets and reps?

ANIS BHATI
Posted on: Wed, 08/27/2014 - 05:49

HII STEVE
IM FROM INDIA I HAVE SEEN YOUR WORKOUT ROUTUN ITS BEST