Back, Biceps, Abs
(Week 3, Muscle Max Split)Day Overview
This session emphasizes high-volume pulling movements to induce hypertrophy in the back and biceps, with added core work for stability. Focus on strict form, controlled reps, and maximizing time under tension. The combination of compound and isolation exercises ensures comprehensive development of the posterior chain and arm muscles.
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:
Perform 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on full range of motion, squeezing the back at the top, and controlled eccentric. Use assistance to maintain strict form if necessary.
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:
Execute 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8. Keep a flat back, pull towards the lower ribcage, and squeeze the lats at the top. Use controlled tempo to maximize tension.
Working Sets:
4
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• Cable Row
Row the cable toward your torso to target your middle back muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on scapular retraction and full contraction of the lats, maintaining strict form.
Working Sets:
4
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• barbell curl
standing barbell curl
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Use strict form, avoiding momentum, and squeeze at the top for maximum bicep engagement.
Working Sets:
4
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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:
Complete 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on neutral grip and controlled movement to target brachialis and biceps.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Wheel Rollout
Kneel holding ab wheel, roll forward extending body, roll back contracting abs.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 8. Maintain a tight core, avoid sagging hips, and control the rollout for maximum ab activation.
Working Sets:
3
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• Hanging Leg Raises
To perform Hanging Leg Raises, find a pull-up bar or any sturdy overhead bar. Grip the bar with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart. Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended and your legs straight. Engage your core and, keeping your legs straight, lift them up in front of you until they are parallel to the ground or higher, if possible. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement. Avoid swinging or using momentum to lift your legs.
Prescribed Sets:
Execute 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on slow, controlled movement and full range of motion to target the lower abs.
Working Sets:
3
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• Cable Rope Crunches
Stand facing a cable machine with a rope attachment set at a high pulley. Grasp the ends of the rope with both hands and step back to create tension. Keep your hips stationary and engage your core as you flex your torso downward, bringing your elbows toward your thighs. Exhale as you crunch down, emphasizing the contraction of your abdominal muscles. Slowly return to the starting position with control, maintaining tension in your core throughout. Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid pulling with your arms; focus on using your abdominal muscles to perform the movement.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 8. Squeeze the abs at the peak contraction, maintaining control throughout.
Working Sets:
3