Strength/Hypertrophy Split (4-day plan)

This training program follows one of the most effective structures in modern strength and muscle-building: the first half of the week focuses on low-rep, heavy compound strength work, while the second half targets muscle growth with high-volume, hypertrophy-focused training.

On strength days, the priority is on big, compound lifts (such as bench press, squats, rows, and pull-down variations), which build overall power, neural coordination, and foundational performance.

On hypertrophy days, the focus shifts to machine-based and isolation exercises with higher reps and shorter rest periods, designed to maximize muscle tension, metabolic stress, and the pump — the core drivers of muscle growth.

This plan is ideal for those who want to:
– Build strength and muscle at the same time
– Balance performance with aesthetics
– Train 4 days per week with purpose and structure

Rest days are not left empty:

You’ll get mobility routines, active recovery suggestions, and health-boosting lifestyle tips to support optimal regeneration and consistent progress.

The training sessions are machine- and weight-training focused, but every workout includes alternative options if you're working out from home or with limited equipment. The program targets every major muscle group in a balanced way and progresses week by week to ensure you’re building real, sustainable results.

This plan is part of the GetFIT App’s Premium Membership.
If you're ready to follow a science-based system that makes you stronger and more muscular week after week — this is the program for you.

Plan – Week 01

Day 1 – Upper Body Strength

Focus: Low reps, heavier weights, longer rest periods (2–3 minutes). Goal: Maximal strength development in compound upper body lifts.

Barbell Bench Press

4 sets of 4–6 reps
– Focus on explosive pushing and controlled lowering
– Tip: Keep a tight scapular retraction and stable foot drive
– Substitution: Machine chest press or dumbbell bench press

Lat Pulldown

4 sets of 6–8 reps
– Pull to the upper chest with control
– Tip: Avoid using momentum; hold the contraction for 1 second
– Substitution: Assisted pull-ups or resistance band pull-ups

Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press

3 sets of 6–8 reps
– Perform full range of motion, avoid clanking dumbbells at the top
– Tip: Keep your back straight and wrists neutral
– Substitution: Machine overhead press

T-Bar Row or Machine Row

3 sets of 6–8 reps
– Focus on mid and lower back engagement
– Tip: Don’t jerk the weight; avoid overreaching forward
– Substitution: Cable row or chest-supported row

Cable Triceps Pushdown (Straight Bar)

3 sets of 8–10 reps
– Lock out the elbows at the bottom and fully contract the triceps
– Tip: Keep your elbows fixed and body upright
– Substitution: Rope pushdowns or triceps machine

Dumbbell Bicep Curl (Standing)

3 sets of 8–10 reps
– Slow and controlled, especially the lowering phase
– Tip: Avoid swinging or moving the elbows
– Substitution: Machine bicep curl

Day 2 – Lower Body Strength

Focus: Classic strength movements, heavy weights, low reps, full-body tension.

Barbell Back Squat

4 sets of 4–6 reps
– Go deep with good form and proper knee tracking
– Tip: Keep your core braced and avoid knees caving in
– Substitution: Hack squat machine

Romanian Deadlift (RDL)

4 sets of 6 reps
– Emphasize hamstring and glute activation
– Tip: Keep the bar close to your legs and your back flat
– Substitution: Dumbbell or cable RDL

Leg Extension (Machine)

3 sets of 8–10 reps
– Squeeze hard at the top, lower slowly
– Tip: Pause 1–2 seconds at peak contraction

Seated Leg Curl (Machine)

3 sets of 8–10 reps
– Focus on slow, controlled movements
– Tip: Keep your hips anchored and avoid lifting your torso

Standing Calf Raise (Machine)

3 sets of 12–15 reps
– Use a full range of motion and don’t bounce
– Tip: Pause at the top and bottom for better stimulus
– Substitution: Seated calf raise or dumbbell calf raises

Day 3 – Rest Day

Goal: Recovery, joint mobility, metabolic reset

– Take a 30–45-minute walk (preferably outdoors in natural light)
– Prioritize 7.5–8 hours of quality sleep
– Drink 35–40ml of water per kg of bodyweight
– Do light stretching or yoga (hips, shoulders, thoracic spine)
– Protein intake: Aim for 1.8–2.2g per kg of bodyweight

Day 4 – Upper Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Higher reps, shorter rest (60–90 seconds), isolation & machine-based exercises.

