Top Set and Back-offs (4 day)

Each main lift works up to one top set at a hard effort, then two or three back-off sets a little lighter. Loads come from how the top set felt, so the program bends with your day. For experienced lifters who rate their sets honestly.

  • Advanced
  • 4 days a week
  • About 50 min
  • Full gym
  • Get stronger

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

The heavy squat, bench or deadlift sets are judged by effort: rate how many more reps you had in you, and the app sets next session's weight. The other exercises work up a rep range, then add weight.

The workouts

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

Squat

ExerciseSets × reps
Back Squat4 × 3
Front Squat3 × 5-6
Romanian Deadlift3 × 6-8
Hanging Leg Raise3 × 10-15

Bench

ExerciseSets × reps
Barbell Bench Press4 × 3
Incline Barbell Bench Press3 × 5-6
Barbell Row4 × 6-8
Face Pull3 × 15-20

Deadlift

ExerciseSets × reps
Deadlift4 × 3
Deficit Deadlift3 × 4-6
Pull-up4 × 6-8
Back Extension3 × 10-15

Press

ExerciseSets × reps
Overhead Press4 × 3
Close-grip Bench Press3 × 5-6
Chest-Supported Row4 × 8-10
Dumbbell Lateral 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.