Ground Rules
Rest: 90s on barbell, 60–75s on dumbbells
Tempo: 2 seconds down, controlled up
Effort: Stop 2–3 reps before failure
Safeties: Set the pins before you squat
If something hurts: Skip it. Text Coach.
Core · 4–5 min
Tight glutes, flat back, ribs tucked. 30 seconds rest between sets.
Main Lifts · 32–36 min
Bar Warm-Up (before squats)
Weight85 lb
Sets × Reps3 × 8–10
Safeties set just below your squat depth. 85 lb on the bar (45 lb bar + 20 lb per side). Down to parallel, chest tall, drive through midfoot. If a set feels too easy by week 2–3, text me and we will bump it up.
Weight75 lb
Sets × Reps3 × 10–12
75 lb on the bar (45 lb bar + 15 lb per side). Bar close to your shins, soft knees, push hips straight back, not down. Lower until you feel the hamstring stretch (usually mid-shin), then drive your hips forward to stand. Flat back the whole time.
Weight15 lb DBs
Sets × Reps3 × 8 ea leg
Back foot up on the bench, front foot about 2–2.5 feet forward. 15 lb DB in each hand at your sides. Drop straight down until your back knee almost kisses the floor, then drive up through your front heel. Chest tall, front knee tracks over your foot. Finish all reps on one leg, then switch.
Weight15 lb DBs
Sets × Reps3 × 10 ea leg
15 lb DB in each hand at your sides. Step forward into a lunge, back knee almost kisses the floor, then drive up and step through with the other leg. Chest tall, long enough steps that your front knee tracks over your foot. If you run out of space, turn around and walk back. 10 reps per leg = 20 total steps per set.
Cool Down · 2–3 min
Coach Notes
Substitutions if a lift does not feel right:
· Back Squat feels heavy on the spine → DB Goblet Squat with a heavy DB, 3 × 10
· BB RDL bothers the low back → DB RDL, 3 × 10–12, hold DBs at your sides
· Bulgarian balance is off → DB Reverse Lunge, 3 × 8 ea leg
After the workout: 30–40g protein, water, a short walk. You will feel better tomorrow.