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Beginner–IntermediateFree

HIPPL Bench/Squat Focus

D T.
D T.· Nov 2024
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
5 weeks
Days / week
6 days
Level
Intermediate, Beginner
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Lift big circles make sad voice go away. Okay, real instructions. This is a PPL program. It's set up as 6 days a week but don't worry about that. Just do the sessions in order. If you want to PPLRPPLR or sneak in additional rest days - go for it. I originally built this to help me increase my bench and squat (while chasing hypertrophy) so there are submaximal sets on each push and leg day, respectively. Bench/squat will follow a simple progression, 3 sets per session, increasing the weight per session, based on a percentage of your true one-rep max (a one-rep max that you could hit any given day, not your methed-out-on-preworkout-just-got-dumped-smelling-salts-poured-into-your-eyes one rep max). It will seem light at first, just do it, slow it down and perfect form, feel everything activating and focus on quality. The last week will have a pyramid up to a heavier single, then drop down to an AMRAP set to see progress on estimated 1RM. For the accessory movements, go heavy and *try* to do a dynamic double progression. That means whenever you hit the target reps (or exceed them) increase the weight for the next set/session. For the final isolation exercise I'm doing a standard double progression. When you can hit the top end of the rep-range on both sets, increase weight next time. Things to note: No calves programmed. Add them after leg day or push day if you want to do them. Like the rest of these exercise, go heavy. Like, you can't do more than 10 reps heavy. Triceps work is after pull day, biceps work is after leg day. This is just to keep triceps fresher than after a bunch of pushing, and biceps fresh after a bunch of pulling. Rest 2 minutes between each movement, 2-3 warm up sets with 1:30 rest. On the non-percentage based movements, push it. I'm usually aiming for 1-0.5 RIR if not total failure when it can be done safely. Take new (to you) exercises lightly at first. A lot of this program should be pretty heavy, and you don't want to hurt yourself adapting to a new movement.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 6 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Triceps
14.2%
Front Delts
11.4%
Hamstrings
10%
Glutes
8.6%
Lats
8.4%
Upper Back
8.4%
Biceps
8.4%
Chest
7.2%
Quadriceps
7.2%
Middle Delts
5.6%
Abs
2.9%
Adductors
2.2%
Forearms
2.1%
Rear Delts
1.4%
Abductors
1.4%
Lower Back
0.7%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Bench Press (Barbell)35 reps70%
2Incline Bench Press (Smith Machine)24–8 reps@8–9
3Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)25–8 reps@8–9
4Lateral Raise (Cable)26–10 reps@8–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Single Arm Row (Cable)26–10 reps@8–9
2Pull-Up (Bodyweight)28–12 reps@8–9
3Seated Wide-Grip Row (Cable)26–10 reps@8–9
4JM Press (Smith Machine)36–10 reps@8–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Squat (Barbell)35 reps70%
2Leg Press (45 Degrees)24–8 reps@8–9
3Leg Curl26–10 reps@8–9
4Preacher Curl (Dumbbell)36–10 reps@8–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Bench Press (Barbell)35 reps72.5%
2Incline Bench Press (Smith Machine)24–8 reps@8–9
3Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)25–8 reps@8–9
4Lateral Raise (Cable)26–10 reps@8–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Single Arm Row (Cable)26–10 reps
2Pull-Up (Weighted)24–8 reps@8–9
3Seated Wide-Grip Row (Cable)26–10 reps@8–9
4Katana Extension38–12 reps@8–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Squat (Barbell)35 reps72.5%
2Leg Press (45 Degrees)24–8 reps@8–9
3Stiff Leg Deadlift26–10 reps@8–9
4Hammer Curl (Cable)36–10 reps@8–9

Weeks 2–5 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, HIPPL Bench/Squat Focus is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 5 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.

HIPPL Bench/Squat Focus is structured around 6 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 5 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

HIPPL Bench/Squat Focus 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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