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Insane Gains - Complete Workout Plan
Insane Gains - Complete Workout Plan
GAINS
HOW TO WORK ON STRENGTH AND
AESTHETICS AT THE SAME TIME
A quick guide by The Lean Programmer
Follow @TheLeanProgrammer
Strength or
Aesthetics?
A quick guide
This workout plan will help you work on
increasing your powerlifting strength as
well as build you more aesthetic!
WARNING!
This plan is SUPER powerful.
If you are a beginner, be careful.
Follow @TheLeanProgrammer
Not a
Beginner?
If you are familiar with basics of
bodybuilding/gym. You can ignore first
4 chapters and directly jump to the
workout program in chapter 5 (page 15)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 07 RECOVERY
Follow @TheLeanProgrammer
1
@TheLeanProgrammer
2
!!STOP!!
YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON ALL THE
KNOWLEDGE AND FUN IF YOU ARE NOT
FOLLOWING ME ON INSTAGRAM.
FOLLOW NOW!
@TheLeanProgrammer
CHAPTER 01
MY OWN JOURNEY
Finally a plan that focusses on
strength and aesthetics both!
This is the exact same program that I have been
following since past 2~2.5 months and here are the
results -
@TheLeanProgrammer 4
CHAPTER 02
BODY BUILDING
AND
POWERLIFTING
What is bodybuilding?
I will not add tons of lectures and too much theory, I will
come straight to the point
What is hypertrophy?
Think of it simply as the exercises for increasing the size and
strength of muscle groups.
@TheLeanProgrammer 6
What is powerlifting?
Powerlifting can be described as a strength sport that
focuses on three primary lifts: the squat, bench press, and
deadlift.
@TheLeanProgrammer 7
CHAPTER 03
CAN WE DO BOTH
AT THE SAME TIME?
Breaking down the divide:
Why not both?
Powerlifting and bodybuilding are two distinct disciplines
that have been traditionally viewed as incompatible.
So, why not train for these three lifts, as well as train for all
individual muscle groups that will make you look more
aesthetic (hypertrophy - we will talk about it soon) as well as
increase your strength in the compound lift?
@TheLeanProgrammer 9
Benefits of the combined
power-building workouts
Now, let me break the stereotype that you can’t train for
strength and aesthetics together. In reality, doing that can
benefit you manifold and help you in both.
@TheLeanProgrammer 10
CHAPTER 04
THE TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW
12
The Important
Terms.
Hypertrophy: Hypertrophy refers to the increase
in muscle size. It occurs when muscle fibers
undergo stress during resistance training, leading
to an adaptive response that results in muscle
growth and increased strength.
1RM: One-Rep-Max. The amount of max weight
you can lift and do only 1 rep with that.
SBD: Squats, Bench press, Deadlift
Accessory Exercises: supplementary movements
that target specific muscle groups or help
improve strength in the main lifts. These exercises
enhance muscle imbalances, improve weak
points, and provide additional volume to support
overall strength development.
Compound Exercises: Movement
including multiple muscle groups.
Isolation Exercises: Movements
focusing on one specific muscle
group.
@TheLeanProgrammer
13
The Important
Terms.
Progressive Overload: Gradual increase in training
stimulus over time. By constantly challenging your
muscles with heavier weights or increased repetitions
(or reduced resting time), you force your body to
adapt and grow stronger over time.
All progress happens by progressive overload.
Volume: Total amount of work performed in training
session. It can be the number of sets, reps or the
weight lifted.
Periodization: Structured approach to training that
involves dividing the training program into distinct
phases that vary in intensity, volume and exercise
selection for best results.
@TheLeanProgrammer
CHAPTER 05
HOW TO MEASURE PROGRESS
Measuring Progress
You can either rate your workouts weekly, or per training
session - it’s up to you. Writing down your progress will help
you get an idea of how much weight/intensity to go in next
session.
We will measure our progress for our max sets only for
compound movements after each session.