Machine Chest Press

4 sets of 10–12 reps
– Don’t lock out arms fully; keep constant tension
– Substitution: Dumbbell incline press or cable press

Incline or Weighted Push-Ups

3 sets of 10–15 reps
– Substitution: Cable chest press or pec deck fly

Dumbbell Lateral Raises

3 sets of 12–15 reps
– Tip: Keep a slight bend in your elbows; avoid swinging
– Substitution: Cable lateral raise

Dip Machine or Assisted Dips

3 sets of 10–12 reps
– Full range of motion, avoid shoulder shrugging
– Substitution: Triceps rope pushdown

Cable Bicep Curl (Straight Bar)

3 sets of 12–15 reps
– Elbows fixed, slow eccentric control
– Substitution: Incline dumbbell curl or preacher curl

Day 5 – Lower Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Muscle-building isolation work and accessory volume.

Hack Squat Machine

4 sets of 10–12 reps
– Keep heels planted and knees tracking with toes
– Tip: Do not fully lock out knees

Hip Thrust (Machine or Barbell)

4 sets of 10–12 reps
– Squeeze glutes hard at the top
– Tip: Tuck chin slightly, control both up and down

Walking Lunges with Dumbbells

3 sets of 20 steps (10 each leg)
– Tip: Step forward under control, push through front heel

Lying Leg Curl (Machine)

3 sets of 12–15 reps
– Tip: Don’t arch lower back; pause at peak contraction

Seated Calf Raise

3 sets of 15–20 reps
– Full stretch at the bottom, full squeeze at the top
– Tip: Avoid bouncing, slow and controlled reps

Day 6 – Active Recovery

– Perform 20–30 minutes of mobility work (hips, ankles, shoulders)
– Use foam rolling or massage ball on tight areas
– Optional: Light cardio like cycling, swimming, or a second walk
– Eat nutrient-dense meals with high protein and fiber
– Practice deep breathing or short meditation sessions

Day 7 – Passive Recovery

– No training or cardio
– Focus on nutrient timing, hydration, and restful routines
– Take magnesium and omega-3 before bed to support recovery
– Do a light stretch session or yoga flow in the evening
– Go to bed earlier to allow supercompensation and muscle repair

Plan – Week 02

Day 1 – Upper Body Strength

Focus: Compound lifts, heavy loading, long rest (2–3 minutes). Aim to increase the weights slightly from last week to support progressive overload.

Barbell Bench Press

5 sets x 4–5 reps
– Add 2.5–5 kg if possible from Week 1
– Keep shoulder blades retracted, feet flat
– Avoid flaring elbows too far out
– Substitute: Machine Chest Press

Lat Pulldown (Wide Grip)

4 sets x 6–8 reps
– Control the negative (lowering phase)
– Do not use momentum; keep chest up
– Substitute: Assisted Pull-Ups

Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press

3 sets x 6–8 reps
– Full range of motion, neutral grip for shoulder safety
– Core braced, no back arch
– Substitute: Machine Shoulder Press

Seated Cable Row

3 sets x 8 reps
– Hold the contraction for 1 second
– Avoid rounding your back
– Substitute: T-Bar Row

Cable Triceps Pushdown (Straight Bar)

3 sets x 10 reps
– Elbows tucked and stationary
– Focus on locking out the triceps fully
– Substitute: Rope Pushdown

Alternating Dumbbell Bicep Curl

3 sets x 10 reps (each arm)
– Control the lowering phase
– No body swinging or shoulder movement
– Substitute: Machine Preacher Curl

Day 2 – Lower Body Strength

Focus: Maximal strength for quads, hamstrings, glutes. Prioritize control and form. Rest 2–3 minutes between sets.

