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Kal-El
Intermediate–AdvancedFree

Kal-El

Jeff J.
Jeff J.· Jan 2024
17athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
6 days
Level
Intermediate, Advanced
Goal
Strength
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
40 min
If you like the idea of hitting PR's every day (and let's be honest - who doesn't...) then Kal-el is the program for you! It's my take on "The Superman Effect" (from "The Bulgarian Method" by Greg Nuckols & Omar Isuf which can be downloaded for free on Greg's website strongerbyscience.com). This iteration of that program is based upon adjustments I made while running it multiple times over a 2-year period. While you can certainly go for 1-5 rep PR's, this program is tailored specifically to 1 rep attempts, as that's what worked best for me. The daily exercise selection uses a rotation schedule along with varied ranges of motion which can allow enough recovery time to go for PR's EVERY DAY. In addition to the max attempts it also includes back off work (extra sets/reps on the same lift with less weight) and accessory work. Both of these are optional, but it's highly recommended that they be added in occasionally based upon how recovered you're feeling. Despite the focus on recovery, the goal is NOT to be fully recovered at all times. Fatigue SHOULD build over time. The best results have come when this program is run every day (or nearly every day) for around 3 weeks, followed by a deload week (where you either take the week off entirely or you significantly reduce the intensity of workouts to allow fatigue to dissipate. Then after this deload run the program for another 1 to 2 weeks. The main structure of the program is to do a Max attempt on a pressing exercise to start the day, followed by optional back-off work using the same lift. Next will be a lower body max attempt and optional back-off work and/or accessory work. You can of course change exercises as you see fit, but be aware that the exercise selection can have a large impact on fatigue buildup. Adjust accordingly. Take a day of rest if it's truly necessary, but these should be minimal.

Who it's for

Athletes at the Intermediate–Advanced level
Athletes focused on maximal strength
Athletes who can train 6 days per week
Athletes who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Chest
17.9%
Triceps
15.2%
Quadriceps
14.8%
Glutes
11.6%
Front Delts
11.5%
Hamstrings
10.9%
Abs
4.6%
Biceps
3%
Adductors
2.7%
Lower Back
2.7%
Upper Back
2.7%
Lats
2%
Forearms
0.4%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Floor Press (Barbell)11 rep@8–10
2Floor Press (Barbell)33 reps75%
3Box Squat (Barbell)11 rep@8–10
4Box Squat (Barbell)33 reps75%
5Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)28–20 reps
6Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)28–20 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Cambered Bar Larsen Press11 rep@8–10
2Cambered Bar Larsen Press33 reps75%
3Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)11–3 reps@8–10
4Seated Row (Cable)28–15 reps
5Hamstring Curl28–15 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Paused)11 rep@8–10
2Bench Press (Paused)33 reps75%
3Squat (Low Bar)11 rep@8–10
4Squat (Low Bar)33 reps75%
5Leg Extension18–15 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Close Grip)11 rep@8–10
2Bench Press (Close Grip)33 reps75%
3High Bar Squat (Barbell)11 rep@8–10
4High Bar Squat (Barbell)33 reps75%
5Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)28–20 reps
6Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)18–20 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Cambered Bar Bench Press11 rep@8–10
2Cambered Bar Bench Press33 reps75%
3Deadlift (Barbell)11–3 reps@8–10
4Dumbbell Row28–15 reps
5Hanging Leg Raise18–20 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Incline Bench Press (Barbell)11 rep@8–10
2Incline Bench Press (Barbell)33 reps75%
3Front Squat (Barbell)11 rep@8–10
4Front Squat (Barbell)33 reps75%
5Leg Extension18–15 reps

Weeks 2–4 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, Kal-El is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 4 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.

Kal-El 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 4 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Kal-El 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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