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The 531 x Madcow Hybrid
Intermediate–AdvancedFree

The 531 x Madcow Hybrid

A smart and minimalistic combination of the best programs I’ve ever done; for strength, hypertrophy & health.

Måns V.
Måns V.· May 2024
848athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Intermediate, Advanced
Goal
Strength, Muscle, Athletics
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
50 min
I really love both 531 and Madcow, and have had great results with both, so I figured I should combine them in a hybrid program that I find really works amazingly well, and I really enjoy it. It’s hard enough to make both strength and hypertrophy gains, but it’s a minimalist plan that “gives more than it takes”, so you still have time and energy for cardio, sports and/or family and friends. Progression: If you get all reps with QUALITY in week 3, increase your Training Max with 5 kg or 10 lbs for lower body lifts and 2.5 kg or 5 lbs for upper body lifts after week 4 (deload week). Warm up every workout with: 1: First do 5 minute easy cardio of any kind. 2: Then do “Agile 8 2.0” below; • Feet/Ankle - Rolling bottom of feet with lacrosse ball (60s per foot) • Ankle - weighted calf stretch or knees over toes lunge (depends on what gives you a better stretch) • Glutes - lacrosse ball (60s per side) • Adductors - adductor smash or foam rolling or cosack squats or rocking frog stretch • Hip flexor/Quads - hip flexor stretch • Thoracic extension/rotation - Banded thoracic rotation • Pecs - lacrosse ball across pec or pec opener using rack • Lats/Shoulders - relaxed hang from chinup bar (60s-120s total). Core/abs: I recommend doing 5-15 minutes of core/abs work after you Day 2 strength work. This is entirely up to you. But I recommend either ab wheel, any kind of carries, or just follow a YouTube ab/core stability workout like I do, with focus on different kind of planks. Cardio/conditioning: I recommend 10-30 minutes of intervals after your Day 1 strength work, I like the Norwegian 4x4 intervals on the bike. Do 4 minutes max effort, then 3 minutes easy recovery, for 4 rounds. Then I recommend 60 minutes of LISS at around 60-70% of maximum heart rate, or if you don’t have heart rate monitor you should be able to breathe through your nose the entire time. Do this 60 minutes on 3 of your “off days”. Rest/off day: Then I want you to take one entire day of rest/active recovery. Walk outside in nature, do chores around the house, play with your kids, go to the sauna, easy yoga/stretching, or just sleep the entire day if that’s what your body needs today.

Who it's for

Athletes at the Intermediate–Advanced level
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 3 days per week
Athletes who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Quadriceps
17.6%
Glutes
13.9%
Hamstrings
10.2%
Chest
8.5%
Upper Back
8.5%
Triceps
8.1%
Front Delts
7.4%
Abs
7.1%
Lats
5.1%
Lower Back
5%
Middle Delts
5%
Adductors
3.4%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps70%
15 reps80%
15 reps90%
2Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps70%
15 reps80%
15 reps90%
3Pendlay Row15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps70%
15 reps80%
15 reps90%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Front Squat (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps70%
15 reps80%
15 reps90%
2Overhead Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps70%
15 reps80%
15 reps90%
3Deadlift (Barbell)13 reps40%
13 reps50%
13 reps60%
13 reps70%
13 reps80%
13 reps90%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
110 reps60%
18 reps70%
16 reps80%
2Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
110 reps60%
18 reps70%
16 reps80%
3Pendlay Row15 reps40%
15 reps50%
110 reps60%
18 reps70%
16 reps80%

Weeks 2–4 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, The 531 x Madcow Hybrid is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 4 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 50 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.

The 531 x Madcow Hybrid is structured around 3 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 4 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

The 531 x Madcow Hybrid 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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