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Hypertrophy-Shift Protocol

Post-July Phase v2.0 (High-Intensity Shift)
Gym Rest Clock: 00:00
Execution Guidelines for the 50+ Lifter
Monday: Upper Body (Chest/Back)
Type Exercise Sets Reps Execution, Tempo & Notes
Horizontal Press
Bench Press
4 6-8 Tempo 3-0-1-0. RPE 9 target. Ensure safety spotter arms are active. Explode dynamically off the chest without bouncing at the bottom.
Vertical Pull
Pull-ups
3 AMRAP Tempo 3-0-1-0. Pull your collarbones to the bar. If you fall short of 8 clean reps, loop a light resistance band over the bar for assistance.
Incline Press
Incline DB Press
3 10-12 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Set bench angle to ~30 degrees. Keep hand angle tilted slightly inward (45 deg) to prevent front deltoid strain. Squeeze upper chest.
Horizontal Pull
Cable Row
3 12-15 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Use a close neutral-grip handle. Pull close to the belly button. Keep your spine erect and scapula compressed.
Arm Accessory
Tricep Pushdown
3 15-20 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Myo-Rep Protocol on final set: Reach mechanical failure near 15-20 reps, rest 10s, hit 3-5 reps, repeat cluster 2-3 times.
Tuesday: Lower Body (Quads/Glutes)
Type Exercise Sets Reps Execution, Tempo & Notes
Squat Pattern
Goblet Squat
4 8-10 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Hold a heavy dumbbell tightly against your chest. Keep your torso highly upright to protect the lower back and load the quads.
Hinge Pattern
Romanian Deadlift (RDL)
4 10-12 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Hinge hips backwards cleanly. Keep the barbell running along your shins. Avoid lower spine flexion; load hamstrings fully.
Hamstrings
Leg Curls (Cable)
3 12-15 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Single-leg setup with ankle strap. Fully stabilize your upper hips. Force absolute isolation on the curl and slow release.
Calf Accessory
Calf Raises
4 15-20 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Perform on a raised platform or block. Enforce a deep, controlled 1-second stretch hold at the low point of every rep.
Wednesday: Mid-Week Recovery
Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS): 30-45 minutes brisk incline treadmill walk. Target conversational pace (approx. 50-65% Max HR). Shuttles nutrients and accelerates tissue repair.
Thursday: Upper Body (Shoulders/Arms)
Type Exercise Sets Reps Execution, Tempo & Notes
Vertical Press
Overhead Press
4 6-8 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Strict barbell overhead standing press. Clench glutes and brace abdominal wall aggressively to protect the lower spine.
Rear Delt Pattern
Cable Face Pulls
3 15-20 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Restorative and structural movement for old frozen shoulder history. Pull rope to forehead level and pull elbows wide.
Lateral Delt Pattern
Lateral Raises
3 12-15 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Dumbbells or side cable setup. Maintain absolute isolation. Do not swing upper body to generate momentum.
Arm Accessory
Hammer Curls
3 10-12 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Myo-Rep Protocol on final set: Complete 10-12 reps, rest exactly 10 seconds, hit 3-5 reps, repeat cluster 2-3 times.
Arm Accessory
EZ Bar Skullcrusher
3 10-12 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Lie flat on bench. Lower bar path directly towards your hairline. Keep elbows aligned and pinned narrow (do not flare).
Friday: Lower Body (Posterior Chain)
Type Exercise Sets Reps Execution, Tempo & Notes
Unilateral
Bulgarian Split Squats
3 8-10 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Premier unilateral builder. Rear foot resting on flat bench. Control descent strictly to balance joint forces safely.
Hinge Pattern
Stiff-Legged Deadlift
3 10-12 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Keep knees soft but entirely fixed. Force your pelvis directly backwards to isolate the hamstrings and glutes without lumbar fatigue.
Quad Isolation
Leg Extensions
3 12-15 Tempo 3-0-1-0. Fully lock out at the top-half of each contraction, driving peak recruitment into the vastus medialis (teardrop).
Core Stability
Plank / Core
3 60s Pure isometric bracing setup. Key protection metric against past sciatica flares. Tighten abdominal wall aggressively.
Weekend: Rest & Decompression
Full active recovery. Engage in light mobility patterns or gentle steady walking (1-2 miles). Hydrate and sleep focus.