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The Cut Protocol
Beginner–IntermediateFree

The Cut Protocol

Get leaner. Build the physique. Keep the strength.

· Aug 2026
246athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
70 min
The Cut Protocol is a 12-week, 4-day training program designed to improve your physique while losing body fat without sacrificing muscle or strength. Each session combines focused strength and hypertrophy training with strategically placed cardio, while keeping total workout time around 60–70 minutes. The program prioritizes the muscle groups that have the greatest visual impact on physique, including the chest, shoulders, back and arms, while maintaining balanced lower-body development. Compound lifts provide a foundation for continued strength progression, while targeted accessory work builds shape, size and definition. Rather than replacing lifting with excessive cardio, The Cut Protocol uses efficient training, short cardio finishers, daily movement and progressive overload to support a sustainable cut. The goal is simple: finish the 12 weeks leaner, stronger and with a noticeably improved physique.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
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
Triceps
15.3%
Front Delts
11.1%
Biceps
11.1%
Chest
9.2%
Upper Back
8.8%
Forearms
7.7%
Lats
6.9%
Middle Delts
6.1%
Quadriceps
4.6%
Hamstrings
4.6%
Rear Delts
4.2%
Glutes
2.3%
Calves
2.3%
Abs
2.3%
Cardio
2.3%
Abductors
1.1%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Bench Press (Barbell)35 reps@9
2Seated Overhead Press (Dumbbell)38–10 reps@8
3Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)310–12 reps@8
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)215–20 reps@8
5JM Press (Dumbbell)312–15 reps@8
6Tricep Pushdown (Cable)212–15 reps@8
7Treadmill110 min—
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Lat Pulldown310–12 reps@9
2Chest Supported Row (Machine)310–12 reps@8
3Reverse Pec Deck315–20 reps@8
4Incline Curl (Dumbbell)312–15 reps@8
5Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)212–15 reps@8
6Farmer's Walk (Weighted)230–45 sec@8
7Treadmill110 min—
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Leg Press (45 Degrees)38–10 reps@8
2Leg Extension312–15 reps@8
3Leg Curl312–15 reps@8
4Calf Raise (Machine)315–20 reps@8
5Kettlebell Forearm pronation/supination315–20 reps@8
6Cable Crunch315–20 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)38–12 reps@8
2Lat Pulldown (Single Arm)310–12 reps@8
3Lateral Raise (Cable)312–15 reps@8
4Preacher Curl (Dumbbell)310–12 reps@8
5Overhead Tricep Extension Rope310–12 reps@8
6Reverse Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)210–12 reps@8
7Treadmill110 min—

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, The Cut Protocol 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 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.

The Cut Protocol 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.

The Cut Protocol 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.
Free on iOS & Android