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Home » 4 Day Workout Routine

4 Day Workout Plans

4 day workout plans are a great way to build strength, grow muscle, and make solid progress. Utilizing 4 training days per week is a popular choice for upper/lower body split routines like PHUL as well as programs that focus on a major compound lift each day like Wendler's 5/3/1.

Not what you're looking for? Check out Lift Vault's workout split guide to find the best routine for you.

Best 4 Day Workout Plans

  1. Jim Wendler's 5/3/1
  2. PHUL
  3. Beginner Bodybuilder Program (Ripped Body)
  4. Juggernaut Method
  5. GZCLP
  6. TSA 9 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program
  7. Calgary Barbell 8 & 16 Week Powerlifting Programs
  8. Greg Nuckols 28 Programs
  9. nSuns
  10. Jonnie Candito 6 Week Powerlifting Program

You can check out the latest 4 day workout programs below.

14 Week Block Periodization Powerlifting Program (Empire Barbell)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 29, 2024

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: High Volume, Peaking, Strength

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is a powerlifting program designed by Empire Barbell that utilizes block periodization. Training is broken into three distinct blocks: intensification #1, volume, and intensification #2. These blocks can be run in order straight through, or can be repeated with some limitations (explained more below). Running each block once would represent 14 weeks of training in total. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 2

Overhead press frequency: 2

Lyle McDonald Generic Bulking Routine Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 3, 2023

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 6, 7, 8

Periodization: Block Periodization, Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Mass, Strength

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Lyle McDonald’s generic bulking routine (GBR) is a 4 day upper/lower split that focuses on building mass. It is a bulking routine for building mass that is designed to be run while on a caloric surplus with a weight gain goal of about 0.5 to 1 pound per week. It can be run for 6 weeks to 8 weeks before a 2 week deload.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

12 Week Mass Building Hypertrophy Workout for Powerlifters (Mathias Method)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 1, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Mass, Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This mass building workout focuses on stimulating muscular hypertrophy and developing raw strength. It is a 12 week powerlifting program built on 4 high volume training sessions per week and was developed by Ryan Mathias at Mathias Method. It is a peaking program that is designed to build your one rep max in the squat, bench press, and deadlift for meet day. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 2

Shortcut to SIZE Reviews

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 23, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 6

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Mass

Uses RPE: No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

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…]

Filed Under: Program Reviews
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

10 Week Glute Hypertrophy Workout Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 11, 2024

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Glute hypertrophy, Strength

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

A glute hypertrophy program is a workout routine that focuses on growing the size of the glute muscles. From Flap Jacks 2 Thick Stacks is a glute hypertrophy program designed by Brendan Tietz that is organized as a 4 day upper/lower body part split that uses heavy compound glute movements and targeted accessory movements to strengthen the full body, not just the glutes.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Muscle Groups, Programs
Tagged With: 10 Week Workout Plan, 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 2

Lean Muscle Building Workout Plans

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 18, 2022

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Bodybuilding, Hypertrophy


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Here are some of the best workout plans for building strong, lean muscle. These routines focus on high volume, which stimulates muscular hypertrophy in the athlete. Coupled with proper nutrition and recovery, these programs will help the athlete develop larger, stronger muscles.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan, 5 Day Bodybuilding Program, 5 Day Workout Plan, 6 Day Bodybuilding Program, 6 Day Workout Plan



Lee Hayward 12 Week Bodybuilding Workout Routine Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Linear Periodization, Wave Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Bodybuilding, Hypertrophy

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Lee Hayward’s 12 week bodybuilding program is broken up into four 3 week cycles, each cycle focusing on adding volume to the same set of lifts before switching to new movement variations and rep ranges for the next 3 week cycle. Each week has four training days, with the recommended set up being Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Arnold Schwarzenegger Home Workout Routine Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 29, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: Indefinite

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Bodyweight

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Arnold Schwarzenegger took to Instagram yesterday to share an old home bodyweight workout of his, which he also shared on Reddit. The workout consists of push ups, sit ups, bent over twists, bent leg raises, squats (aka knee bends), calf raises, and chin ups.

Each bodyweight exercise is performed for a different number of reps depending on the individuals strength level: beginner or advanced.

A full break down of each exercise and its different rep ranges is below, along with highlights from Schwarzenegger’s Reddit post.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodyweight Workout Programs, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3, 4


Boring But Big: 5/3/1 BBB Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 3, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Strength

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Boring But Big (BBB) is a variation of Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 template that focuses on high volume accessory work to induce hypertrophy after the main “5/3/1” work is finished. The BBB supplemental work follows a scheme of 5 sets of 10 reps (5×10). It is both brutally simple and effective, making it one of the most popular 5/3/1 variations.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 4 Week Programs, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan, 4 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

5/3/1 BBB for Bodybuilding Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated November 1, 2021

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 7

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Strength

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

5/3/1 BBB for bodybuilding is an interpretation of Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 BBB strength program that is focused on bodybuilding aesthetics and hypertrophy instead of raw strength.

It is run for 7 weeks per cycle with 4 training days per week. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 7 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

12 Week RPE Powerlifting Peaking Program by Mignone Strength

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Program Overview

This is a 12 week powerlifting peaking program based on rate of perceived exertion (RPE). It uses 4 training days per week and divides the 12 week program into four different training blocks ending with a taper. It was created by Matt Mignone at Mignone Strength [Read more…]

Filed Under: Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 1

17 Week Block Periodization Powerlifting Peaking Program by Brad Arbic

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 17

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Program Summary

This is a 17 week powerlifting peaking program broken up into 3 different training blocks: hypertrophy, strength, and peaking. It uses 4 training days per week: squat, bench press, deadlift, and another bench press training session. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 17 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1

Dexter Jackson Workout Routine Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: Indefinite

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Dexter Jackson’s workout routine is a four day body part split focused on developing maximum muscular hypertrophy. It uses 3 to 4 sets per exercise, often increasing the weight for each set. The routine programs anywhere from 5 to 8 different exercise movements per training session. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Dorian Yates Workout Routine [1987-1992] Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated September 29, 2020

Experience level: Advanced

Weeks: 6

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Dorian Yates workout routine from 1987 to 1992 is an advanced bodybuilder routine that he followed during the middle of his competitive bodybuilding career. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan, 5 Day Bodybuilding Program, 5 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2
Bench press frequency: 1, 2
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2

Empire Barbell High Frequency Bench Press Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 29, 2024

Experience level: Advanced

Weeks: 5

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Powerlifting

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is a high frequency, up to 5 training days per week, daily undulating bench press program shared by Empire Barbell. It is a peaking program for the bench press that aims for the athlete to achieve a new one rep max in 5 weeks.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 5 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan

Bench press frequency: 3, 4, 5

Block Periodization Powerlifting Program (up to 36 Weeks) by Your Strongest Year

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 7, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 36, 4

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is a collection of nine 4 week training blocks published by Your Strongest Year. They amount to 36 weeks of powerlifting programming that include volume blocks, intensity blocks, accumulation blocks, realization blocks, and strength training blocks, though you do not need to necessarily run all of them.

I think this is one of the coolest powerlifting programs offered on Lift Vault and I’m really excited to highlight it for you all. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 2

Vince Gironda 8×8 + 6×6 Workout Routine Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 23, 2023

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: Indefinite

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Vince Gironda’s 8×8 workout routine is an advanced bodybuilding routines designed to shock your muscles into growth. It is a high volume, old school bodybuilding program that has become the stuff of legend. The related 6×6 workout routine is an intermediate version of the same program.

I will be sharing spreadsheets for a few different variations of Vince Gironda’s workout routines, along with links where you can do some additional reading.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan, 6 Day Bodybuilding Program, 6 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2
Bench press frequency: 1, 2

Michael B. Jordan “Creed” Workout Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Program goal: Hypertrophy

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is a workout program attributed to Michael B. Jordan, supposedly used in preparation for his role in Creed. It utilizes 4 training days per week and can be run indefinitely. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Celebrity Workout Programs, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1

Beginner Bodybuilding Program Spreadsheet by Ripped Body (4 Day)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 29, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Beginner

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Program goal: Hypertrophy

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

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…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

The 5 Best Upper/Lower Split Programs

By Heather Jacques
Last updated May 8, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Are you just looking for great upper/lower split workout programs to run?

If so, check out these links for spreadsheets and additional info.

  1. nSuns 4 Day LP
  2. SPF Powerbuilding
  3. Brogains Powerbuilding
  4. 5/3/1 365
  5. PHUL

What’s the best workout split for building muscle and gaining strength?

This question is a commonly asked question by many lifters. While several splits are effective, such as the bro split, push/pull split, full body workout split, and push/pull/legs, the upper/lower split is arguably the most popular.

An upper/lower workout split can be used whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced trainee. If you have at least 3-4 days per week to train, you can effectively hit each major muscle group twice per week, which is often considered to be the optimal training frequency for muscle growth.

The increased training frequency also improves your skill and technique in the big three (squat, bench press, and deadlift). An upper/lower split can also be utilized if you prefer training 5 or even 6 days per week.

Better yet, an upper/lower split benefits anyone wanting to lose fat, build muscle, and gain strength without living in the gym. Since this split is so popular, numerous upper/lower split workout programs are available!

Below you will find the five best upper/lower split workout programs and a link to their respective spreadsheets so you can download a copy for free!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerbuilding Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan



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