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Before the Barbell
Beginner–IntermediateFree

Before the Barbell

Z
Z· May 2024
144athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
8 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Bodyweight Fitness, Olympic Weightlifting
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
40 min
Before the Barbell is an eight-week training intensive designed to get you lifting with confidence and owning the bar. This is for anyone who is totally new to strength training, getting back to strength training after an extended time off, or has been lifting for a little while but isn’t confident in form/technique. This program requires a variety of kettlebells or dumbbells, a barbell with a variety of plates, a cable machine or variety of bands, and access to a squat rack and bench. This program was copied from @beforethebarbell on instagram, a free program created by @megsquats. Visit the BtB IG page to see video overviews for each week as well as video demos, notes and tips.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on bodyweight fitness and olympic weightlifting
Athletes who can train 3 days per week
Athletes who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Glutes
14.8%
Quadriceps
13.6%
Abs
12.6%
Hamstrings
12.3%
Triceps
8%
Chest
7.1%
Lower Back
5.9%
Front Delts
5.3%
Lats
5.1%
Upper Back
4.6%
Biceps
3.7%
Middle Delts
3%
Adductors
2.9%
Forearms
1%
Rear Delts
0.1%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Squat (Bodyweight)310 reps
2Glute Bridge (Bodyweight)310 reps
3Goblet Squat36 reps
4Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)36 reps
5Push Up34–6 reps
6Plank230 sec
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)28 reps
2Deadlift (Dumbbell)38 reps
3Hip Thrust (Bodyweight)38 reps
4Seated Row (Cable)310 reps
5Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)410 reps
6Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)312 reps
7Dead Bug26 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Push Up1AMRAP
2Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)310 reps
3Goblet Squat48 reps
4Lat Pulldown38 reps
5Alternating Dumbbell Curl48 reps
6Plank230 sec
7Side Plank210 sec

Weeks 2–8 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, Before the Barbell is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 8 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 40 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.

Before the Barbell 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 8 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Before the Barbell 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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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.
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