%20(1).webp)
Full Body/Upper/Lower (3-day)
(Part of the April update for our Premium Members)
The Full Body/Upper/Lower (3-Day Workout Plan) is an effective and time-efficient approach for those who can dedicate three days a week to training but still want to maximize muscle growth and strength development. This program is ideal for:
- Beginners and intermediate lifters looking for a structured approach to building muscle.
- Busy individuals who have limited time but want to achieve full-body development.
- Those who want to balance training and recovery, minimizing the risk of injury.
- People training at home or in the gym, as the program primarily focuses on machine-based and free-weight exercises but can be adjusted based on available equipment.
The goal of this plan is to provide optimal training volume and intensity while allowing sufficient recovery, making it a sustainable approach to long-term muscle growth. Rest days are incorporated between sessions to ensure complete muscle recovery and support mobility improvements.
Workout Structure and Breakdown
This three-day-per-week training plan follows a scientifically-backed periodization method that balances intensity and recovery:
- Full Body Workout (Day 1): A comprehensive session incorporating compound movements to build strength while targeting both upper and lower body muscles.
- Upper Body Workout (Day 3): A focused session for the chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and triceps, using hypertrophy-driven exercises.
- Lower Body Workout (Day 5): Targeted training for the legs and glutes, emphasizing the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
Rest days are not completely passive; they incorporate mobility and recovery strategies to enhance flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and improve overall training performance.
Why Is This Split Effective?
This training split is one of the most scientifically-supported approaches for building muscle efficiently. By starting with a full-body workout and then dividing training into upper and lower body sessions, this plan optimizes protein synthesis and maximizes hypertrophy while allowing for adequate recovery between sessions.
The program primarily utilizes machines and free weights, which helps maintain controlled movement patterns, reduce injury risk, and allow for progressive overload—even for beginners.
Key Benefits of This Approach:
- Three training days per week are enough for significant progress, making it ideal for those with a busy schedule.
- Rest days help the nervous system recover, allowing for maximum intensity in each session.
- Machine-based isolation exercises improve muscle activation and mind-muscle connection, particularly for glute and lower-body training.
- Incorporating mobility and active recovery ensures improved flexibility and injury prevention.
How to Maximize Your Results
The effectiveness of this plan depends on more than just training—it also requires proper nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle habits. To get the best results:
- Prioritize protein intake to support muscle growth and recovery (aim for at least 1.6-2.2g of protein per kg of body weight).
- Adjust your calorie intake according to your goals (a surplus for muscle growth, a deficit for fat loss).
- Get sufficient sleep, as quality rest is essential for muscle recovery and performance.
- Stay active on rest days, incorporating at least 45-60 minutes of light walking to aid circulation and muscle recovery.
- Use mobility exercises and stretching, particularly for the hips and glutes, to enhance flexibility and reduce muscle tightness.
The Full Body/Upper/Lower (3-Day Workout Plan) is a strategically designed program that maximizes muscle growth potential, even with just three training days per week. By starting with a full-body workout and then dividing training into upper and lower body sessions, this plan ensures optimal muscle stimulation while allowing for sufficient recovery.
This training plan is highly recommended for those who want efficient muscle growth with fewer training days while maintaining balanced recovery and long-term sustainability.
Each exercise in the program comes with a video tutorial—click on the exercise name in the workout plan to ensure proper form and execution.
If you're ready, let’s start with the first workout - week 1 through 4 is available below this text!
Plan – Week 01
This workout plan is designed for muscle growth and strength development while ensuring proper recovery and sustained performance. The three training days aim to target the entire body with sufficient stimulus for hypertrophy.
The rest days are not for passive recovery—they include active mobility and restorative strategies to maximize results and reduce the risk of injury.
Day 1 – Full Body Workout
The first workout focuses on compound movements to build overall strength and muscle mass.
Exercises:
- Squat – 4x6-8
- Bench Press – 4x6-8
- Deadlift – 3x6
- Lat Pulldown – 4x8-10
- Bulgarian Split Squat – 3x10/10
- Cable Lateral Raises – 3x12-15
- Weighted Crunches – 3x15
Tips:
- Warm up thoroughly with dynamic stretching, joint mobility drills, and light warm-up sets.
- Use progressive overload, increasing weight gradually for bench press and deadlifts.
- Focus on controlled eccentric movements (e.g., lower slowly during squats for at least 3 seconds).
Day 2 – Rest Day (Active Recovery)
Although this is a non-training day, the focus is on enhancing recovery and mobility.
Recommended Activities:
- 45-60 min walk (preferably in nature at a steady pace).
- Mobility exercises (hip, shoulders, and ankle flexibility).
- Foam rolling – pay special attention to quads, glutes, and back muscles.
- Breath-focused relaxation – helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress hormones.
Tips:
- Maintain high protein intake (1.6-2.2 g per kg of body weight) and stay hydrated.
- Light movement can help alleviate muscle soreness and improve circulation.
Day 3 – Upper Body Workout
This session targets the major upper-body muscle groups, focusing on shoulders, chest, and back.
Exercises:
- Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press – 4x8-10
- Bent Over Barbell Row – 4x6-8
- Incline Dumbbell Press – 4x8-10
- Barbell Curl – 3x10-12
- Triceps Pushdown – 3x12-15
- Face Pulls – 3x12-15
- Ab Wheel Rollout – 3x12
Tips:
- Maintain full range of motion in the incline press to maximize upper chest activation.
- Avoid overextending the lower back during overhead pressing.
- Keep higher reps for biceps and triceps exercises to ensure proper fatigue.
Day 4 – Rest Day (Mobility and Flexibility Focus)
This day is dedicated to improving mobility and body awareness, particularly for the glutes and hips.
Recommended Activities:
- Dynamic stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, glutes).
- Static stretching and PNF technique – helps improve flexibility.
- Soft tissue work – foam rolling or massage gun use.
- 45-minute walk at a moderate pace.
Tips:
- Rest days are a great opportunity to improve posture and strengthen weaker areas.
- Ensure 7-9 hours of quality sleep, as recovery occurs primarily during deep sleep.
Day 5 – Lower Body Workout
The goal is to provide maximum stimulus to the lower body muscles, with an emphasis on glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Exercises:
- Leg Press – 4x12-15
- Romanian Deadlift – 4x8-10
- Hack Squat – 4x10
- Weighted Glute Bridge – 3x12-15
- Seated Leg Curl – 3x12-15
- Leg Extension – 3x15
- Standing Calf Raise – 4x15-20
Tips:
- Hold an isometric contraction at the top of the glute bridge for 2-3 seconds to maximize glute activation.
- Vary your foot placement on the leg press to target different muscle groups.
- Ensure deep range of motion in hack squats but avoid excessive knee strain.
Days 6 & 7 – Rest Days (Recovery and Optimization)
These days focus on allowing the body to recover, but passive rest should be avoided.
Recommended Activities:
- Low-intensity walking or swimming (45-60 minutes).
- Mobility exercises and static stretching.
- Active meditation or breathwork – helps regulate the nervous system.
- Nutritional tracking (available in app) – ensure consistent progress.
Plan – Week 02
Day 1 – Full Body (Progressive Overload Focus)
In this session, we increase the weights and incorporate controlled eccentric movements to maximize hypertrophy.
Exercises:
- Squat – 4x5-7 (slow eccentric: 3 seconds)
- Bench Press – 4x5-7
- Deadlift – 3x5 (moderate intensity, explosive lift)
- Pull-Ups – 4x8-10 (use added weight if possible)
- Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift – 3x10/10
- Dumbbell Lateral Raises – 3x12-15
- Hanging Leg Raises – 3x15
Key Points:
- Controlled eccentric movements enhance muscle activation.
- Increase intensity while maintaining proper form.
- Push closer to failure on the last two sets but leave 1-2 reps in reserve.
Day 2 – Rest Day (Active Recovery & Mobility)
The focus is on faster muscle recovery and joint mobility.
Recommended Activities:
- 60-minute moderate-intensity walk
- Hip and shoulder mobility drills
- PNF stretching and foam rolling
- Contrast showers or ice baths for faster recovery
- Deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system
Key Points:
- Maintain optimal protein intake and hydration, even on rest days.
- If you feel sore, engage in low-intensity movement such as swimming or light yoga.
Day 3 – Upper Body (Higher Intensity, Shorter Rest Periods)
This session reduces rest time for smaller muscle groups and incorporates isometric holds for added tension.
Exercises:
- Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press – 4x8-10
- T-Bar Row – 4x6-8
- Incline Bench Press – 4x8-10 (1-second pause at the bottom)
- Standing Barbell Curl – 3x10-12
- Dips – 3x12-15 (use added weight if possible)
- Face Pulls (Cable) – 3x12-15
- Cable Crunches – 3x15
Key Points:
- Perform biceps and triceps exercises slowly for maximum muscle tension.
- On the incline bench press, focus on upper chest activation.
- In dips, aim for a deep range of motion for better muscle engagement.
Day 4 – Rest Day (Nervous System Recovery & Optimization)
Today’s focus is nervous system recovery, stress reduction, and active restoration.
Recommended Activities:
- Static stretching and breathwork
- Slow, mindful walk in nature
- Massage or foam rolling on tight areas
- Low-intensity swimming or cycling
Key Points:
- Aim for 8+ hours of sleep for full recovery.
- Adjust macronutrient intake based on energy expenditure.
Day 5 – Lower Body (Glute & Leg Development)
This session introduces hypertrophy-focused rep ranges and increased glute activation.
