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EXPRESS GAINS: A minimalist hypertrophy program
IntermediateFree

EXPRESS GAINS: A minimalist hypertrophy program

AkshayAzariah
AkshayAzariah· Jan 2024
3athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
8 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Bodyweight Fitness, Women's
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
40 min
Express Gains is a minimalist hypertrophy routine put together for the busy individuals in life — from the college students to casual-lifting beach body enthusiasts, and everybody in between. The program is founded on heavy, multi-joint movements that give you the most bang for your buck whilst requiring minimal setup times. A dynamic double-progression scheme is employed to ensure progress at all levels: whether you're a mere novice or an intermediate, you will make gains. How to run: - When you hit the listed number of reps for any *one* set, make the smallest increment in weight for that 1 set. Keep the weight the same for the other set until you once again hit the listed number of reps. - Take enough rest between successive workouts. This means sleeping and eating enough (preferably in a slight caloric surplus), as well as taking a day off after a workout. - Stick to the RPE listed. 8 means you could've completed two more reps; typically, the concentric/lifting portion will have slowed down to about half the original. RPE 10 indicates a maximal effort.

Who it's for

Intermediate athletes ready for a structured program
Athletes focused on building muscle size
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
Triceps
13.1%
Lats
11.4%
Biceps
10.6%
Chest
9%
Front Delts
9%
Hamstrings
8.6%
Middle Delts
8.2%
Upper Back
7.3%
Glutes
5.7%
Quadriceps
4.9%
Calves
4.1%
Lower Back
3.3%
Forearms
1.6%
Abs
1.6%
Adductors
0.8%
Rear Delts
0.8%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)16 reps@9
18 reps@8
2Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)18 reps@9
110 reps@8
3Dip (Bodyweight)210 reps@10
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)112 reps@9
110 reps@10
5Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)110 reps@9
18 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Chest Supported Row (Dumbbell)16 reps@9
110 reps@8
2Pullover (Dumbbell)18 reps@9
112 reps@8
3Wide Grip Lat Pulldown18 reps@9
110 reps@8
4Seated Dumbbell Curl18 reps@9
16 reps@10
5Hammer Curl18 reps@9
16 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)16 reps@9
18 reps@8
2Lunge (Dumbbell)18 reps@9
110 reps@8
3Seated Hamstring Curl110 reps@10
4Seated Calf Raise112 reps@9
112 reps@10

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, EXPRESS GAINS: A minimalist hypertrophy program 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.

EXPRESS GAINS: A minimalist hypertrophy program 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.

EXPRESS GAINS: A minimalist hypertrophy program 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
11,000+ 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.
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