Back, Biceps, Abs
(Week 2, Muscle Max Split)Day Overview
This session emphasizes pulling movements to develop width and thickness in the back, along with biceps and core. Focus on strict form, slow negatives, and high reps to induce hypertrophy, with attention to mind-muscle connection and controlled tempo to maximize tension and fatigue.
Exercises
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• Pull-Ups
To perform a pull-up, start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing away from you. Engage your core and pull your body upward until your chin is above the bar. Keep your elbows close to your body and avoid swinging or using momentum. Lower yourself back to the starting position with control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Prescribed Sets:
4 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8, focusing on full range of motion and controlled descent. Use a slow eccentric (3 seconds) to increase tension. Rest 90 seconds.
Working Sets:
4
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• Bent-Over Barbell Rows
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an overhand grip. Bend at the hips while keeping your back flat and core engaged, allowing the barbell to hang at arm's length. Pull the barbell towards your lower chest or upper abdomen by squeezing your back muscles, keeping elbows close to your body. Lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Maintain a slight bend in the knees and avoid rounding your back throughout the movement. Keep your head in line with your spine and avoid using momentum to lift the weight.
Prescribed Sets:
4 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8, with a strict form and a slight pause at the top. Maintain a flat back and squeeze the lats. Rest 90 seconds.
Working Sets:
4
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• Cable Row
Row the cable toward your torso to target your middle back muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
4 sets of 10-12 reps at RPE 8, emphasizing a full stretch and contraction. Use a slow eccentric. Rest 90 seconds.
Working Sets:
4
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• barbell curl
standing barbell curl
Prescribed Sets:
3 sets of 10-12 reps at RPE 8, focusing on strict form and full range. Use a controlled tempo (2-1-2). Rest 60 seconds.
Working Sets:
3
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• Hammer Curls
Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing your torso). Keep your elbows close to your sides and curl the dumbbells upward by flexing your elbows, maintaining the neutral grip throughout the movement. Pause briefly at the top when your biceps are fully contracted, then slowly lower the weights back to the starting position. Keep your torso stable and avoid swinging the weights. Focus on controlled movement and engaging the biceps and brachialis muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
3 sets of 10-12 reps at RPE 8, emphasizing brachialis engagement. Rest 60 seconds.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Crunch Machine
Sit on the crunch machine with your back flat against the pad and feet secured under the foot pads. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest. Engage your core and curl your upper body forward by contracting your abdominal muscles, bringing your chest closer to your knees. Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid pulling on your neck with your hands. Exhale as you crunch, then slowly return to the starting position while inhaling. Maintain controlled movement throughout to maximize engagement of the abdominal muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
3 sets of 15-20 reps at RPE 8, focusing on full contraction and slow eccentric. Rest 60 seconds.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Wheel Rollout
Kneel holding ab wheel, roll forward extending body, roll back contracting abs.
Prescribed Sets:
3 sets of 10-12 reps at RPE 8, maintaining core tightness and slow movement. Rest 60 seconds.
Working Sets:
3
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• Reverse Hyperextensions
To perform reverse hyperextensions, lie face down on a hyperextension bench with your hips positioned at the edge. Secure your legs under the pads or supports. Keep your arms crossed over your chest or behind your head. Engage your glutes and lower back muscles to lift your legs and hips upward, extending your hips and legs behind you in a controlled manner. Avoid using momentum; focus on muscle engagement. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout. Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid overarching your lower back during the movement.
Prescribed Sets:
3 sets of 12 reps at RPE 8, focusing on glute and lower back activation with controlled tempo. Rest 60 seconds.
Working Sets:
3