Workout Summary
- Main GoalBuild Muscle
- Workout TypeSplit
- Training LevelIntermediate
- Program Duration10 weeks
- Days Per Week5
- Time Per Workout45-60 minutes
- Equipment RequiredBarbell, Bodyweight, Cables, Dumbbells, Other
- Target Gender Male & Female
- Workout PDF Download Workout
Workout Description
The vast majority of sample workout programs out there aren’t designed with tall people in mind.
Which can be unfortunate, because certain machines, equipment, and specific ranges of motion just aren’t tall person friendly.
As a fellow member of the tall person’s society, I wanted to change that.
There’s no need for you to struggle through painful movement patterns just to add lean muscle mass.
Instead, we need to find what feels comfortable and utilize our length to gain a muscle building advantage.
Check out the sample workout for tall guys below, as well as the program description to gain some insight behind the exercise selection.
If you have any further questions, feel free to leave us a comment!
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The Workout Program for Tall Guys
Below is a 5 day sample muscle building workout for tall guys and girls. If you’re a guy and are 6’3-6’4 or taller, this workout is designed with you in mind. If you’re a girl and are 5’10-5’11 or taller, this workout is designed with you in mind as well.
You’ll preform the following workouts on the days listed. You can start on whatever day of the week you prefer, but the 3 days on, 1 day off, 2 days on, 1 day off schedule is going to be ideal for the muscle groups targeted.
Each workout is fairly short and you should be in and out of the gym within an hour (including a warm up and cool down).
Monday – Legs
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bodyweight Walking Lunge | 3 | 15 each leg |
| 2. Trap Bar Deadlift | 4 | 8 |
| 3. Front Squat | 3 | 8 |
| 4. Dumbbell Split Squat | 3 | 10 |
| 5. Standing Calf Raise | 3 | 15 |
Tuesday – Chest, Shoulders
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Push Up | 3 | 12 |
| 2. Neutral Grip Dumbbell Bench Press | 4 | 8 |
| 3. Incline Chest Fly | 3 | 10 |
| 4. Standing Military Press | 4 | 8 |
| 5. Seated Lateral Raise | 3 | 10 |
| 6. Seated Neutral Grip Dumbbell Press | 3 | 10 |
Wednesday – Back, Rear Delts, Traps
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Neutral Grip Pull Up | 3 | 12 |
| 2. Wide Grip Cable Row | 4 | 8 |
| 3. Dumbbell Pullover | 3 | 10 |
| 4. Cable Face Pulls | 3 | 10 |
| 5. Farmer's Walk | 3 | 20 yards |
Friday – Legs
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bodyweight Squat (or light Goblet Squat) | 3 | 12 |
| 2. Landmine Squat | 4 | 8 |
| 3. Landmine RDL | 4 | 8 |
| 4. Nordic Hamstring Curls* | 3 | 10 |
| 5. Glute Bridges | 3 | 12 |
*Perform these on the floor by either hooking your ankles into something steady or having a partner hold your ankles down.
Saturday – Back, Arms
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Wide Grip Inverted Row | 3 | 12 |
| 2. Wide Grip Bent Over Row | 4 | 8 |
| 3. Parallel Dips | 3 | 10 |
| 4. Overhead Tricep Extensions | 3 | 10 |
| 5. Dumbbell Bicep Curl | 3 | 10 |
| 6. Hammer Curl | 3 | 10 |
Workout Program Tips for Tall Lifters
Being tall has its advantages. Strength training isn’t one of them, unfortunately. That’s not to say a tall person can’t get strong, it’s just going to be more challenging than it would be for some one of average height.
For example, someone who is 6’8 and 215-245lbs is going to have a much more difficult time performing a full range of motion bodyweight equivalent (or greater) back squat than someone who is 5’10 and 185-200lbs.
Not only that, but since they have longer extremities, it may be difficult to execute a perfect back squat going through a full range of motion. If you’re a tall person, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Setting up in a normal squat position and going through the movement, you’re much more likely to lean forward into an exercise that looks like a good morning/squat hybrid.
