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PL1
Beginner–IntermediateFree

PL1

Compound lift based strength training program.

Chris F.
Chris F.· Sep 2024
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
60 min
Four-day powerlifting program with the aim of improving strength across 5 compound lifts: Squat Bench Press Deadlift Overhead Press T-Bar / Barbell Row Each week consists of 2 Heavy Lift days and 2 Variation Lift days: Day 1 - Heavy Squat, Heavy Bench Day 2 - Heavy OHP, Heavy Deadlift, Heavy T-Bar Day 3 - Variation Squat, Variation Bench Day 4 - Variation OHP, Variation Deadlift, Variation Row Each lift is further enhanced by additional lower intensity exercises for the relevant muscle groups on non-Heavy and non-Variation days. For example on days when you do not have Heavy Squat or Variation Squat, you will have Hack Squat or Single Leg Press instead, in the 12 rep range. This stimulates hypertrophic muscle growth and allows the development of technique, core strength and stability within similar ranges of movement, with a lower risk of injury. While the Variation exercises have been prescribed, you have the option to change these and select whichever variation you want - I simply had to choose something in order to complete the program. Train with weights every other day, with a rest day or a 30-60 mins cardio session on alternate days, e.g. Mon - Day 1 Tues - Rest Weds - Day 2 Thurs - 30 mins cardio Fri - Day 3 Sat - 40 mins cardio Sun - Day 4 Mon - Rest Note: if used in this way the program follows an 8-day rather than a weekly pattern. If a weekly pattern is important, this can be achieved most effectively by dropping the rest/cardio day between Day 3 and Day 4. Warm-up sets should be used prior to all Heavy and Variation exercises. Accessory exercises can be swapped as necessary, e.g. bicep cable curl can be swapped with bicep dumbbell curl. I've tried to keep exercise selection low to maintain simplicity and consistency, but there might be practical reasons for using alternatives....or just to avoid boredom.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on maximal strength
Athletes who can train 4 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Front Delts
12.1%
Triceps
11%
Upper Back
11%
Chest
10.3%
Quadriceps
8.5%
Lats
8.4%
Middle Delts
8%
Glutes
6.6%
Biceps
6.5%
Hamstrings
6.4%
Abs
4.1%
Rear Delts
3.5%
Lower Back
1.7%
Adductors
1.5%
Forearms
0.3%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Squat (Barbell)35 reps
2Bench Press (Barbell)35 reps
3Pull-Up (Bodyweight)3AMRAP
4Shoulder Press (Machine)312 reps
5Rear Delt Fly (Machine)312 reps
6Lateral Raise (Cable)312 reps
7Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)312 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Overhead Press (Barbell)35 reps
2Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps
3T-Bar Row55 reps
4Bench Press (Dumbbell)312 reps
5Dip (Bodyweight)3AMRAP
6Hack Squat312 reps
7V-Bar Pulldown312 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Squat (Low Bar)48 reps
2Bench Press (Smith Machine)48 reps
3Lat Pulldown48 reps
4Standing Pullover (Cable)312 reps
5Front Raise312 reps
6Overhead Press (Dumbbell)312 reps
7Bicep Curl (Cable)312 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Military Press (Barbell)48 reps
2Deadlift (Deficit)48 reps
3Bent Over Row (Barbell)48 reps
4Chest Press (Machine)312 reps
5Chest Fly (Cable)312 reps
6Single Leg Press312 reps
7Decline Crunch (Weighted)312 reps

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, PL1 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 full 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 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.

PL1 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.

PL1 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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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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