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3 steps forward 2 steps back
Intermediate–AdvancedFree

3 steps forward 2 steps back

Colin Kanavel
Colin Kanavel· Feb 2024
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
8 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Advanced, Intermediate
Goal
Strength
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
120 min
To get a new 3 rep max and get a horrible back pump from kettlebell deadlifts. When choosing your 1 rep max be conservative. And when finishing the program only add 5 to 20 lbs onto old maxes when running again. Don't recalculate your 1rm remember slow is fast.

Who it's for

Athletes at the Intermediate–Advanced level
Athletes focused on maximal strength
Athletes who can train 4 days per week
Athletes who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Front Delts
14.2%
Quadriceps
13.7%
Middle Delts
12.3%
Triceps
12.3%
Glutes
11.1%
Hamstrings
6.8%
Chest
6.2%
Abs
4.3%
Lats
3.6%
Upper Back
3.4%
Olympic
3.1%
Lower Back
3%
Forearms
2.2%
Adductors
1.8%
Biceps
1.1%
Other
0.6%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Low Bar)26 reps55%
36 reps65%
2Box Squat (Barbell)26 reps55%
36 reps65%
3Overhead Press (Barbell)26 reps55%
36 reps65%
4Seated Overhead Press (Barbell)26 reps55%
36 reps65%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Power Clean16 reps55%
26 reps65%
26 reps70%
2Deadlift (Barbell)16 reps55%
26 reps65%
26 reps70%
3Bench Press (Barbell)16 reps55%
26 reps65%
26 reps70%
4Reverse Grip Bench16 reps55%
26 reps65%
26 reps70%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1High Bar Squat (Barbell)16 reps55%
16 reps65%
36 reps70%
2Overhead Press (Barbell)16 reps55%
16 reps65%
36 reps70%
3Seated Overhead Press (Barbell)16 reps55%
16 reps65%
36 reps70%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Kettlebell Deadlift Tabata 20 Sec 10 Sec14 min@10
2Wide Grip Pull-Up310 reps
3Chin-Up (Bodyweight)310 reps
4Walk130 min@6
5Dead Hang50 reps

Weeks 2–8 are in the app

Download Boostcamp to follow the full program with auto-progression and built-in coaching notes.

Common questions

Yes, 3 steps forward 2 steps back is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 8 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a garage gym. Make sure you have consistent access before starting, since the progression model assumes you can perform the same movements week over week.

Each session typically takes around 120 minutes to complete. That estimate covers your working sets but doesn't account for warm-up or rest between sets, so budget a little extra time when you're first learning the movements.

3 steps forward 2 steps back is structured around 4 training days per week, with rest days built in to allow for recovery. The Boostcamp app lets you reschedule sessions if your week doesn't go to plan.

The program runs for 8 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

3 steps forward 2 steps back is available inside the Boostcamp app, free on iOS and Android. Once you download the app, you can search for the program by name. The app tracks all your sets and weights automatically, so you always know exactly what to do next session.

Get started

Boostcamp app
1,000+ free programsStrength, hypertrophy, powerlifting and more, from elite coaches. All free.
Auto-progressionWeights and targets update automatically based on how you perform.
Coaching notesBuilt-in cues from the creator inside every workout session.
Progress trackingLog every set and see your strength gains over weeks and months.
Advanced analyticsTrack volume, intensity, and 1RM trends to see exactly how your training is evolving.
Free on iOS & Android