Barbell Back Squat

5 sets x 4–5 reps
– Push through heels, engage core
– Hips and knees move in sync
– Substitute: Hack Squat Machine

Romanian Deadlift

4 sets x 6 reps
– Slight knee bend, feel the stretch in hamstrings
– Flat back, drive hips back
– Substitute: Dumbbell RDL or Cable RDL

Leg Press Machine

4 sets x 8 reps
– Feet shoulder-width, don’t lock knees
– Focus on full range and depth
– Substitute: Single-Leg Leg Press

Seated Leg Curl Machine

3 sets x 10 reps
– Adjust pad to fit your shin comfortably
– Hold at the top for 1 second for full hamstring contraction

Standing Calf Raise Machine

3 sets x 15 reps
– Full stretch and squeeze at top
– No bouncing; control the tempo
– Substitute: Seated Calf Raise or Dumbbell Calf Raise

Day 3 – Recovery Day (Active)

Focus: Gentle movement and tissue restoration.

– 30–45 minutes brisk walking
– 10–15 minutes mobility (hips, ankles, shoulders)
– Foam rolling: glutes, hamstrings, upper back
– Collagen + Vitamin C in the evening
– Optimize sleep: aim for 7.5–9 hours, dark cool room

Day 4 – Upper Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Time-under-tension and metabolic stress. Moderate weights, shorter rest (60–90 seconds).

Machine Chest Press

4 sets x 10–12 reps
– Slow tempo: 2 seconds up, 3 seconds down
– Don’t lock out elbows
– Substitute: Incline Dumbbell Press

Pec Deck Fly Machine

3 sets x 12–15 reps
– Squeeze chest hard at contraction
– Control the negative
– Substitute: Cable Fly

Dumbbell Lateral Raise

3 sets x 15 reps
– Raise to shoulder height, slight elbow bend
– No momentum
– Substitute: Cable Lateral Raise

Rope Triceps Pushdown

3 sets x 12–15 reps
– Split the rope at the bottom of each rep
– Elbows locked in place
– Substitute: Overhead Rope Extension

Cable Bicep Curl (Straight Bar)

3 sets x 12–15 reps
– Squeeze at the top, slow on the way down
– Substitute: Incline Dumbbell Curl

Day 5 – Lower Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves. Higher volume, perfect technique.

Hack Squat Machine

4 sets x 10–12 reps
– Go deep, heels flat
– Maintain tension throughout the movement

Barbell or Machine Hip Thrust

4 sets x 12 reps
– Pause and squeeze at top for 2 seconds
– Chin tucked, spine neutral

Walking Dumbbell Lunge

3 sets x 20 steps (10 each leg)
– Soft knee landing
– Keep torso upright
– Substitute: Bulgarian Split Squat

Lying Leg Curl Machine

3 sets x 12–15 reps
– Emphasize the stretch and squeeze
– Use a slow eccentric phase

Seated Calf Raise Machine

3 sets x 15–20 reps
– Focus on slow controlled reps
– Pause at the top

Day 6 – Recovery Day (Active)

– 20–30 minutes mobility (hips, shoulders, spine)
– Light yoga or swimming
– Walk outdoors in natural light
– Prioritize protein-rich meals with vegetables
– Optional: Epsom salt bath for muscle relaxation

Day 7 – Recovery Day (Passive)

– Sleep in or take naps to promote recovery
– Gentle stretching (15 minutes)
– Magnesium + omega-3 supplements at night
– Low-stress activities: journaling, reading, time with loved ones
– Screen-free time 1 hour before bed

Plan – Week 03

Day 1 – Upper Body Strength

Focus: Increase intensity with heavier weights on main compound lifts. Rest 2–3 minutes between sets.

Barbell Bench Press

5 sets x 4–6 reps
– Aim to increase weight by 2.5–5 kg compared to last week
– Perform slow and controlled movements, especially during the eccentric (lowering) phase
– Substitute: Machine chest press if technique or equipment limits apply

Lat Pulldown (Wide Grip to Chest)

4 sets x 6–8 reps
– Focus on scapular retraction at the top of the movement
– Avoid body swinging, emphasize back muscle engagement
– Substitute: Assisted pull-ups or negative pull-ups with resistance band

Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press

4 sets x 6–8 reps
– Ensure elbows neither flare out too much nor stay too tight
– Focus on full activation of shoulder muscles, keep core tight
– Substitute: Machine shoulder press

Seated Cable Row (To Chest)

4 sets x 8 reps
– Hold peak contraction for 1–2 seconds
– Maintain a straight back and elevated chest throughout
– Substitute: T-bar row or dumbbell row

