Designed by the smart folks at Ripped Body, this beginner bodybuilding workout routine is a great introduction to hypertrophy training for novices. The spreadsheet for this bodybuilding program for novices is based on this post shared by Ripped Body. [Read more…]
10 Best Bodybuilding Programs for 2021
- PHAT Workout Program
- Joe Delaney 6 Day Upper/Lower Split (Ibiza Shreds)
- PHUL Powerbuilding Program
- Joe Delaney 5 Day Full Body Split
- Intermediate Bodybuilder Routine by Ripped Body
- Metallicadpa 6 Day PPL (aka Reddit PPL)
- Mike Israetel Hypertrophy Program
- 5/3/1 BBB for Bodybuilding
- Arnold Schwarzenegger Golden Six Routine
Recommended Reading: The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger (2012) (Amazon)
About Bodybuilding Workouts
A bodybuilding program is designed to induce hypertrophy in the athlete's muscle, stimulating muscular growth. This is often done by exercising each body part approximately twice per week in a "splits" that target certain groups of muscle per training session.
Except in the case of the big 3 compound movements, bodybuilding routines rarely focus on working off of a percentage of a lifter's one rep max because they include so many accessory movements where a 1RM isn't always helpful. Instead, the number of sets, amount of rest in between sets, and rep ranges are often manipulated to induce hypertrophy. Of course, the weight lifted helps achieve this goal too.
Related: Also check out Lift Vault's powerbuilding programs, which also focus on inducing hypertrophy in the lifter. They also combine some strength training and powerlifting elements.
Questions? Ask the Forum
Head over to the Lift Vault forum to ask the community and connect with other lifters.
Want more? Search the Lift Vault Program Library
Search the Lift Vault Program Library to find the exact program you're looking for based on many criteria (e.g. experience level, days per week, and much more).
The latest bodybuilding & hypertrophy programs are available below.
Mike Israetel 5 Week Hypertrophy Workout Routine Spreadsheet
Note: The below spreadsheet is based on the 2019 version of Mike Israetel’s articles on muscle group hypertrophy. As of March 2020, he is in the midst of updating these articles with new guidelines. These guidelines have not yet been taken into account in the spreadsheet, but an updated spreadsheet is in the works. For the latest thinking from Mike Israetel, please read the articles linked in this post. A second update will be posted here when the spreadsheet is updated.
Dr. Mike Israetel published a very popular article entitled Training Volume Landmarks for Rennaisance Periodization.
A summary of the article is below, though reading the article in its entirety is recommended. [Read more…]
Ivysaur 3 Week Intermediate Aesthetic Workout Routine
A progression from the recommended Ivysaur 4-4-8 Beginner Strength Program, the Ivysaur intermediate aesthetic program is a 5 day per week linear progression hypertrophy program. On it, you’ll be adding weight to your lifts every 3 weeks. [Read more…]
The Famous Reddit PPL Program Spreadsheet (Improved)
The 6 day PPL program known as the “Reddit PPL” or “Metallicadpa PPL” is a great workout routine for those looking to increase strength and gain size. Several different spreadsheets have been created for this program, which I go into a bit below. I’m bringing forth a new and improved version here after being frustrated by the shortcomings of past efforts. [Read more…]
Starscream: 12 Week Hypertrophy Program (5 Day)
Starscream is the brainchild of /u/benchpauper, who concocted such popular spreadsheets as the MEGAZORD hybrid strength program. [Read more…]
8 Week Hypertrophy Program Spreadsheet (BigCoachD)
Edit 9/22/19: Fixed an issue with the inputs. Using a “.” (i.e. period, full stop) is now supported in the 1RM input fields.
This program is an 8 week hypertrophy training program inspired by Reddit user and strength coach /u/BigCoachD. Good for off-season powerlifting training, bodybuilding, or anyone looking to increase their work capacity and get bigger.
It is a 4 day program based on linear periodization. Week 1 starts at 5×12 @50% of 1RM and adds 5% each week, gradually working up to 5×8@67.5% in week 8. [Read more…]
Shortcut to Shred Reviews
Here are reviews of Jim Stoppani’s Shortcut to Shred strength building and weight loss program from people that have run the program. Overall, Shortcut to Shred reviews are positive and show that the program can be effective for building muscle and leaning out. [Read more…]
Shortcut to SIZE Reviews
Shortcut to Size is a 4 day body part split program by Jim Stoppani (who also created Shortcut to Shred). It is best suited for athletes with aesthetic or hypertrophy goals. It is a 12 week bodybuilding program broken down into three 4 week phases. [Read more…]
Best 4 Day Workout Splits
A 4 day workout split is an exercise regimen that targets different muscle groups across four training days per week. Body parts are “split” into different training days, allowing recovery of those muscle groups while others are being worked in the next training session. Still, the term is somewhat flexible and can be applied to many different types of training.
[Read more…]Coolcicada 6 Day PPL Spreadsheet
The Coolcicada PPL is a popular 6 day PPL that originated from a BodyBuilding.com forum member. The original thread is here. It has since gained great notoriety as an effective program for building strength and muscular development in many lifters. [Read more…]