Don’t worry, you can write it after each session on this
document itself ;)
@TheLeanProgrammer 15
CHAPTER 05
THE WORKOUT PLAN!
DISCLAIMER
The ideas, concepts, and opinions expressed in this e-book are
intended to be used for educational purpose. The information
contained in this book should by no means be considered a
substitute for the advice of a qualified medical professional, who
should always be consulted before beginning any diet, exercise
or training program.
Rules before
following this plan
On the next page, write down your 1RM (1 rep max),
i.e. the amount of weight with which you can do only
one rep currently for each compound movement.
This is a 12 week program, we will have light weeks as
well as heavy weeks. Week 1, 2, 5, and 9 will be light.
By the end of 9 weeks, you should be easily able to do
2-4 reps x 2-3 sets of your current 1RM.
On 11th week, you can try out any weight between
1.05-1.1 times of your current 1 RM.
For example, if you are able to currently lift 150KG in
deadlifts, you should be easily able to lift around
157.5-165 KG by the end of 11th week.
You can swap accessory exercises but
can’t change the compound exercises.
Take proper diet and sleep at least 7-8
hours per day.
Weight percentage on main lifts can
be moved up but not down.
You can decrease number of reps,
but not weight for any main lift.
@TheLeanProgrammer
18
Sumo Deadlifts -
Conventional Deadlifts -
Barbell Back Squats -
Barbell Front Squats -
Bench Press -
@TheLeanProgrammer
19
Sample Scenario
@TheLeanProgrammer
20
!! IMPORTANT !!
DON’T FORGET TO DO DYNAMIC
STRETCHING/WARMUP/MOBILITY
BEFORE WORKOUT AND STRETCH
AFTER EACH WORKOUT
@TheLeanProgrammer
21
WEEK #1
Light weight, but lots of exercises to get you in shape for upcoming
weeks!
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Sumo Deadlift
(conventional if you don’t do sumo) Working set: 8 reps at 30%, 6 at 50%
Bend over rows, barbell curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
22
WEEK #1
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
23
WEEK #1
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Back Extension 4 x 10
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
24
WEEK #1
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Cable Crunches 4 x 10
@TheLeanProgrammer
25
WEEK #1
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Zottman Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Day 7: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
26
@TheLeanProgrammer
27
WEEK #2
Second week will be identical to first except for an increase in
intensity and volume.
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Sumo Deadlift
(conventional if you don’t do sumo) Working set: 8 reps at 30%, 6 at 50%
Bend over rows, barbell curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
28
WEEK #2
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
DB Incline Press 3 x 12
Crunches 4 x 10 (optional)
@TheLeanProgrammer
29
WEEK #2
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Back Extension 4 x 10
Leg Extension 3 x 12
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
30
WEEK #2
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
31
WEEK #2
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Preacher Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Wrist Curls 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
32
@TheLeanProgrammer
33
WEEK #3
If you stay consistent till here, you will start seeing insane results. This
week we will cross 70% and also focus a lot on hypertrophy.
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
DB Bent over Rows, DB curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
DB/Barbell Shrugs 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
34
WEEK #3
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Push Ups 3 x 10
V-Tucks 4 x 10 (optional)
@TheLeanProgrammer
35
WEEK #3
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Leg Extension 3 x 12
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
36
WEEK #3
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Reverse Flyes 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
37
WEEK #3
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Preacher Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Wrist Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Skull Crushers 3 x 12
Tricep Kickbacks 3 x 10
Day 7: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
38
!! HAVE FUN !!
@TheLeanProgrammer
39
WEEK #4
Now this is the week when we start doing heavy work, Till now we’ve
built a solid foundation, upcoming few weeks will be strength oriented
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Day 2: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
40
WEEK #4
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
5 x 10 at 50%
Close Grip Bench Press
2 x 5 at 65%
V-Tucks 4 x 10 (optional)
@TheLeanProgrammer
41
WEEK #4
Day 4:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Leg Extension 3 x 12
Day 5: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
42
WEEK #4
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Day 7: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
43
@TheLeanProgrammer
44
WEEK #5
I’m proud of you that you are lifting heavy from past 2 weeks, but it’s
important to keep some weeks light for recovery. This is one of them!
