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PB&J (PowerBuilding ‘till I’m Jacked)
Intermediate–AdvancedFree

PB&J (PowerBuilding ‘till I’m Jacked)

Alexander P.
Alexander P.· Jan 2024
520athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
5 days
Level
Intermediate, Advanced
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
PB&J is a 12 week powerbuilding program built around the Big Three. It’s split into five days, with two off-days planned after day two and day five. The goal of PB&J is to consistently add weight, week in and week out, with a focus on barbell and dumbbell movements. The rep scheme is built utilizing five set pyramids, which decrease in repetitions and increase in weight throughout the weeks. Wave 1 will introduce you to a high volume scheme, which will be absolutely brutal to get used to if you haven’t done high volume training before. Wave 2 focuses on adding volume to accessory lifts in the form of additional sets, before increasing the weight for Wave 3. If during the week, you missed the goal reps of a set, I would recommend staying with the same weight for the following week. For instance, if you miss your final set of 5 and only hit 3 reps, use the same weight for ALL 5 sets the next week and try and get the last set of 5. For the full body day at the end of the week, you should add be adding weight on these sets UNLESS you missed a set during that week. If all 5 sets were completed, you can add weight. I recommend 10 pounds on the squat and dead lift, and 5 pounds on the bench and shoulder press and curl. The weight you use on this day will then be the weight for the following week. For bodybuilders, just adding weight to every workout should be enough to kickstart some growth. For powerlifters, the emphasis on volume should lead to an increase in mass. For exercise substitutions, I would recommend movements that target the same muscle groups but prioritize safety and joint comfort. This program was made with joint safety during progressions in mind. Also feel free to make substitutions for specificity, such as standing military press as opposed to seated, etc. Because the main lifts for each day go up to a heavy triple/ double, some things like lat pull down or preacher curl might need to be substituted. Based on your strength level, you may have to do weighted pull-ups, instead of lat pull downs, etc. Currently, there is less tricep work due to the higher volume of bench and shoulder press. This can be adjusted to personal preference. New versions and tweaks will be coming out! Edit 2/11 fixed typo in substitution paragraph (lap, pulldown to lat pulldown) Final edits 4/27: Changed Leg Press rep scheme, wave 3 was changed to be more sustainable after feedback from those who have completed the program.

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
12.8%
Triceps
11.9%
Quadriceps
11.2%
Front Delts
10.1%
Biceps
9.1%
Glutes
7.2%
Hamstrings
6.9%
Upper Back
5.7%
Middle Delts
5.7%
Lats
4.9%
Lower Back
2.9%
Forearms
2.9%
Calves
2.3%
Abs
2.2%
Rear Delts
2.2%
Adductors
1.5%
Abductors
0.5%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Bench Press (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
2Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
3Pec Fly (Dumbbell)312 reps
4Incline Chest Press (Machine)38–12 reps
5Bicep Curl (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
6Hammer Curl312 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Deadlift (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
2Barbell Row38–12 reps
3Lat Pulldown112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
4Seated Military Press (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
5Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)312 reps
6Rear Delt Fly (Machine)312 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Squat (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
2Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)312 reps
3Leg Press112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
4Leg Extension38–12 reps
5Standing Calf Raise415 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Bench Press (Close Grip)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
2Dip (Weighted)312 reps
3Preacher Curl (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
16 reps
15 reps
4Concentration Curl312 reps
5Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)315 reps
6Reverse Wrist Curl (Barbell)312 reps
#ExerciseSetsReps
1Squat (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
2Bench Press (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
3Barbell Row112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
4Seated Military Press (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps
5Deadlift (Barbell)112 reps
110 reps
18 reps

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, PB&J (PowerBuilding ‘till I’m Jacked) 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.

PB&J (PowerBuilding ‘till I’m Jacked) 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.

PB&J (PowerBuilding ‘till I’m Jacked) 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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