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30 minute upper body over 40s
Beginner–IntermediateFree

30 minute upper body over 40s

The best 30 minute upper body workout for men over 40, as featured on muscle monsters YouTube channel.

Paul B
Paul B· Sep 2024
41athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Women's
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
30 min
The more sets you do, the more muscle and strength you’ll gain, at least to a degree. But what if I told you that you could build a head turning physique with just a few 30-minute workouts each week? This meta-analysis published in the Sports Medicine journal found that you can achieve up to 81% of your potential strength gains with just 1-4 sets per exercise per week. In another meta-analysis, the researchers discovered that performing 1-4 sets per muscle group per week can result in 64% of the maximum potential muscle gains. This figure jumps to 84% when you increase the volume by just a few sets (5-9). So while more volume generally means more muscle growth, those of us who don’t have 2 hours to spend in the gym can still achieve significant results.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on building muscle size
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
Triceps
20.3%
Biceps
16.5%
Front Delts
11.4%
Upper Back
11.4%
Rear Delts
11.4%
Chest
7.6%
Lats
7.6%
Middle Delts
7.6%
Forearms
6.3%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
Superset
1AIncline Bench Press (Dumbbell)36–8 reps@8.5
1BChest Supported Row (Dumbbell)36–8 reps@8.5
Superset
2ABicep Curl (EZ Bar)16–8 reps@8.5
43–5 reps@8.5
2BTricep Extension (Barbell)16–8 reps@8.5
43–5 reps@8.5
Superset
3ALateral Raise (Dumbbell)38–10 reps@8.5
3BRear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)38–10 reps@8.5
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
Superset
1AIncline Bench Press (Dumbbell)36–8 reps@8.5
1BChest Supported Row (Dumbbell)36–8 reps@8.5
Superset
2ABicep Curl (EZ Bar)16–8 reps@8.5
43–5 reps@8.5
2BTricep Extension (Barbell)16–8 reps@8.5
43–5 reps@8.5
Superset
3ALateral Raise (Dumbbell)38–10 reps@8.5
3BRear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)38–10 reps@8.5
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
Superset
1AIncline Bench Press (Dumbbell)36–8 reps@8.5
1BChest Supported Row (Dumbbell)36–8 reps@8.5
Superset
2ABicep Curl (EZ Bar)16–8 reps@8.5
43–5 reps@8.5
2BTricep Extension (Barbell)16–8 reps@8.5
43–5 reps@8.5
Superset
3ALateral Raise (Dumbbell)38–10 reps@8.5
3BRear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)38–10 reps@8.5

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, 30 minute upper body over 40s 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 30 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.

30 minute upper body over 40s 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.

30 minute upper body over 40s 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
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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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