Push/Pull/Legs Hypertrophy Program (2024)

Unlike most programs, which claim to use “muscle confusion” by constantly switching exercises and causing you to completely spin your wheels in the gym, this program utilizes very specific weekly progression schemes to guarantee that you are actually improving from week to week. Because you have surpassed the “noobie phase”, we will need to use more advanced progression schemes that include both RPE and %1RM prescriptions to continue driving progress.

Most programs are not well organized and can all seem totally random. This Push/Pull/Legs program is divided into two discrete training blocks with separate primary goals. Block 1 focuses primarily on mastering technical execution while building up a large work capacity through progressive load increases at a relatively high set volume. This work capacity will equip us with the abilities needed to optimize results in Block 2 of the program, where volume is decreased as intensity (effort) is increased.

This program begins Block 2 with a deload week to emphasize recovery leading into the most psychologically and physically demanding phase of the program. The deload week sees a reduction in volume and intensity (effort) so that recovery can be optimized leading into the upcoming, more challenging phase. The entire program builds in a systematic way to prevent both under-training and overtraining.

“Science-based” has become a bit of a buzzword for training programs, but how many are actually built around research-driven and field-tested principles? This program dedicates more pages to explaining the theory and science behind the program than to the program itself. With 32 unique scientific references, you can rest assured that everything in your program is backed by both research and experience.

If you are still in your first year or two of training, I’d recommend running through my Fundamentals Hypertrophy Program at least once before advancing onto this routine. While it is hard to define training advancement (since not all years in the gym are created equally) this program was written for people who have been taking their training seriously for at least 2-5 years.

Yes! Anyone who is looking to build muscular size and strength will benefit from this program. This program will build all the muscles of the entire body proportionally. If you’re looking for a little more focus on lower body or glutes, you can check out my Women’s Specialization Program or Glute Hypertrophy Program.

Because of the Exercise Substitutions section, it is doable. For example, if you can’t bench press, you can replace the bench work in this program with dumbbell press, machine chest press or dips and run the rest of the program as is. If you can’t deadlift, you can replace the deadlift work with hip thrusts and/or lower back extensions. If you can’t squat, you can replace the squat work with front squats, hack squats or leg press. If you buy the program and aren’t sure if you can tweak it to fit your needs, feel free to reach out to my coaching support team and we will help you adjust the program or offer a refund if it ends up being unsuitable for you.

You will be in the gym 6 days a week on this program. If that is too much for you, I’d recommend taking my program selector quiz to find a program that is better suited for your schedule and goals.

To run the program exactly as written (without any substitutions), you would need gym access as there are a few cable and basic machine exercises included. However, because there are exercise substitutions included for every exercise, you can run this program with basic lifting equipment and easily swap exercises and tailor it to your situation.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to my coaching support team at any time.