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Bend over rows, barbell curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
45
WEEK #5
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
46
WEEK #5
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
47
WEEK #5
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
48
WEEK #5
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Zottman Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Day 7: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
49
@TheLeanProgrammer
50
WEEK #6
Since last week was light, this week, we are going to go heavy + focus a
lot on hypertrophy.
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Sumo Deadlift
(Conventional if you don’t do sumo) Working set: paused 8 at 35%, 6 at 55%
DB Bent over Rows, DB curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
DB/Barbell Shrugs 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
51
WEEK #6
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #6
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Leg Extension 3 x 12
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #6
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Floor Press 4 x 10
Reverse Flyes 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #6
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Preacher Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Wrist Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Skull Crushers 3 x 12
Tricep Kickbacks 3 x 10
Day 7: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
55
!! DO IT RIGHT !!
MUSCLES ARE MADE IN KITCHEN AND
ON BED. IT’S IMPORTANT TO TAKE
PROPER DIET AND SLEEP.
THIS IS YOUR REMINDER!
DON’T OVERDO IT
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #7
We will spend a lot of weeks in the range 80-90%. This is where most
strength development will happen
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
DB Bent over Rows, DB curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #7
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #7
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #7
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #7
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Preacher Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Wrist Curls 4 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Day 7: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
61
!! DRINK WATER !!
DON’T FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF
WATER WHILE WORKING OUT, AND EVEN
THROUGHOUT THE DAY. ESPECIALLY IF
YOU ARE ON CREATINE.
DRINK AT LEAST 3 LITRES OF WATER/DAY
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #8
This is the last heavy week before we max out on Squats. Be ready, we
are almost there!
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Meadow Rows 3 x 12
Bent Over Rows, Bicep Curls (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #8
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
V-Tucks 4 x 10 (optional)
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #8
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Leg Extension 3 x 12
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #8
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #8
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Concentration Curls 4 x 10
Wrist Curls 4 x 12
DB Triceps extension 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
! GROW TOGETHER !
IF YOU ARE FACING ISSUES WITH
CONSISTENCY, IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO
FIND A GYM PARTNER.
DO THIS ROUTINE WITH THEM.
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #9
I’m proud of you that you are lifting heavy from past few weeks. We
spent a considerable amount of time in 80-90%, now it’s important to
do a light week for recovery before we go for our PR next week 😉
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Bend over rows, barbell curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #9
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Overhead Presses 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #9
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Leg Extension 4 x 10
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #9
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Bent over row + bicep curls (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
Barbell/DB Shrugs 4 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #9
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Preacher Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
EZ Bar Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Skull Crushers 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #10
All your efforts from past few weeks are about to pay off now! This
week, we will target a PR in squats!
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Leg Extension 3 x 12
Day 2: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #10
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Pull-Ups/Chin-Ups 4x8
Cable Rows + Bicep Curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #10
Day 4:
Exercise Sets/Reps
5 x 10 at 50%
Close Grip Bench Press
2 x 5 at 65%
V-Tucks 8 x 20 (optional)
Day 5: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #10
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Bent over row + Bicep curls (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
78
SNAP-TACULAR PR
I’M SURE IF YOU FOLLOWED THIS PLAN
RELIGIOUSLY, YOU WERE ABLE TO HIT A
PR IN SQUATS LAST WEEK.
RECORD A VIDEO OR TAKE SELFIE, PUT
A STORY ON INSTAGRAM AND TAG ME!
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #11
This is the final heavy week in this 12 week program. We will aim for
both deadlift and Bench PR in this week. All the best champion!
