Madcow 5x5 Modified
Madcow 5x5 modified to use A/B days, taking the light-medium-heavy approach from original Madcow for squats and normal StrongLifts 5x5 for the rest.
Overview
Who it's for
Muscle engagement
| # | Exercise | Sets | Reps | Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Squat (Barbell) | 1 | 5 reps | @6 |
| 1 | 5 reps | @6.5 | ||
| 1 | 5 reps | @7 | ||
| 1 | 5 reps | @7.5 | ||
| 1 | 5 reps | @8 | ||
| 2 | Bench Press (Barbell) | 5 | 5 reps | @8.5 |
| 3 | Barbell Row | 5 | 5 reps | @8.5 |
| 4 | Dip (Bodyweight) | 5 | 8 reps | @8.5 |
| 5 | Hanging Leg Raise | 5 | 12 reps | — |
| # | Exercise | Sets | Reps | Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Squat (Barbell) | 1 | 5 reps | @6 |
| 1 | 5 reps | @6.5 | ||
| 2 | 5 reps | @7 | ||
| 2 | Overhead Press (Barbell) | 5 | 5 reps | @8.5 |
| 3 | Deadlift (Barbell) | 1 | 5 reps | @6 |
| 1 | 5 reps | @7 | ||
| 1 | 5 reps | @8 | ||
| 1 | 5 reps | @8.5 | ||
| 4 | Pull-Up (Assisted) | 5 | 5 reps | @8.5 |
| 5 | Hanging Leg Raise | 5 | 12 reps | @8.5 |
| # | Exercise | Sets | Reps | Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Squat (Barbell) | 1 | 5 reps | @6 |
| 1 | 5 reps | @6.5 | ||
| 1 | 5 reps | @7 | ||
| 1 | 5 reps | @7.5 | ||
| 1 | 3 reps | @8.5 | ||
| 1 | 8 reps | @7 | ||
| 2 | Bench Press (Barbell) | 5 | 5 reps | @8.5 |
| 3 | Barbell Row | 5 | 5 reps | @8.5 |
| 4 | Dip (Bodyweight) | 5 | 8 reps | @8.5 |
| 5 | Hanging Leg Raise | 5 | 12 reps | @8.5 |
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, Madcow 5x5 Modified 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 70 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.
Madcow 5x5 Modified 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 12 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.
Madcow 5x5 Modified 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
