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#lronLife - 4 Month Barbell & Dumbbell Challenge
Note: | decided to call this the Iron Life Challenge. If you run this challenge, please include the hashtag
#ironlife when you can on social media. Also, invite others to join in and pass along this link.
Let's face it... The average gym member shuns most barbell and dumbbell exercises. Outside of dumbbell
curls and barbell bench press variations, these primary muscle building tools are avoided like the plague.
We also know the average gym member also isn't seeing much in the way of results. If this sounds like you;
if you've spent years in the gym and simply can't pack on the muscle mass you're after, i's time you take the
4 Month Iron Life Challenge
Here are the 5 things you must do during the challenge series:
#1 - Use the 70% Rule
70% of your sets must be performed using a barbell or dumbbell exercise. No exceptions. It doesn't matter
how you slice it and dice it, just pick some barbell and dumbbell exercises and make it rain gains.Your mission is progressive overload. During this challenge you MUST push every set for as many
reps as possible. No exceptions, and NO exceptions.
#2 - Train Frequently, No Body Part Splits
No body part splits allowed during this challenge. You must use at least an upper/lower split, or a full body
workout if you prefer.
Hate training with anything other than body part splits? Too bad. Your results suck. Try something new.
Training must include 3-4 workouts per week and no more. If you run the sample upper/lower program
included with this challenge and want to train only 3 days per week, it can be performed as follows:
Week 1
+ Monday - Lower Body A
+ Wednesday - Upper Body A+ Friday - Lower Body B
Week 2:
= Monday - Upper Body B
+ Wednesday - Lower Body A
+ Friday - Upper Body A
and so on.
No body part splits allowed during this challenge. You must use at least an upper/lower split, or a
full body workout if you prefer.
#3 - You Must Progress
Your mission is progressive overload. During this challenge, you MUST push every set for as many reps as
possible. No exceptions, and NO exceptions.This doesn't mean you should train to failure or push for more reps when your form breaks down. Stop a set
either when you feel like you might fail on the next rep, or when your form starts to deteriorate.
Live to fight another day and listen to your body. Push for progression but never at the expense of sloppy
form.
Remember, progression isn't just adding reps. You must also add weight to the bar when it makes sense. If
a set calls for 6-10 reps, when you hit 10 reps it's time to add weight.
#4 - 150 Grams of Protein, Minimum
Eat however the heck you want, BUT...you must consume at least
150 grams of protein per day if you are a male. I recommend
more if you can, but no less than 150 grams. Females should aim
for 80-100 grams.
As far as the rest of your diet, eat when you're hungry. Simple.
This isn't a cutting diet challenge, so please, no “can | do this,
while cutting" nonsense.
#5 - 4 Months Minimum
Run this challenge at least 4 months. Anything less and you lose your gym membership and must go train
at Planet Fitness for the rest of your life
There are no excuses allowed. Gird up your testicles (or vag) and smash some iron.
Sample #lronLife Challenge Workout
This is merely a sample 4 day per week program. If you don't like the exercise selection, chose other barbell
and dumbbell variations that fit your needs. It doesn't really matter which variations you use as long as you
arentt focusing on machines, cables and other random nonsense.
This 4 day workout can be performed as follows
+ Monday - Lower Body A
+ Tuesday - Upper Body A
+ Thursday - Lower Body B
* Friday - Upper Body BThis workout features the Rep Goal System. You need not use this, but you must push your sets for as
many reps as you can.
Barbell Calf Raise - These are performed holding a barbell in front of you, and NOT with a barbell on your
back. Please use straps. This is not a grip training exercise.
Lower Body A
Exercise Sets Rep Goal
‘Squats 4 30
Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlifts 3 30
Goblet Squats (Dumbbell) 3 35
One Leg Calf Raises Holding Dumbbell 3 40
Ab Wheel Roll Outs. 3 AMAP:
Upper Body A
Exercise Sets Rep Goal
Bench Press 4 30
One Arm Dumbbell Rows 3 40
Seated Arnold Press 3 30
Lying Triceps Extensions 3 30
Barbell or EZ Bar Curls 3 30
Rcd
Lower Body B
Exercise Sets Rep Goal oO
Deadlifts 3 20Rg
Front Squats 4 30
Lunges 3 35
Barbell Calf Raises 3 40
Planks 3 60-120 sec
Upper Body B
Exercise Sets Rep Goal
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press 3 30
Barbell Rows 4 35
Military Press 3 30
Two Arm Seated Dumbbell Extension 3 30
Dumbbell Curls 3 30
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Comments
Bobby L Hyler
is the rep goal for the Iron Life 4 month workout for each set or for the total of the sets?