Inspired by http://www.weightsnet.com/Docs/barry.period.html#routine
Choose two exercises, one compound, and one isolation. For example:
Quads: squat (or leg press), leg extension
Hamstrings: leg curl on two different machines
Calves: standing calf raise, seated calf raise
Chest: bench press, cable flyes
Back: bent over row, pull down
Traps: barbell shrugs (only one direct trap exercise, as it gets hit by other movements)
Shoulders: behind neck press, side lateral
Biceps: barbell curl, one arm dumbbell curl on preacher bench
Triceps: lying triceps extensions, cable pushdowns
Forearms: hammer curls, behind the back standing wrist curls
Abs: weighted crunches, cable side crunches
In your workout, perform four sets of each exercise. The first should be a light, thorough warm-up. Then jump to your heaviest weight you will use that day, do your set, and reduce the weight on the subsequent sets---so you do one warm-up and three descending weight sets. Reps will be kept in the 8 - 12 range.
Impose a heavy-light alteration (work out every other day depending on how you feel), for an eight workout day micro-cycle:
Day 1, 9: legs HEAVY (will occasionally do this over two days)
Day 2, 10: chest and shoulders LIGHT
Day 3, 11: back and traps HEAVY (will occasionally do cardio too)
Day 4, 12: arms and abs LIGHT (will usually include lower back with abs)
Day 5, 13: legs LIGHT (will occasionally do this over two days)
Day 6, 14: chest and shoulders HEAVY
Day 7, 15: back and traps LIGHT (will occasionally do cardio too)
Day 8, 16: arms and abs HEAVY (will usually include lower back with abs)
HEAVY = 100% effort, trying for new best set
LIGHT = 75% of the weight used on the previous heavy day
Now that you have the micro-cycle, organize it into a macro cycle by repeating the same set of exercises for a second run of eight workout days, totaling 16. After this, start over, using different exercises until you no longer see improvements. After that, change to a completely different workout.
Day | Set | Weight | Reps | Exercise/Notes |
2 | 2 | 50(lbs.) | 10 | Dumbbell Press |
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