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Mike Mentzer heavy duty program

by Max
116 athletes joined
4.0
(3 ratings)

Program Description

Created by Mike Mentzer (1951 – 2001)—as much philosopher as he was bodybuilder—the Heavy Duty method is one that incorporates high-intensity training along with lower rep ranges and heavier weights. Even during the time, Mentzer’s thinking went against the grain, both in terms of his lifting and his diet. We’ve taken a closer look at the mind behind this training philosophy, and the things that led up to it. It’s definitely going to gas out your muscles and get you results. While Arthur Jones advocated for one set of 20 reps per exercise, Mike Mentzer’s workout concluded that the ideal rep range was 6-8. However, on the last rep you would be reaching absolute muscular failure, and it did not stop there. Mike Mentzer’s workout involved going beyond failure (a philosophy also adopted by Tom Platz), utilizing forced reps, negative reps, rest-pause, and pre-exhaust supersets.

Program Overview

  • Level
    Intermediate, Advanced, Novice
  • Goal
    Muscle & Sculpting, Bodybuilding
  • Equipment
    Full Gym
  • Program Length
    4 weeks
  • Time Per Workout
    30 minutes
  • Created
    Feb 08, 2024 10:39
  • Last Edited
    Jun 18, 2025 09:29

Summary

Dive into the Mike Mentzer Heavy Duty Program, a focused 4-week training regimen designed for serious lifters looking to maximize muscle growth with just two workouts per week. This program emphasizes high-intensity supersets and targeted exercises, including dumbbell lateral raises and barbell bicep curls, to push your limits and enhance strength. With a full gym at your disposal, you'll engage key muscle groups effectively, ensuring optimal recovery while building lean mass. Get ready to challenge yourself and see real results!
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4.8 Stars with 10, 000+ Ratings
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START THE PROGRAM
ON THE BOOSTCAMP APP FOR FREE
Scan QR Code to Download
AppleStore
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4.8 Stars with 10, 000+ Ratings
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
2A
Pec Fly (Dumbbell)
1
-
2B
Incline Bench Press (Barbell)
1
-
3A
Lat Pulldown (Close Grip)
1
-
4
Bent Over Row (Barbell)
1
-
5
Shrug (Dumbbell)
1
-
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)
1
-
2
Rear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)
1
-
3
Bicep Curl (Barbell)
1
-
4A
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
1
-
4B
Dip (Bodyweight)
1
-
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
2A
Pec Fly (Dumbbell)
1
-
2B
Incline Bench Press (Barbell)
1
-
3A
Lat Pulldown (Close Grip)
1
-
4
Bent Over Row (Barbell)
1
-
5
Shrug (Dumbbell)
1
-
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)
1
-
2
Rear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)
1
-
3
Bicep Curl (Barbell)
1
-
4A
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
1
-
4B
Dip (Bodyweight)
1
-
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1A
Leg Extension
1
-
1B
Squat (Barbell)
1
-
2
Seated Calf Raise
1
-
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1A
Leg Extension
1
-
1B
Squat (Barbell)
1
-
2
Seated Calf Raise
1
-
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1A
Leg Extension
1
-
1B
Squat (Barbell)
1
-
2
Seated Calf Raise
1
-
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1A
Leg Extension
1
-
1B
Squat (Barbell)
1
-
2
Seated Calf Raise
1
-
Week 1
1 / 4 Weeks
Day 1
2A
Pec Fly (Dumbbell)
1 Set
-
2B
Incline Bench Press (Barbell)
1 Set
-
3A
Lat Pulldown (Close Grip)
1 Set
-
4
Bent Over Row (Barbell)
1 Set
-
5
Shrug (Dumbbell)
1 Set
-
Day 2
1A
Leg Extension
1 Set
-
1B
Squat (Barbell)
1 Set
-
2
Seated Calf Raise
1 Set
-
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING(3 ratings)
Only ratings with written feedback are displayed here.
4.00 / 5
anotherguyNon-binary
10 months ago
8 years of prior experience
More than expected strength gains
Less than expected muscle gains
No modifications
I didnt gain mass what is weird, because my big toe squat skyrocket by 200 lbs in few weeks.
Tean C.Age 15, Man
a year ago
2 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
No modifications
My left big toe is absolutely ripped now. I can balance on my toe and do toe squats for 345 after doing this program. My left big toe is 3x the size of my right big toe. If you want one big dog this program is right for you.