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Progressive overload
IntermediateFree

Progressive overload

Progressive overload training for beginner to intermediate lifters using compound movements.

Brett E.
Brett E.· May 2025
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Women's, Muscle
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
40 min
This program is designed to help beginner to intermediate weight lifters build muscle and strength using evidence based training principles.

Who it's for

Intermediate athletes ready for a structured program
Athletes focused on building muscle size
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
Triceps
12.8%
Upper Back
10.1%
Front Delts
10%
Biceps
8.8%
Glutes
8.5%
Chest
7.9%
Lats
7.9%
Hamstrings
7.6%
Quadriceps
6.7%
Abs
6.1%
Forearms
3.3%
Middle Delts
2.7%
Rear Delts
2.6%
Lower Back
2.1%
Calves
1.8%
Adductors
0.9%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)312 reps65%
2Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)312 reps@8
3Split Squat (Dumbbell)38 reps@8.5
Superset
4AStability Ball Hamstring Curl315 reps@7
4BCalf Raise (Bodyweight)315 reps@7
4CHanging Knee Raise312 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Dumbbell)312 reps@8
2Bench Press (Barbell)312 reps65%
3Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)312 reps@8
Superset
4APec Fly (Dumbbell)312 reps@7
4BSkull Crusher (Dumbbell)312 reps@8
5Tricep Kickback312 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Lat Pulldown312 reps@8
2Bent Over Row (Barbell)312 reps@8
3Single Arm Row (Dumbbell)310 reps@8
Superset
4AShoulder YTWL312 reps@7
4BBicep Curl (Dumbbell)312 reps@7
Superset
5AHammer Curl (Dumbbell)312 reps@7
5BWood Chop312 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
Superset
1ABelt Squat312 reps@8
1BSeated Row (Machine)312 reps@8
2Hip Thrust (Barbell)312 reps@8
3Pull-Up (Band)38 reps@8
4Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)312 reps@8
Superset
5ABand Face Pull320 reps@8
5BTricep Pushdown (Cable)312 reps@7
5CBicep Curl (EZ Bar)312 reps@8

Weeks 2–12 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, Progressive overload is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 12 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 40 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.

Progressive overload 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 12 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Progressive overload 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