Exercises:
- Hack Squat – 4x10-12
- Romanian Deadlift – 4x8-10
- Leg Press – 4x12-15
- Hip Thrust – 3x12-15 (2-second hold at the top)
- Bulgarian Split Squat – 3x10/10
- Adductor Machine – 3x15
- Standing Calf Raise – 4x15-20
Key Points:
- On hip thrusts, hold at the top for better glute activation.
- During Romanian deadlifts, focus on maximum hamstring and glute tension.
- Experiment with different foot placements on the leg press to vary muscle activation.
Days 6 & 7 – Rest (Recovery & Optimization)
These days focus on active recovery and performance optimization.
Recommended Activities:
- 45-60 minutes of low-intensity walking or cycling
- Static & dynamic stretching for hip and shoulder mobility
- Short meditation sessions for stress management
- Daily sunlight exposure and optimizing vitamin D intake
Plan – Week 03
Day 1 – Full Body (Maximal Muscle Activation)
In this workout, we’ll use slower eccentric phases to maximize muscle fiber activation and mechanical tension, while also increasing weights.
Exercises:
- Squats – 5x5-6 (slow descent: 3-4 seconds)
- Bench Press – 5x5 (full range of motion, heavier weights)
- Deadlifts – 4x5 (focus on strength)
- Pull-ups – 4x8-10 (with added weight if possible)
- Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts – 4x10/10
- Lateral Raises – 3x15 (slow execution, 2-second hold at the top)
- Hanging Leg Raises – 3x15
Important:
- Slow down the eccentric phase to increase muscle fiber activation.
- Use heavier weights but always ensure correct form.
- On the last two sets, approach muscle failure, but leave one rep in the tank.
Day 2 – Active Recovery and Mobility
On this day, we focus on muscle recovery and joint mobility.
Recommended Activities:
- 60-minute moderate-intensity walk
- Mobility and stretching exercises for the hips and shoulders
- PNF stretching and foam rolling
- Contrast shower or cold bath for muscle soreness
- Deep breathing techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system
Important:
- Even on rest days, ensure proper protein intake and stay well-hydrated.
- If you have muscle soreness, perform low-intensity movement such as swimming or light yoga.
Day 3 – Upper Body (Increased Load, Shorter Rest Periods)
In this workout, we’ll reduce rest periods for smaller muscle groups and use isometric holds to increase muscle tension.
Exercises:
- Seated Shoulder Press – 5x8-10
- T-Bar Row – 5x6-8
- Incline Bench Press – 5x8-10 (1-second hold at the bottom)
- Standing Bicep Curls – 4x10-12
- Dips – 4x12-15 (with added weight if possible)
- Cable Face Pulls – 4x15
- Cable Crunch – 4x15
Important:
- Focus on slow, controlled movements during bicep and tricep exercises.
- For the incline bench press, ensure proper upper chest activation.
- During dips, try to achieve a deeper range of motion to target both the chest and triceps.
Day 4 – Regeneration and Nervous System Optimization
The goal here is to focus on nervous system recovery, reducing stress, and active restoration.
Recommended Activities:
- Static stretching and breathing exercises
- Slow, mindful walk in nature
- Massage or foam rolling for tight muscle groups
- Low-intensity swimming or cycling
Important:
- Ensure you get at least 8 hours of sleep for optimal recovery.
- Optimize your macronutrient intake according to your energy needs.
Day 5 – Lower Body (Advanced Techniques and Glute Activation)
In this workout, we’ll use hypertrophy-optimized rep ranges and further activate the glutes for muscle development.
Exercises:
- Hack Squats – 5x10-12
- Romanian Deadlifts – 5x8-10
- Leg Press – 5x12-15
- Hip Thrusts – 4x12-15 (2-second hold at the top)
- Bulgarian Split Squats – 4x10/10
- Adductor Machine – 4x15
- Standing Calf Raises – 4x15-20
Important:
- For hip thrusts, hold at the top position to maximize glute activation.
- Focus on maximizing tension on the hamstrings and glutes during Romanian deadlifts.
- Try different foot placements on the leg press to vary the muscle activation.
Day 6-7 – Rest Days (Recovery and Optimization)
These two days are focused on active recovery and overall performance optimization.
Recommended Activities:
- 45-60 minute low-intensity walk or bike ride
- Static and dynamic stretching for hip and shoulder mobility
- Meditation or breathing exercises for stress management
- Daily sunlight exposure and D-vitamin optimization
Plan – Week 04
Day 1 – Full Body (Maximized Intensity and Volume)
This full-body workout will focus on maximal muscle fatigue with the inclusion of drop sets and supersets to promote hypertrophy and muscle endurance.