Cable Triceps Pushdown (Straight Bar)

4 sets x 10 reps
– Keep elbows locked at your sides, press to full extension
– Avoid wrist bending, maintain concentrated movement
– Substitute: Rope pushdown

Alternating Dumbbell Bicep Curl

4 sets x 10 reps (each arm)
– Use slow, controlled eccentric phase
– Avoid swinging, keep shoulders stable
– Substitute: Machine bicep curl

Day 2 – Lower Body Strength

Focus: Increase weights on major leg exercises, maintain stability and control. Rest 2–3 minutes between sets.

Barbell Back Squat

5 sets x 4–6 reps
– Keep torso tight and spine neutral
– Perform deep, controlled movement with heels planted firmly
– Substitute: Hack squat machine

Romanian Deadlift

4 sets x 6 reps
– Focus on maximal glute activation at the top position
– Slow, controlled lowering with slightly bent knees
– Substitute: Dumbbell or cable RDL

Leg Press Machine

4 sets x 8 reps
– Do not lock knees; push through the heels
– Focus on full range of motion with controlled reps
– Substitute: Single-leg leg press

Seated Leg Curl

4 sets x 10 reps
– Adjust machine comfortably, hold contraction 1–2 seconds
– Concentrate on hamstrings, avoid momentum

Standing Calf Raise Machine

4 sets x 15 reps
– Use full range of motion with slow, controlled reps
– Substitute: Seated calf raise or dumbbell calf raise

Day 3 – Rest Day

Recovery and Mobility:

– 40–50 minutes easy walking in nature or fresh air
– 15 minutes dynamic and static stretching (hip, ankle, spine)
– Foam rolling: glutes, hamstrings, upper back
– Evening collagen + vitamin C supplement for connective tissue support
– Focus on quality sleep: 7.5–9 hours in a dark, cool environment

Day 4 – Upper Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Higher volume with moderate weights, rest 60–90 seconds between sets. Aim to maximize muscle growth with controlled execution.

Chest Press Machine

4 sets x 10–12 reps
– Slow eccentric phase (3 seconds)
– Avoid full lockout of elbows
– Substitute: Dumbbell incline press

Pec Deck Machine Flyes

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Squeeze peak contraction for at least 1 second
– Controlled lowering phase
– Substitute: Cable flyes

Dumbbell Lateral Raise

4 sets x 15 reps
– Elbows slightly bent, raise to shoulder height
– Avoid swinging, focus on muscle activation
– Substitute: Cable lateral raise

Rope Triceps Pushdown

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Split rope ends at the bottom for max contraction
– Keep elbows stable throughout

Cable Bicep Curl (Straight Bar)

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Slow, controlled eccentric phase
– Substitute: Incline dumbbell curl

Day 5 – Lower Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Muscle growth with higher reps and precise technique.

Hack Squat Machine

4 sets x 10–12 reps
– Deep squat with heels grounded
– Knees should not pass toes excessively

Hip Thrust (Barbell or Machine)

4 sets x 12 reps
– Hold contraction at top for 2 seconds
– Maximize glute activation

Walking Dumbbell Lunge

4 sets x 20 steps (10 per leg)
– Keep knee stable, avoid inward collapse
– Substitute: Bulgarian split squat

Lying Leg Curl Machine

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Slow tempo, full range of motion
– Focus on hamstring contraction

Seated Calf Raise Machine

4 sets x 15–20 reps
– Slow, controlled reps
– Hold top position 1–2 seconds

Day 6 – Active Recovery

– 25–30 minutes mobility exercises (hip, ankle, shoulders)
– Foam rolling and light stretching
– Light walk or swim if possible
– Eat a high-protein, fiber-rich diet
– At least 20 minutes of sunlight and fresh air

Day 7 – Passive Recovery

– Rest day focusing on quality sleep (7.5–9 hours)
– 15 minutes light stretching in the evening
– Magnesium and omega-3 supplementation
– Stress management techniques (meditation, breathing exercises)
– Screen-free time 1 hour before bed

Plan – Week 04

Day 1 – Upper Body Strength

Focus: Slightly increase weights, refine technique, slow eccentric phases. Rest 2–3 minutes between sets.

