Week 12 · Day 1
All levelsStrength
Train heavier. Build strength. Get stronger. Fewer reps, heavier load, proper rest.
You'll need: A squat rack, a barbell, a flat bench and a pair of dumbbells.
Warm-up. An easy spin on the bike or rower to get warm, then 10 bodyweight squats, 10 hip hinges and 2 lighter sets of your first exercise.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbell back squatPick a weight where the last rep is hard but clean. Brace, sit down between your heels, stand up tall. | 4 | 5 | 2-3 min |
| Barbell bench pressShoulder blades pinched, feet planted. Touch the lower chest, press back up over the shoulders. | 4 | 5 | 2-3 min |
| Romanian deadliftSoft knees, push your hips back and keep the bar close to your legs. Stop when you feel the hamstrings. | 3 | 6 | 2 min |
| Chest-supported dumbbell row | 4 | 6-8 | 90s |
| Plank | 3 | 45s hold | 60s |
Cool-down. Hamstring stretch, chest stretch against the rack, then home to the couch. You've earned it.
Niko's note: Leave one or two reps in the tank on every set. Then take at least two days off before Day 2. That's where the progress happens.