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Minimalist PPL (Dumbbell Only)
Beginner–IntermediateFree

Minimalist PPL (Dumbbell Only)

All Pain. No Gain.

Christian David Sanchez
Christian David Sanchez· Jul 2025
19athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
1 week
Days / week
3 days
Level
Intermediate, Beginner
Goal
Women's
Equipment
Dumbbell Only
Session length
60 min
This 6-day Push-Pull-Legs (PPL) program is built for lifters who want to maximize aesthetics using nothing but dumbbells. Each 60-minute session is crafted to hit major muscle groups with heavy, compound-focused movements like dumbbell bench presses, rows, and Romanian deadlifts. With a smart 3-day recovery cycle per muscle group, you'll train hard, recover right, and sculpt a balanced, defined physique—no barbell or gym required.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on women's
Athletes who can train 3 days per week
Athletes with access to a set of dumbbells

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Abs
13.2%
Chest
10%
Upper Back
10%
Front Delts
8.7%
Glutes
7.5%
Hamstrings
7.3%
Quadriceps
7.1%
Lats
7.1%
Triceps
6.8%
Middle Delts
6.8%
Lower Back
4.6%
Rear Delts
4.1%
Calves
3.4%
Biceps
1.8%
Adductors
1.4%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
312 reps@8.5
2Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
212 reps@8.5
3Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
212 reps@8.5
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
212 reps@8.5
5Lying Leg Raise320 reps@6.5
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
312 reps@8.5
2Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
212 reps@8.5
3Sumo Deadlift (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
212 reps@8.5
4Standing Calf Raise320 reps@6.5
5Lying Leg Raise320 reps@6.5
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
312 reps@8.5
2Pullover (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
212 reps@8.5
3Rear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)112 reps@6.5
212 reps@8.5
4Shrug (Dumbbell)320 reps@6.5
5Russian Twist (Dumbbell)320 reps@6.5

Common questions

Yes, Minimalist PPL (Dumbbell Only) is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 1 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a dumbbell only. 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 60 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.

Minimalist PPL (Dumbbell Only) is structured around 3 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 1 week. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Minimalist PPL (Dumbbell Only) 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
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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.
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