That’s why in the program listed above, the exercises performed take full advantage of equipment that helps you better keep an upright posture. Exercises such as the front squat, goblet squat, and landmine squat bring the weight in front of the body.
This minor switch of taking the load off your back and placing it in front of your body will do wonders for helping the tall person squat upright.
Other exercises such as the trap bar deadlift and dumbbell split squat, bring the weight to the side of your body, also helping tall lifters to better control their upper torso during their respected movement patterns.
You might’ve noticed there’s not a lot of machine based exercises within the program. That is due to the fact that machines are generally designed for those of average height in mind. The majority of machines are going to put the load of the weight in peculiar positions for the tall lifter and could result in faulty movement patterns and an increased risk of injury.
Lastly, this sample program for tall lifters utilizes a lot of neutral grips. Using a neutral grip will help keep some of the tension off your joints during the extended range of motion normally seen in taller lifters.
Specific Workout Program Recommendations
Now that you know what you’re up against as a tall guy in an average-height gym world, let’s get into some of the details of this program.
This program can be used for both adding lean muscle mass and fat loss. Body composition boils down to so much more than the time spent in the gym. So make sure you’re sleeping 7-9 hours each night and getting enough calories each day to accomplish your individual goal.
Find out your daily calorie needs with our bmr calculator. Once you have that number calculated, add/subtract 250-500 calories from that number depending on your goal.
Each exercise is meant to be performed with a 2/0/2 tempo. As a tall trainee, this might be your natural tempo. You could also slow it down further and really play off the fact you have longer limbs if you’d like. After each set, rest for 60-90 seconds.
Lastly, this program is intended to be performed for 10 weeks. After you’ve finished 10 weeks, take a week to deload. After you’ve deloaded, you can begin another round of this program.
If you have any other specific questions not answered within this article, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below!
85 Comments
could you swap the Thursday rest day with the Friday leg day? That way it's 4 days on, one-off, one on, one-off?
You could if that would make it easier for your schedule, Erik. That said, training that many days in a row can take a toll. Monitor your recovery if you take it on.
Hey thank you for your great program
As a tall guy I recommend to change Standing Military Press because it can seriously heart the lower back i prefer to exercise this part while seating
Have a good time
Hi, I've been doing this program (6'4" 190lb) for four weeks now, consuming between 2800-3500 calories a day with a protein intake of 160-240g per day and I am seeing great results! So thank you!
When the 10-week period is over, what do you recommend for working out? Should I choose another program? Maintain volume with linear weight increase? Is there a more intense workout for tall guys afterward? What do you recommend?
Hey, Brandon. Congrats on the progress. Once the 10 weeks is over, re-evaulate what your goals are, and then find a program here on M&S in the Workouts section to help you move in that direction.
Should this exercise plan be used in conjunction with an ab routine if my goal is to also gain ab definition? If so, what would be a good timing for that? Would I do the ab workout on the off days? Thanks!
Hey Grant - you can definitely add in ab work to this routine. Check out this program for more info: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/core-destroyer-8-week-home-ab...
I'm a student and use my on campus gym to workout. Over the summer they'll be closed both Saturday and sunday. Can I combine the Friday leg workout with arms and do them both on Friday?
Hey Erik - ideally, you'd follow the program as written. You could combine the Friday and Saturday workouts or you could take out the rest day on Thursday.
I’m 6’4 195lbs I just started using this program today and I’m wandering as a starter on what to really start on to build muscle and tone muscle properly as staying in home
Hey Anthony - are you asking what weight you should be using?
Yes, and what at home workouts I should start doing
Hi Josh,
I am 6'6" tall and 230lbs. I would like to build muscle mass. I see where you've recommended 3800 calories to consume for this workout regimen. Could you suggest how much protein you think I would need as well?
Thanks for the workout plan!
Hey Bryan - for a more accurate caloric intake, use our BMR calculator: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/tools/bmr-calculator. Then check out our guide on determining your macros here: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/determine-daily-calorie-macro...
Can guys like 6’2 like myself do this workout plan
Hey Jr - yes you can
Hi Josh
I'm currently doing your 3 day split workout for tall guys, which is helping me a lot (having less joint pains compared to other schedules I followed). Thanks a lot for this.
I want to switch soon to the 5x a week split.
Another hobby of mine is cycling (with friends) which I only do once a week but long distance (+- 120 km.)
Can you suggest when I should do it? (before or after one of the leg days)
Or should I skip one of the leg days in order to avoid fatigue / risks of injuries?
Hey CJ
I recommend cycling either Wednesday (between your 2 leg days) or Saturday (after your second leg day). Cycling is a great way to work on your muscular endurance in your legs, and as long as there's not too much uphill pedaling you won't be taxing your legs too much.
Thanks a lot!
Hello, I’m 6’10” and 357. I’ve lost down from 416. I was an athlete through college. However, even at my strongest and leanest I was never able to complete a pull-up of any kind. Is there an alternative to the pull-up that can be done with body weight?
Hey James
If you have access to resistance bands, you can perform band-assisted pull-ups to build your strength. Another training tip would be to jump up and hold yourself up at the top of a pull-up for as long as possible, and then performing a few negative reps as slow as you can. Work a couple of sets of each of these in for several weeks and you'll be knocking out sets of weighted pull-ups before you know it.
I love some of these exercises listed but unfortunately due to knee issues a lot of these exercises will be a problem to do. How can I substitute some of these exercises? My name is Jason I'm 6'6 375 lbs I want lose this weight
Hi Jason,
If you are experiencing pain, I'd recommend working with a personal trainer/strength coach in person. I know it's probably not the answer you are hoping for, but it wouldn't be responsible for anyone to provide feedback over the internet without being able to properly assess movement patterns and prescribe exercises that would be more adventagous for you.
Hello, I'm 6'11 and right around 396 but on the chubbier side, is there anything you can suggest to add or alter for someone of my stature, who is looking to lose some fat but gain a good amount of muscle?
Josh,
Can you supplement this workout with additional cardio or crossfit style workouts? Or will that work against what it is trying to do?
Alex
Hi Alexander,
You can add in light cardio if you'd like, but I wouldn't recommend pairing it with Crossfit.
Hi Josh i am 6ft 10
Will i build enough chest and arm mass with this workout as their does not seem to be enough, i was thinking of doing six days or would that be a detriment
Hi Jacob,
Yes, there is enough volume within this program to build both of those muscle groups. If you'd like to train 6 times per week, I'd recommend this program: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/push-pull-legs-ppl-workout-fo...
Hello Josh!
Looks like a great program!
I got some question though:
Will it be counterproductive to use this program if I am only a 5’11 male?
I am 156lbs bodyfat 18-19%. Ectomorph/skinny fat
Will it be a safer choice for everyone in general?
I’m finding a program that is easier on the joints than conventional workout programs. Is this it?
I do feel that I have cranky shoulders after I bench press. Back squat also gives me snappy hips. But it might just be my bad form or mobility.....
Hi Pitpat,
Yes, this program is suitable for people of all heights. It should aid in relieving some of those joint pains you get from other exercise variations.
Thanks. another question what’s 2/0/2 tempo mean?
Hi Matt,
2 second raising the weight, 0 second holds, 2 seconds lowering the weight.
Hope this helps!
Hey josh, what should be the rest times in between sets? Also, are these workouts available In a app?
Thanks
Hi Matt,
No app, but each workout has a downloadable PDF.
Rest for 60-90 secs between each set.
Hope this helps!
