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Linear Progression PPL
BeginnerFree

Linear Progression PPL

Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder, but nobody wants to lift this heavy-ass weight

Iris Lozoya
Iris Lozoya· Sep 2025
9athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
6 days
Level
Beginner
Goal
Muscle, Strength, Women's
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
The main lifts (squat, bench press, overhead press, barbell row, and deadlift) must always be performed first in each workout since they are the heaviest and most demanding exercises. These lifts follow linear progression, meaning weight is added every workout to drive strength gains. Progression is standardized: +5 lbs for upper body lifts (bench, row, overhead press), +5 lbs for squats, and +10 lbs for deadlifts. Each main lift ends with an AMRAP set (as many reps as possible while maintaining good form), which allows you to test your limits, push progress further, and build confidence under the bar. The accessory lifts that follow are lighter and performed for higher reps, targeting muscle growth, balancing weak points, and reinforcing strength in the main lifts. These do not progress workout-to-workout by strict weight jumps but instead follow a progressive overload model within the 8–12 rep range. Once you can perform 3 sets of 12 clean reps with good form, you increase the weight slightly (+5lbs). If you cannot stay within the prescribed range, lower the weight to maintain proper execution. This method ensures steady hypertrophy gains without overloading recovery.

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
Front Delts
12%
Triceps
10.7%
Hamstrings
9.8%
Middle Delts
9.6%
Upper Back
9%
Quadriceps
8.8%
Glutes
7.9%
Biceps
5.7%
Abs
5.2%
Rear Delts
4.9%
Chest
4.4%
Lats
3.8%
Calves
2.5%
Adductors
1.9%
Forearms
1.7%
Lower Back
1.6%
Abductors
0.5%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)18 reps40%
15 reps55%
13 reps70%
15 reps85%
2Pull-Up (Assisted)38–12 reps@7–9
3Seated Row (Cable)38–12 reps@7–9
4Face Pull515–20 reps@7–9
Superset
5ABicep Curl (Dumbbell)48–12 reps@7–9
5BHammer Curl (Dumbbell)48–12 reps@7–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)18 reps40%
15 reps55%
13 reps70%
55 reps85%
2Overhead Press (Barbell)38–12 reps70%
3Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)38–12 reps@7–9
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)515–20 reps@7–9
Superset
5AOverhead Tricep Extension (Cable)38–12 reps@7–9
5BTricep Pushdown (Cable)38–12 reps@7–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)18 reps40%
15 reps55%
13 reps70%
35 reps85%
2Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)38–12 reps@7–9
3Leg Press38–12 reps@7–9
4Lying Leg Curl38–12 reps@7–9
5Standing Calf Raise48–12 reps@7–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Upright Row (Barbell)18 reps40%
15 reps55%
13 reps70%
55 reps85%
2Pull-Up (Assisted)38–12 reps@7–9
3Dumbbell Row38–12 reps@7–9
Superset
4ABand Pull Apart415–20 reps@7–9
4BRear Delt Fly (Machine)415–20 reps@7–9
Superset
5AWide-Grip Bicep Curl (Cable)48–12 reps@7–9
5BClose-Grip Bicep Curl (Cable)48–12 reps@7–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Overhead Press (Barbell)18 reps40%
15 reps55%
13 reps70%
55 reps85%
2Bench Press (Barbell)38–12 reps70%
3High-To-Low Chest Press (Cable)38–12 reps@7–9
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)515–20 reps@7–9
Superset
5ASkull Crusher (Barbell)38–12 reps@7–9
5BTrophy Raise (Dumbbell)38–12 reps@7–9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)18 reps40%
15 reps55%
13 reps70%
35 reps85%
2Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)38–12 reps@7–9
3Leg Extension38–12 reps@7–9
4Leg Curl38–12 reps@7–9
5Seated Calf Raise48–12 reps@7–9

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, Linear Progression PPL 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.

Linear Progression PPL 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 12 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Linear Progression PPL 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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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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