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Bern periodization
Intermediate–AdvancedFree

Bern periodization

Ryan B.
Ryan B.· Jun 2024
2athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
5 days
Level
Advanced, Intermediate
Goal
Strength, Muscle
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
Just decided to make a program who knows if it works. Use the last strength sets as AMRAP. Still working this so some things may need to be tweaked but it looks solid. Use 90% of your 1rm. Take your rest days after the 2nd and 5th days. The 90% sets after the heavy sets are not needed and are optional for volume and training form.

Who it's for

Athletes at the Intermediate–Advanced level
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 5 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Chest
15.4%
Triceps
15.1%
Quadriceps
13.8%
Front Delts
12.9%
Glutes
11.1%
Hamstrings
7.5%
Middle Delts
6.7%
Abs
5.1%
Adductors
3.1%
Lower Back
2.6%
Upper Back
1.9%
Lats
1.1%
Biceps
0.9%
Calves
0.9%
Forearms
0.8%
Other
0.6%
Rear Delts
0.4%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Overhead Press (Barbell)16 reps86%
25 reps89%
14 reps92%
13 reps90%
13 reps85%
13 reps80%
15 reps75%
15 reps70%
15 reps65%
2Deadlift (Barbell)53 reps65%
3Pin Press Bench (Barbell)81 rep60%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)16 reps86%
25 reps89%
14 reps92%
13 reps90%
13 reps85%
13 reps80%
13 reps75%
13 reps70%
13 reps65%
2Overhead Press (Barbell)53 reps65%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)16 reps86%
25 reps89%
14 reps92%
13 reps90%
13 reps85%
13 reps80%
15 reps75%
15 reps70%
15 reps65%
2Squat (Barbell)53 reps65%
3Pin Press Bench (Barbell)81 rep60%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)16 reps86%
25 reps89%
14 reps92%
13 reps90%
13 reps85%
13 reps80%
15 reps75%
15 reps70%
15 reps65%
2Bench Press (Barbell)53 reps65%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Pin Press Bench (Barbell)81 rep60%

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, Bern periodization 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.

Bern periodization is structured around 5 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.

Bern periodization 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
1,000+ 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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