Hypertrophy Block: Machines (4 day)

The five week muscle block on machines and cables only: stable, easy to push close to failure, and kind to joints.

  • Intermediate
  • 4 days a week
  • About 35 min
  • Machines and cables
  • Build muscle

All programs

Free in Platesmith. Start this program in the app and it fills in your weights, times your rests and moves the weight up for you. No subscription needed for any program.

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How it progresses

A five week block. Effort rises week by week, and after each session you answer three quick questions (pump, soreness, workload) so next week's sets go up or down to match. Week five is a lighter deload week, then the next block starts.

The workouts

Every exercise can be swapped in the app for one that works the same muscles, so missing equipment never stops you.

Upper A

ExerciseSets × reps
Plate-Loaded Chest Press3 × 8-12
Machine Row3 × 8-12
Machine Shoulder Press2 × 8-12
Lat Pulldown2 × 10-12
Machine Bicep Curl2 × 10-15

Lower A

ExerciseSets × reps
Leg Press3 × 10-12
Seated Leg Curl3 × 10-12
Leg Extension2 × 12-15
Seated Calf Raise3 × 12-15

Upper B

ExerciseSets × reps
Incline Machine Chest Press3 × 8-12
Neutral-Grip Pulldown3 × 8-12
Machine Lateral Raise3 × 12-15
Reverse Pec Deck2 × 12-20
Machine Triceps Extension2 × 10-15

Lower B

ExerciseSets × reps
Hack Squat3 × 8-12
Lying Leg Curl3 × 10-12
Machine Hip Thrust2 × 10-12
Leg Press Calf Raise3 × 12-15

Similar programs

General guidance, not medical advice. Start lighter than you think, and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition or injury.