Hi Josh, I’m looking to start this programme tomorrow. I’m 6ft 6 around 225lbs, I’m wanting to build muscle but from that bmr calculator it says I need to intake 3827 calories, you say add between 250-500 calories depending on your goal, as I’m wanting to put muscle mass on I hire that would be 500 calories? I work offshore and the gym is not very long so was worried about the body weight lunges and farmer walk, is there an alternative or could I just do as many as I can in area turn round and do again until required reps complete. Also I’m confused can you please explain what you mean by 75-85% of your working max, do you mean that for each set so would you drop down a weight on each set to maintain that 1-2 reps left in the tank? I thought you pushed and lifted a weight heavy enough until you maxed out on the last rep of last set? Thanks
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for giving my program a shot!
Yes, I'd go with 500 extra calories for an aggressive bulk. 250-300 calories for a slow and steady bulk.
You can do the bodyweight lunges in place, the farmers walks can be done in the small area until the reps are complete (the turns will actually make it a tad bit more challenging).
Yes, I'm of the school of thought that you never want to go to complete muscle failure bc it encourages a break down in form. Finish each set feeling as though you have 1-2 more solid reps left in the tank.
Hope this helps!
What do you recommend for a cool down?
Hi Trent,
A 5-15 min walk and some foam rolling.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the workout plan ! I would like to ask some questions about leg workouts.
I'm 191cm 86kg, kinda hardgainer on upper body(everything goes to my legs it seems so). I would say I have some kind of disproportion when it comes to progress/power(my lower body being strong while the whole upper body don't do noticeable progress). So I was told several times that I could train 'less intensively' or just maintain lower body and concentrate more on my weak point.
So I was wondering, if I could substitute one of 2 leg day to reinforce shoulders or chest(2 parts i can't increase weight or very little over 1+year). Or course in this case I guess i'll have to rearrange other days in order to have enough recovery time.
Other thing is, for leg exercises, I stopped doing squats since a while because it spikes my HR so fast even before I feel my muscles working, as I'm recommended to supervise my hr(nothing serious but unconvenient) and having a bradycardia gives me a higher risk to vagal discomfort(already happened twice). So i do legpress instead which I feel like having more security&control of my hr while feeling my muscles work.
So here's my question: am I missing other benefits of front squat if I substitue it by leg raise ?
Thanks in advance !
Hi Julien,
For questions like these, I'd recommend seeking out the help of a professional personal trainer in person. One who can look at your medical records and track your workouts while you perform them. I know these probably arent the answers you were hoping for, but when medical concerns are involved, it's always best to seek out in-person help than consult the internet.
Hope this helps!
I’m 6’7” and weigh 268.... ultimately there’s so much room for improvement. Being this height and weight, is this workout for me?
Hi RA,
Yes, this program was written exactly for people like you in mind.
Hope you enjoy it!
Me again sorry. Is there an alternative for trap bar deadlifts? Unfortunately my gym doesnt have one.
Thank you
Hi Charles,
I'd recommend dumbbell deadlifts holding the weight to the side of the body. This will best mimic the trap bar positioning.
Hope this helps!
Hi Josh, thank you very much for this.
I'm 191cm tall and weight close to 78kg with a pretty high metabolism. I also workout regularly - nothing hectic, just to make sure I don't lose shape. But If I'm careful/conscious about getting enough calories and or protein, will this workout help me put on much needed muscle? I'm quite happy with my body fat levels and don't want to increase that, perhaps even decrease it slightly as I gain more muscle.
Thanks again
Hi Charles,
Of course! Happy to help!
Yes, if you eat an appropriate amount of calories you will put on lean mass with this program.
Hope this helps!
Do you recommend any specific supplements or protein powders? I just started your program and love it so far. Just want to know what the best strategy to maximize my results. Thanks!!
Hi Henry,
It depends on your goals. This is a good place to start tho:
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/natty-lifters-guide-to-supple...
Hope this helps!
Thanks Josh for the tall guy workout!! I am about to start lifting after a LONG break and glad I stumbled upon this workout for tall guys! Definitely going to take a bit to learn the routine and the exercises but am looking forward to building some muscle and losing some weight!
Hi Jeff,
Awesome man! Hope you enjoy it! Keep me posted on your results!