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Mike Mentzer Program
All LevelsFree

Mike Mentzer Program

Max M.
Max M.· Jan 2024
554athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
8 weeks
Days / week
2 days
Level
Intermediate, Beginner, Advanced
Goal
Muscle, Women's, Athletics
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
90 min
The Mike Mentzer Program is a high-intensity training (HIT) system that aims to maximize muscle growth in minimal time. It is based on the principles of Arthur Jones, the founder of HIT, but modified by Mike Mentzer, a former professional bodybuilder and Mr. Olympia contender. The program involves performing one set of 6-10 repetitions per exercise, using a weight that causes failure or beyond. The program also uses advanced techniques such as forced reps, negative reps, rest-pause, and pre-exhaust supersets to increase the intensity and stimulate the muscle fibers. The program requires a lot of recovery time between workouts, as the muscles need to adapt to the stress and grow stronger. The program is suitable for experienced lifters who want to challenge themselves and break through plateaus.

Who it's for

Athletes of all experience levels
Athletes focused on building muscle size
Athletes who can train 2 days per week
Athletes who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Triceps
14.6%
Front Delts
13.7%
Upper Back
11.1%
Chest
9.6%
Middle Delts
8.7%
Lats
8.2%
Quadriceps
7.3%
Hamstrings
6.7%
Biceps
6.1%
Rear Delts
4.4%
Glutes
4.1%
Calves
2.9%
Abductors
1.5%
Adductors
0.6%
Abs
0.3%
Forearms
0.3%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
Superset
1ALeg Extension16–8 reps@10
16–8 reps@10
1BLeg Press26–8 reps@10
2Squat (Barbell)16–8 reps@10
3Leg Curl26–8 reps@10
4Standing Calf Raise26–8 reps@10
Superset
5APec Fly (Dumbbell)26–8 reps@10
5BIncline Bench Press (Barbell)26–8 reps@10
6Dip (Bodyweight)26–8 reps@10
Superset
7ATricep Pushdown (Cable)16–8 reps@10
7BDip (Bodyweight)16–8 reps@10
8Lying Tricep Extension (Barbell)26–8 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Pullover (Machine)26–8 reps@10
2Lat Pulldown (Close Grip)26–8 reps@10
3Barbell Row26–8 reps@10
4Shrug (Barbell)26–8 reps@10
5Upright Row (Barbell)26–8 reps@10
Superset
6ALateral Raise (Dumbbell)26–8 reps@10
6BShoulder Press (Machine)26–8 reps@10
7Rear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)26–8 reps@10
8Bicep Curl (Barbell)16–8 reps@10
9Concentration Curl26–8 reps@10

Weeks 2–8 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, Mike Mentzer 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 8 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 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.

Mike Mentzer Program is structured around 2 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 8 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Mike Mentzer 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
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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