Boostcamp logo
BoostcampPNG
Nelson's 5 x 5 Hybrid program
All LevelsFree

Nelson's 5 x 5 Hybrid program

Want to be strong, big, explosive and have good cardio? Start low and work your way up during the 12 weeks. Guaranteed results ๐Ÿฆพ

Norman A.
Norman A.ยท Sep 2025
4athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
6 days
Level
Intermediate, Beginner, Advanced
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
60 min
5x5-based program with additional exercises for shoulder size, grip strength and jump explosiveness. The goal is to spend less time in the gym but to be consistent! Start with as low as 50% of your 1RM. Take shorter rest times while it's easy to win some free time. Once it gets harder, you'll need more rest time. (1'30 to 5') Try to do the exercises in a superset to save time ( first two exercises together, then the next two) 5' Abs tabata is a tabata of 3 ab exercises of your choice. You can do that at the end of your workout. The exercises after the 5' abs tabata are optional. Do them to max out results. But skip them if you don't have enough time.

Who it's for

Athletes of all experience levels
Athletes focused on gaining both size and 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
Front Delts
12.1%
Triceps
11%
Quadriceps
11%
Glutes
9.2%
Upper Back
8.1%
Chest
7.3%
Hamstrings
7.3%
Lats
7.3%
Middle Delts
5.9%
Abs
5.5%
Other
4.4%
Calves
2.2%
Forearms
2.2%
Adductors
1.8%
Lower Back
1.8%
Biceps
1.8%
Rear Delts
1.1%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Bench Press (Barbell)55 repsโ€”
2Squat (Low Bar)55 repsโ€”
3Barbell Row55 repsโ€”
4Dip (Weighted)55 repsโ€”
55 Min Abs Tabata10 repsโ€”
6Standing Calf Raise30+ reps@10
7Shrug (Barbell)10+ reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Deadlift (Barbell)55 repsโ€”
2Chin-Up (Bodyweight)510 repsโ€”
3Overhead Press (Barbell)55 repsโ€”
4Box Jump55 repsโ€”
55 Min Abs Tabata10 repsโ€”
6Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)38โ€“12 reps@10
7Reverse Wrist Curl (Dumbbell)35 repsโ€”
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Run130โ€“90 min
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Bench Press (Barbell)55 repsโ€”
2Squat (Low Bar)55 repsโ€”
3Barbell Row55 repsโ€”
4Dip (Weighted)55 repsโ€”
55 Min Abs Tabata10 repsโ€”
6Standing Calf Raise30+ reps@10
7Shrug (Barbell)10+ reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Deadlift (Barbell)55 repsโ€”
2Chin-Up (Bodyweight)510 repsโ€”
3Overhead Press (Barbell)55 repsโ€”
4Box Jump55 repsโ€”
55 Min Abs Tabata10 repsโ€”
6Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)38โ€“12 reps@10
7Reverse Wrist Curl (Dumbbell)35 repsโ€”
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Run130โ€“90 min

Weeks 2โ€“12 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, Nelson's 5 x 5 Hybrid 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 12 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 60 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.

Nelson's 5 x 5 Hybrid program 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.

Nelson's 5 x 5 Hybrid 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.
Free on iOS & Android