Barbell Bench Press

5 sets x 5 reps
– Increase weight by 2.5–5 kg compared to last week
– Focus on stable core and slow lowering phase (3–4 seconds)
– Substitute: Machine chest press if needed

Lat Pulldown (Wide Grip to Chest)

4 sets x 6–8 reps
– Wide grip, maximum scapular retraction
– Avoid swinging, focus on back muscle activation
– Substitute: Assisted pull-ups with resistance band

Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press

4 sets x 6–8 reps
– Maintain upright torso, controlled movement
– Prioritize this exercise if shoulders are your weakest area
– Substitute: Machine shoulder press

Seated Cable Row (To Chest)

4 sets x 8 reps
– Hold peak contraction for 1–2 seconds
– Keep back straight and chest up
– Substitute: T-bar row or dumbbell row

Cable Triceps Pushdown (Straight Bar)

4 sets x 10 reps
– Keep elbows stable, fully extend arms
– Focus on controlled movement without wrist bending

Alternating Dumbbell Bicep Curl

4 sets x 10 reps (each arm)
– Slow eccentric phase
– Avoid swinging, keep shoulders stable

Day 2 – Lower Body Strength

Focus: Increase weights, maintain stable technique and core engagement. Rest 2–3 minutes between sets.

Barbell Back Squat

5 sets x 5 reps
– Deep squat with controlled movement
– Feet slightly turned out, heels planted firmly
– Substitute: Hack squat machine

Romanian Deadlift

4 sets x 6 reps
– Slow, focused movement with maximal glute activation
– Knees slightly bent

Leg Press Machine

4 sets x 8 reps
– Full range of motion with controlled tempo
– Do not lock knees at extension

Seated Leg Curl

4 sets x 10 reps
– Hold contraction for 1–2 seconds
– Avoid momentum

Standing Calf Raise Machine

4 sets x 15 reps
– Full range of motion with slow execution

Day 3 – Rest Day

Recovery and Mobility:

– 45 minutes walking outdoors, preferably in nature
– 15 minutes stretching focusing on hips, spine, and ankles
– Foam rolling for glutes, hamstrings, and upper back
– Collagen and vitamin C supplementation for connective tissue support
– Aim for 7.5–9 hours of quality sleep

Day 4 – Upper Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Higher reps with moderate weights, rest 60–90 seconds between sets. Emphasize muscle growth with controlled form.

Chest Press Machine

4 sets x 10–12 reps
– Slow eccentric phase (3 seconds)
– Avoid full elbow lockout

Pec Deck Machine Flyes

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Squeeze peak contraction for 1 second
– Controlled lowering phase

Dumbbell Lateral Raise

4 sets x 15 reps
– Controlled, slow movement
– Avoid swinging

Rope Triceps Pushdown

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Separate rope ends at the bottom for maximum contraction
– Keep elbows stable

Cable Bicep Curl (Straight Bar)

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Slow, controlled eccentric phase

Day 5 – Lower Body Hypertrophy

Focus: Higher reps with precise execution for muscle growth.

Hack Squat Machine

4 sets x 10–12 reps
– Deep squat with heels grounded
– Knees should not excessively pass toes

Hip Thrust (Barbell or Machine)

4 sets x 12 reps
– Hold contraction at top for 2 seconds

Walking Dumbbell Lunge

4 sets x 20 steps (10 per leg)
– Keep knee stable, avoid inward collapse

Lying Leg Curl Machine

4 sets x 12–15 reps
– Full range of motion with slow tempo

Seated Calf Raise Machine

4 sets x 15–20 reps
– Controlled reps with 1–2 seconds hold at top

Day 6 – Active Recovery

– 25–30 minutes mobility exercises (hips, ankles, shoulders)
– Foam rolling and light stretching
– Light walk or swimming if possible
– Eat a protein- and fiber-rich diet
– At least 20 minutes of sunlight and fresh air

Day 7 – Passive Recovery

– Rest focusing on quality sleep (7.5–9 hours)
– 15 minutes light stretching in the evening
– Magnesium and omega-3 supplementation
– Stress management (meditation, breathing exercises)
– Screen-free time 1 hour before bedtime