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Optimized PHUL (Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower)
Beginner–IntermediateFree

Optimized PHUL (Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower)

Brandon Campbell's PHUL with modifications made in excersise selection, volume, and programming.

Liam M.
Liam M.· Nov 2024
108athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
The goal of these revisions is to make the PHUL program more beginner-friendly by slightly altering exercise selection and rearranging the lower body days to better support recovery and sustainability. With proper attention to diet and recovery, athletes of all levels should see noticeable gains in strength and hypertrophy. Deadlifts moved to the Lower Hypertrophy Day to optimize recovery. Exercise order has been adjusted to accommodate this change, and calf volume has been slightly reduced. Front squats have been replaced with Hack Squats for a better quad stimulus with less overall fatigue and a more manageable movement pattern. Ab work has been added to each lower body day, which is optional but recommended for balanced core development. For progression, aim to add either weight or reps each week. A simple method: once you hit the upper end of the rep range for a given exercise in all sets, increase the weight the next session. For Squat and Deadlift, add 10 lbs each time until you plateau, then reduce to 5 lbs increments. For Bench Press and OHP, aim to add 5 lbs each session. For accessory lifts, increase in the smallest possible increment.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on gaining both size and 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
Quadriceps
12.4%
Hamstrings
9.8%
Triceps
9.4%
Chest
8.5%
Biceps
7.7%
Upper Back
7.7%
Abs
7.4%
Lats
7.2%
Glutes
7.2%
Front Delts
7.2%
Calves
5.7%
Middle Delts
4.3%
Adductors
1.7%
Lower Back
1.7%
Forearms
1.3%
Rear Delts
0.4%
Abductors
0.4%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)33–5 reps@8.5
2Incline Chest Press (Machine)36–10 reps@9
3Bent Over Row (Barbell)33–5 reps@9
4Lat Pulldown36–10 reps@9
5Overhead Press (Barbell)35–8 reps@9
6Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)36–10 reps@9
7Skull Crusher (Barbell)36–10 reps@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Incline Bench Press (Barbell)38–12 reps@9
2Chest Fly (Machine)38–12 reps@9
3Seated Row (Cable)38–12 reps@9
4Single Arm Row (Dumbbell)38–12 reps@9
5Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)38–12 reps@9
6Incline Curl (Dumbbell)38–12 reps@9
7Tricep Extension (Cable)38–12 reps@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)33–5 reps@8.5
2Leg Press310–15 reps@9
3Seated Hamstring Curl36–10 reps@9
4Leg Extension310–15 reps@9
5Seated Calf Raise46–10 reps@9
6Abs Crunch (Machine)410–15 reps@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)33–5 reps@8.5
2Hack Squat38–12 reps@9
3Reverse Lunge (Barbell)38–12 reps@9
4Seated Hamstring Curl38–12 reps@9
5Standing Calf Raise48–12 reps@9
6Abs Crunch (Machine)48–12 reps@9

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, Optimized PHUL (Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower) 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 90 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.

Optimized PHUL (Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower) 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.

Optimized PHUL (Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower) 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

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Advanced analyticsTrack volume, intensity, and 1RM trends to see exactly how your training is evolving.
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