Day 1: REST
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Pull-Ups/Chin-Ups 4x8
Cable Rows 3 x 12
Cable Rows + Bicep Curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #11
Day 3: REST
Day 4:
Exercise Sets/Reps
DB Side Raise 4 x 12
DB Front Raise 4 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #11
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Leg Extension 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #11
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Cable Curls 4 x 10
Ez Bar Curls 3 x 12
Preacher Curls 4 x 10
Wrist Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
Skull Crushers 3 x 12
Tricep Kickbacks 3 x 10
@TheLeanProgrammer
83
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #12
You CRUSHED your workout plan, and I’m PROUD of you! This is the
final week of the 12 week INSANE GAINS program, we keep this as a
light week to allow your body to recover from all efforts in past weeks.
Day 1:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Sumo Deadlift
(conventional if you don’t do sumo) Working set: 8 reps at 30%, 6 at 50%
Bend over rows, barbell curl (superset) 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (adjust weight)
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #12
Day 2:
Exercise Sets/Reps
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #12
Day 3:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Back Extension 4 x 10
Day 4: REST
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #12
Day 5:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Cable Crunches 4 x 10
@TheLeanProgrammer
WEEK #12
Day 6:
Exercise Sets/Reps
Preacher Curls 4 x 10
Hammer Curls 3 x 12
Rope Pushdown 3 x 12
@TheLeanProgrammer
Follow @TheLeanProgrammer
Restart the
cycle!
Write down your new 1 RMs on the
next page and restart the cycle again
based on your new 1 RMs.
90
Sumo Deadlifts -
Conventional Deadlifts -
Barbell Back Squats -
Barbell Front Squats -
Bench Press -
@TheLeanProgrammer
CHAPTER 07
RECOVERY AND INJURY
PREVENTION
The Vital Role of Rest and Recovery
Rest is when your body repairs and rebuilds muscle
tissues damaged during intense workouts.
It allows the central nervous system to recover from the
stress of lifting heavy weights.
Without adequate recovery, you risk overtraining, which
can lead to injury, burnout, and stagnation.
Recovery also helps regulate hormones, including cortisol
and testosterone, crucial for muscle growth.
Lack of rest can lead to performance plateaus or even
regression.
It hinders your ability to lift heavier weights and make
strength gains.
@TheLeanProgrammer 92
Sleep: The Ultimate
Performance Enhancer!
During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone,
vital for recovery and muscle repair.
Muscle protein synthesis is most active during sleep,
promoting muscle growth.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Consistency in sleep patterns is key for optimal recovery.
Maintain a cool, dark, and quiet sleeping space.
Minimize screen time before bed, as blue light can
disrupt sleep.
Short power naps (20-30 minutes) during the day can
enhance alertness and mood, but they are not a
substitute for a quality sleep at night.
@TheLeanProgrammer 93
Active Recovery Techniques
@TheLeanProgrammer 94
Injury Prevention Tips
@TheLeanProgrammer 95
CHAPTER 08
MENTAL FORTITUDE
The Power of Positivity
A positive mindset isn't just about smiling through your
workouts; it's about how you perceive challenges and
setbacks. A positive outlook can boost motivation, resilience,
and ultimately, your success.
@TheLeanProgrammer 97
Staying Consistent Through Challenges
The Value of Acknowledgement:
Embrace Small Wins: Celebrate even minor milestones. These
victories build confidence and sustain motivation.
Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-doubt with self-encouragement.
Acknowledge your effort and progress regularly.
Sharing Success:
Inspire Others: Sharing your achievements within your fitness
community can motivate others and create a positive feedback
loop..
Be Social: Put your progress on Instagram. Feel free to tag me
(@TheLeanProgrammer) so that I can share your progress with
more people.
@TheLeanProgrammer 98
99
@TheLeanProgrammer
INSANE
GAINS
YOUR PERFECT WORKOUT PLAN FOR
POWERLIFTING AND BODYBUILDING