Exercises:
- Back Squats – 5x5 (heavy, 2-second pause at the bottom)
- Barbell Bench Press – 4x6-8 (superset with Incline Dumbbell Press)
- Incline Dumbbell Press – 4x8-10 (superset with Bench Press)
- Deadlifts – 4x5 (focus on increasing weight, slow eccentric)
- Pull-Ups (Weighted if possible) – 4x8-10
- Dumbbell Rows – 4x10 (slow tempo, 2-3 seconds up and down)
- Cable Face Pulls – 4x15 (time under tension: 4 seconds each rep)
- Hanging Leg Raises – 4x15 (add a twist for oblique activation)
Important:
- For deadlifts, perform a controlled descent to maximize time under tension (3 seconds down).
- Superset the bench press with incline presses to keep the chest under constant tension.
- Use drop sets on the last set of deadlifts to push past failure.
Day 2 – Active Recovery, Mobility, and Flexibility
The goal today is rest and recovery, while still maintaining activity to promote circulation, prevent stiffness, and aid muscle repair.
Recommended Activities:
- 45-60 minute moderate-intensity walk or cycling (keep heart rate around 50-60% of max)
- PNF stretching for the lower back, hips, and shoulders
- Foam rolling for deep tissue release, especially on quads, glutes, and hamstrings
- Breathing exercises for relaxation (5-10 minutes of deep breathing)
- Optional yoga flow to work on flexibility and alignment (focus on hip-opening poses)
Important:
- Hydrate well, especially with electrolytes after a walk or yoga.
- Prioritize quality sleep for muscle recovery and regeneration.
Day 3 – Upper Body (Hypertrophy with Time Under Tension and Drop Sets)
On this day, we will focus on intensifying the hypertrophy process, adding more volume with time under tension (TUT) techniques and drop sets.
Exercises:
- Overhead Shoulder Press – 4x6-8 (superset with Dumbbell Lateral Raises)
- Dumbbell Lateral Raises – 4x10-12 (superset with Shoulder Press)
- Flat Bench Press – 5x8 (include a drop set on the last set)
- T-Bar Row – 5x8-10 (slow tempo on the way up)
- Dips – 4x10-12 (weighted if possible, add 2-second pause at the bottom)
- Cable Bicep Curls – 4x10 (slow down the negative phase for time under tension)
- Skull Crushers – 4x10-12 (focus on triceps contraction)
- Cable Crunches – 4x15-20 (increase tension at the peak)
Important:
- For the T-Bar Row, focus on keeping your elbows tight to your sides for a better contraction.
- In your drop set, go lighter after reaching failure and perform additional reps until complete fatigue.
- Use a slow, controlled movement during the negative phase of bicep curls and skull crushers to increase time under tension.
Day 4 – Active Recovery and Nervous System Regeneration
Day 4 is dedicated to nervous system recovery, aiming to reduce any stress or fatigue accumulated from the previous workouts.
Recommended Activities:
- 45-minute low-intensity walk or easy cycling (keep a relaxed pace)
- Breathing exercises or meditation (focus on diaphragmatic breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system)
- Foam rolling for muscle release (especially in the back and legs)
- Yoga stretches (especially hip openers, chest stretches, and lower back stretches)
Important:
- Focus on nervous system recovery by avoiding heavy activity today.
- Spend time unwinding mentally and make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep to recharge.
Day 5 – Lower Body (Glute and Hamstring Activation with High Volume)
This session will be dedicated to intensifying glute and hamstring development, combining heavy compound movements with higher volume for muscle fatigue.
Exercises:
- Barbell Hip Thrusts – 5x12-15 (with a 2-second hold at the top)
- Romanian Deadlifts – 4x10-12 (with slow eccentric and focus on hamstring stretch)
- Leg Press – 5x12-15 (foot placement variation to target glutes)
- Bulgarian Split Squats – 4x12 (with a pause at the bottom)
- Glute Kickbacks – 4x20 (superset with leg press)
- Seated Calf Raises – 4x15-20
- Standing Calf Raises – 4x15-20
Important:
- For hip thrusts, make sure to activate the glutes at the top of the movement, and hold for 2 seconds.
- Romanian Deadlifts should focus on a deep stretch in the hamstrings; slow down the eccentric phase for maximum tension.
- On split squats, emphasize depth and use a pause at the bottom for a greater time under tension.
Day 6-7 – Rest Days (Recovery and Restoration)
These two days will focus on active recovery and full-body restoration.
Recommended Activities:
- 45-minute walk (or light cycling, keeping the heart rate low)
- Stretching and mobility work for the lower body and shoulders
- Massage therapy or foam rolling (especially for tight areas such as hamstrings, glutes, and quads)
- Hydration: Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, along with electrolytes to optimize recovery
- Optional: Light yoga or meditation for mental clarity and relaxation
Important:
- On rest days, avoid sitting for long periods—move lightly to help reduce muscle tightness.
- Consume high-quality protein and other micronutrients to fuel your recovery and muscle repair.