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Lyle McDonald Routine (Strength/Hypertrophy Vers)
IntermediateFree

Lyle McDonald Routine (Strength/Hypertrophy Vers)

Nathan C.
Nathan C.· Apr 2025
6athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength, Women's
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
IMPORTANT: THIS IS NOT THE ORIGINAL LYLE MCDONALD'S SCHEDULE. THIS IS THE SCHEDULE THAT DESIGNED BY A USER WITH BASING LYLE MCDONALD'S SCHEDULE. BUT ALSO THIS SCHEDULE IS VERY SIMILAR TO LYLE MCDONALD'S SCHEDULE AND THE DESCRIPTION WHICH IN THE BELOW IS WROTE BY LYLE MCDONALD AND LIFT VAULT. IF YOU WANT TO LOOK ORIGINAL PROGRAM YOU CAN VISIT THE LIFT VAULT WEBSITE. THANK YOU! Lyle McDonald’s generic bulking routine allows for a lot of flexibility within the program. If you are not comfortable with making some decisions within your training, then this program may not be for you. Alternatively, this may be a good opportunity to learn how to experiment, learn, and adapt with respect to your training. Set and Rep Ranges Most exercises have sets and reps prescribed in ranges. For example, you will perform 3 to 4 sets of squats, each with 6 to 8 reps for the squat on lower body training days. There are three different recommended set and rep ranges used in this routine: 3-4 sets of 6-8 reps (3 minute rest between sets) 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps (2 minutes rest between sets) 1-2 sets of 12-15 reps (90 seconds rest between sets) Lyle McDonald says: "3-4 sets means 3 to 4 sets. So after your third set, you need to make a judgement call. If I were there coaching you, I”d make it for you. Judging by how fatigued you looked on the third set, what your reps looked like, how fried you looked. If you still looked strong, I’d have you do a 4th set. If you looked fried, you’d stop at 3."

Who it's for

Intermediate athletes ready for a structured program
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
Hamstrings
15.1%
Glutes
10.9%
Quadriceps
9.5%
Calves
9.5%
Lats
8.3%
Upper Back
8%
Triceps
7.3%
Biceps
6.1%
Chest
5.9%
Front Delts
5.2%
Abs
3.5%
Lower Back
3.5%
Middle Delts
3.5%
Adductors
2.4%
Abductors
0.7%
Forearms
0.5%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)55 reps80%
2Stiff Leg Deadlift55 reps80%
3Leg Press38–10 reps80%
4Leg Curl38–10 reps80%
5Standing Calf Raise56–8 reps80%
6Seated Calf Raise38–10 reps80%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)55 reps80%
2Stiff Leg Deadlift55 reps80%
3Leg Press38–10 reps80%
4Leg Curl38–10 reps80%
5Standing Calf Raise56–8 reps80%
6Seated Calf Raise38–10 reps80%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)55 reps80%
2Bent Over Row (Barbell)55 reps80%
3Shoulder Press (Machine)38–10 reps80%
4Lat Pulldown38–10 reps80%
5Tricep Extension (Cable)212–15 reps80%
6Preacher Curl (Barbell)212–15 reps80%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)55 reps80%
2Bent Over Row (Barbell)55 reps80%
3Shoulder Press (Machine)38–10 reps80%
4Lat Pulldown38–10 reps80%
5Tricep Extension (Cable)212–15 reps80%
6Preacher Curl (Barbell)212–15 reps80%

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, Lyle McDonald Routine (Strength/Hypertrophy Vers) 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.

Lyle McDonald Routine (Strength/Hypertrophy Vers) 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.

Lyle McDonald Routine (Strength/Hypertrophy Vers) 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.
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Advanced analyticsTrack volume, intensity, and 1RM trends to see exactly how your training is evolving.
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