The ultimate UL/PPL split

When it comes to finding a workout routine to follow, two of the most popular options are the upper lower split, and the push pull legs routine. Many people will combine them to have a five day workout routine that hits all of the necessary body parts. Now, Bald Omni-Man has perfected the upper lower/push pull legs (UL/PPL) split for his new program “Dragon Fist”, so you can look like a superhero. But what sets Dragon Fist aside from other UL/PPL splits that can be found? 

We are going to check it out, seeing why exactly it is the ultimate upper lower/push pull legs split.

Dragon Fist Workout program

Image courtesy of Goku.ig

Bald Omni-Man gives you the opportunity to relive your childhood dreams of looking like a Superhero with Dragon Fist. This is a program that combines strength, hypertrophy, stamina, and high exercise selection into an effective program that also doesn’t demand very much time when compared to other workout splits. Dragon Fist is best for those who want to maximize their time in the gym, those that want to get the most results that are humanly possible within a 45-60 minute training session, while also still getting a great overall training effect. 

Dragon Fist is inspired by the greatest of all time, Goku (a popular anime character from Dragon Ball). Bald Omni-Man states that Dragon Fist is his way of honoring the late Akira Toriyama (the creator of Dragon Ball), and the inspirational body of work he left behind, which has certainly inspired many.

As a child, we all can speak to seeing a larger-than-life physique that inspired us to hit the gym HARD. Whether it was seeing bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger hitting the big screen, or martial artists like Bruce Lee who had an incredible physique, or maybe it was in animation, we all have that core memory. For Bald Omni-Man, the feeling of motivation and overcoming your limits was instilled in him by Goku, and he designed this program so we can feel that way as well.

Dragon Fist combines barbell work, calisthenics, and engaging exercise selection into a system that will force you to put on slabs of muscle and strength that will translate into any other program.

General Guidelines 

Pick variations that make sense for your space. Don’t pick motions that would require you to walk clear across the gym constantly, and don’t forget to pick things you know you generally enjoy.

Deload (take an easy week or few days) every 6-8 weeks OR as needed if you would like to train harder for longer, listen to your body. Avoid taking breaks after any less than 4 weeks of hard training. This looks like doing half the volume or reducing the weight by 20-25% and doing some easy workout for a few days.

Double Progressions 

This program gives you a range of sets and reps. Because this program wants you to use much higher proximity to failure on average, Bald Omni-Man wants MOST of you (even the advanced lifters) to pick the lower amount of sets given. Add more sets as NEEDED (not as wanted) to create forward progression in your training. Part of the goal of this program is to get the maximum stimulus for the shortest amount of time in the gym. In general, I don’t want you in there longer than an hour.

This program uses a system called Double Progression. In a basic Double Progression, you’re given a set and rep range.  For example: 3 sets of 8-12. Each week, you add reps until you’re at 3x12, then you add weight and do it all over again. 

This type of progression undulates between volume and intensity, allowing you to typically train harder without a deload. It is also very easy to follow.

There are two ways to start off a double progression. You can do 3 sets of 8 (leaving a couple reps in the tank on your first set) and then each week, add reps until you get to 3x12. You can add reps to each set, or reps to one set at a time. OR If you’re newer, you can do 12 reps on your first set (leaving a couple reps in the tank) and then fill out your reps on subsequent sets each week. (This second approach is typically the approach I take for new exercises that I’m not sure of my performance on) It is also recommend this for people who tend to UNDERSHOOT (go too easy)

Dynamic Double Progressions

This program will use these on any exercise that has a top set and a back off set(s). Dynamic Double Progressions are the same as normal ones, the only difference is that you’ll be adding weight to each set individually instead of waiting until you fill up a full set and rep range. 

For example, if you’re told to add weight once you can add 3+ reps to a set, and you add 4 reps to set one, but only 2 reps to set two, you would add weight to set one, while keeping set 2’s weight the same until you can add more reps.

Linear Periodization

This will be used on big exercises. It’s baked into the program automatically so feel free to skip this part of the breakdown, but for those that are curious as to what it is/why it’s being used, it is included into the program to drive strength progression on the heaviest compound lifts. This is a personal preference of mine as a coach, since it allows us to progress in terms of absolute load in a predictable fashion. This is usually done with percentages and ends in a max, but this has been adapted in Dragon Fist to meet the needs of bodybuilding, while also being easy to understand for those who aren’t familiar with it.

More Workout Programs

Now, if Dragon Fist is not something that you want to do, then perhaps finding another workout program that suits your needs is ideal. Whether you are looking for something in bodybuilding or a strength program for powerlifting, the Boostcamp App is the place to go. There are over 50 free workout programs written by renowned coaches, as well as the option to write your own programs.

Regardless, you can track your progress with Boostcamp, which is huge, it is like having your own personal trainer.

Dragon Fist Wrap Up

Overall, Dragon Fist is a great five day workout program to maximize your time in the gym without keeping you there too long. That being said, check it out!

And remember, Boostcamp has plenty of free programs that help with both strength and hypertrophy, be sure to check them out and follow Boostcamp on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube!