The Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower (PHUL) workout program is designed to combine elements of strength training (power) with muscle-building (hypertrophy) within an upper-lower body split. This program is ideal for individuals looking to build both strength and muscle mass, as it balances heavy, low-rep strength work with lighter, higher-rep hypertrophy work.
Program Overview
Frequency: Typically 4 days per week (2 upper body days, 2 lower body days).
Structure:
- Power Days: Focus on strength with low-rep, heavy-weight exercises.
- Hypertrophy Days: Focus on muscle growth with moderate to high-rep, moderate-weight exercises.
Sample PHUL Program
Upper Body Power
- Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.
- Exercises:
- Bench Press: 4 sets of 4-6 reps
- Bent-Over Rows: 4 sets of 4-6 reps
- Overhead Press: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
- Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
- Barbell Curls: 3 sets of 6-8 reps
- Tricep Dips or Skull Crushers: 3 sets of 6-8 reps
- Cool-Down: Static stretching for upper body muscles.
Lower Body Power
- Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.
- Exercises:
- Squats: 4 sets of 4-6 reps
- Deadlifts: 4 sets of 4-6 reps
- Leg Press: 3 sets of 6-8 reps
- Hamstring Curls: 3 sets of 6-8 reps
- Calf Raises: 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- Cool-Down: Static stretching for lower body muscles.
Upper Body Hypertrophy
- Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.
- Exercises:
- Incline Dumbbell Press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- Seated Cable Rows: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- Lateral Raises: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- Face Pulls: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- Hammer Curls: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- Tricep Pushdowns: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- Cool-Down: Static stretching for upper body muscles.
Lower Body Hypertrophy
- Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.
- Exercises:
- Front Squats or Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- Romanian Deadlifts: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- Leg Extensions: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- Leg Curls: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- Standing Calf Raises: 4 sets of 12-20 reps
- Cool-Down: Static stretching for lower body muscles.
Key Principles
- Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weights or resistance to continue making progress in both strength and muscle size.
- Form and Technique: Focus on proper form to maximize effectiveness and reduce the risk of injury.
- Rest and Recovery: Allow for adequate recovery between workouts and ensure proper sleep to support muscle growth and repair.
- Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet with sufficient protein, carbohydrates, and fats to support both strength gains and muscle hypertrophy.
Tips for Success
- Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always include a proper warm-up and cool-down to prepare your body for exercise and aid recovery.
- Variety: Change up exercises, angles, or equipment every 6-8 weeks to prevent plateaus and keep workouts engaging.
- Listen to Your Body: Adjust weights, reps, and sets based on how you feel and your progress.