The hypertrophy program is all about building your physique as quickly as possible. Again, do not switch to this program until you either have:
If either of these applies to you, continue reading to learn how to optimize muscle growth.
Step 1: Get the workout routines
If you're reading on your phone and have Strong downloaded, you can import each day's routines onto your phone by clicking the headings below. If you don't have Strong, just copy the routines to your workout app or journal of choice.
| Exercise Name: | Sets | Reps | Rest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Box Squat (Barbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Wide Pull Up | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Hip Thrust (Barbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Standing Calf Raise (Dumbbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Cable Crunch | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Lateral Raise (Machine) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
| Exercise Name: | Sets | Reps | Rest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Deadlift (Barbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Face Pull (Cable) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Hammer Curl (Dumbbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Triceps Pushdown (Cable) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Lying Leg Curl (Machine) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
| Exercise Name: | Sets | Reps | Rest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Squat (Barbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Seated Row (Cable) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Hip Thrust (Barbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Standing Calf Raise (Dumbbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Side Bend (Dumbbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Lateral Raise (Machine) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
| Exercise Name: | Sets | Reps | Rest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Sumo Deadlift (Barbell) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Face Pull (Cable) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Hammer Curl (Cable) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Triceps Extension (Cable) | 3 | 8-10 | 2 |
Lying Leg Curl (Machine) | 3 | 8-10 | 3 |
Step 2: The workout notes
The titles say it all but there's more info underneath each toggle if you have questions.
Step 3: How to Progress
Once you can get 10 reps for all three sets of a weighted exercise, add a total of 5lbs (2.2kg) to the exercise and try to get as many reps as you can again. Once you get 10 reps for all three sets with the increased weight, repeat the process. Here's a visual representation:
In week number two, this person was able to get 10 reps (in good form!) so they increased the weight of the exercise by 5lbs the following week. When they are able to reach 10 reps with the increased weight, they'll add another 5lbs and repeat.
For the first few weeks of the program, you should be able to add 5lbs per exercise every other week as you get the form down. If not either your nutrition, health or another factor hasn’t been taken care of!
Step 4: Record your progress
How you record your progress depends on what method you chose to track your workouts. Read the options below to figure out how to do so with your preferred method:
How to do so Strong:
- Enter the weight you used and then put your rep count under “reps”. Do not count those that you did not perform well.
- Then click the checkbox on the far right of the exercise.
- After clicking the checkbox, strong will automatically start your rest timer, so make sure that you make it set on the correct amount of time. Once the timer goes off, you should be lifting again!
On pencil and paper:
- Write down the weight you used and the reps you completed on the correct set number.
- Start a timer for the correct amount of rest time
- Once the timer goes off, start your next set!
The pace at which your body is molded into the ideal physique depends on your adherence to your nutrition, your health, and your training. Besides making sure that you have all of these components down, remember to take your progress photos each week!
If you plateau
If you ever get to the point where you cannot reach the top of the rep range for an exercise for all three sets twice in a row, you’ve plateaued. As an example, look at the table provided.
As you can see, this individual has been unable to reach 10 reps for all three sets after 2 weeks, therefore they have plateaued.
But this is not all doom and gloom! First, check your smart scale app to see if your muscle mass has increased in the last month. If you have Renpho —the recommended smart scale app— you can follow the steps in the toggle below to see your muscle mass growth over time.
If you have a different smart scale than the one recommended, you can probably do a quick web search like "[smart scale app name] muscle mass" to figure out how to see your muscle mass measurements.
If your muscle mass has increased over the past month, don't worry and keep lifting the same amount of weight for that exercise. You will naturally progress as time goes on!
But if your muscle mass has flatlined, first make sure that you have all of these numbered points down:
- Have slept at least 7 hours each night before your workouts
- On the lean-bulking phase
- Are hydrated before and during the workout
- Have had your pre-workout shake and snack before lifting
- Have increased your body temperature prior to working out
After having checked off all the numbered steps, add a total of 5lb (2.27 kg) to next week's exercise and increase the rest time.
By increasing the weight of an exercise and adding more rest time, you can skip plateaus as you reach them. Don’t worry, adding more time between sets does not decrease muscle growth [1, 2, 3] but it will make your workouts a little longer. Here's an example:
As shown above, the person that was initially struggling to get past their plateau at 15lbs was able to bypass it by increasing the weight and rest time.
Again, you will not do this while on the cutting phase (unless you're a complete beginner). It is difficult to gain muscle while losing weight so be happy and satisfied if your muscle mass is staying stable. You will get back to muscle-building on the lean-bulking phase!