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The Ideal Workout - 4-Day Split
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The Ideal Workout - 4-Day Split

Mike Mentzer's Heavy Duty 4-day split high-intensity strength training programme

Dave P.
Dave P.· Sep 2025
1athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Goal
Muscle
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
30 min
How to Choose Weight: Use a weight on the lower end of the rep range and complete the set. Once you hit the upper end of the rep range, increase the weight by about 10 pounds and repeat How to Complete Reps: Use the 4-2-4 method when lifting these weights to get maximum results. This means: 4 second lift, 2 second pause, 4 second lowering Notes from Mike: Complete one workout every 96 hours. Warmup on the compound lift and only warmup as is necessary. You should have but one working set. This program is specifically designed to target the larger muscles in a minimalist fashion. Do not gauge the success of this program off of “feeing” such as being sore or achieving a pump. Instead gauge the success upon wether or not you are stronger the next time you perform that workout.

Who it's for

Athletes of all experience levels
Athletes focused on building muscle size
Athletes who can train 4 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Abs
15.5%
Quadriceps
14.1%
Chest
8.5%
Front Delts
8.5%
Triceps
8.5%
Glutes
8.5%
Hamstrings
8.5%
Lats
5.6%
Upper Back
5.6%
Calves
5.6%
Biceps
2.8%
Adductors
2.8%
Middle Delts
2.8%
Lower Back
1.4%
Rear Delts
1.4%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsReps
Superset
1AChest Fly (Dumbbell)16–10 reps
1BIncline Bench Press (Barbell)11–3 reps
Superset
2ABent-Arm Pullover16–10 reps
2BChin-Up (Bodyweight)16–10 reps
3Deadlift (Smith Machine)16–10 reps
4Sit Up112–20 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
Superset
1ALeg Extension112–20 reps
1BSquat (Smith Machine)112–20 reps
2Standing Calf Raise112–20 reps
3Sit Up112–20 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)16–10 reps
2Bent-Over Lateral Raise16–10 reps
3Chin-Up (Bodyweight)16–10 reps
Superset
4ATricep Extension (Dumbbell)16–10 reps
4BDip (Bodyweight)13–5 reps
5Sit Up112–20 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
Superset
1ALeg Extension112–20 reps
1BSquat (Smith Machine)112–20 reps
2Standing Calf Raise112–20 reps
3Sit Up112–20 reps

Weeks 2–4 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, The Ideal Workout - 4-Day Split is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 4 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 30 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.

The Ideal Workout - 4-Day Split 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 4 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

The Ideal Workout - 4-Day Split 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