Strength Wave + Back-off Fives (4 day)

The training-max wave, then five sets of five at the day's first percentage: extra practice at a weight you own. Less fatigue than the volume version, more bar time than the plain wave.

  • Intermediate
  • 4 days a week
  • About 45 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 main lifts run a three-week wave of a training max (about 90% of your best single), with a max-reps last set, then a light week. The training max goes up after every cycle. The other exercises work up a rep range before the weight goes up.

The workouts

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

Squat day

ExerciseSets × reps
Back Squat8 sets on the wave
Romanian Deadlift3 × 8-10
Hanging Leg Raise3 × 10-15

Bench day

ExerciseSets × reps
Barbell Bench Press8 sets on the wave
Chest-Supported Row4 × 8-12
Dumbbell Lateral Raise3 × 12-15

Deadlift day

ExerciseSets × reps
Deadlift8 sets on the wave
Front Squat3 × 5-8
Back Extension3 × 10-15

Press day

ExerciseSets × reps
Overhead Press8 sets on the wave
Chin-up4 × 6-10
Triceps Pushdown3 × 10-15

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.