Upper lower split: four repeatable training days.

A four-day upper lower split with two distinct upper and lower sessions, progression and exercise substitutions.

DIRECT ANSWER

Upper lower split: four repeatable training days. This template is for a lifter who can train four days and wants most muscle groups exposed twice across the week. Monday upper A, Tuesday lower A, Thursday upper B and Friday lower B.

Who this is for

A lifter who can train four days and wants most muscle groups exposed twice across the week.

Most sessions should take roughly 50–75 minutes when rest periods and equipment access are predictable.

Weekly schedule

Monday upper A, Tuesday lower A, Thursday upper B and Friday lower B.

The sessions

Warm up for the movement and load in front of you. The listed sets are working sets.

  • Upper A: horizontal press, row, pulldown, lateral raise, arms
  • Lower A: squat pattern, leg curl, split squat, calves
  • Upper B: vertical press, pulldown, incline press, row, arms
  • Lower B: hinge, leg press, leg extension, leg curl, calves

How to progress

Use exercise-specific rep ranges and add load only after the target range is owned at the intended effort.

Keep one to three repetitions in reserve for most working sets unless the programme gives a different, deliberate target.

Substitutions

Keep one principal purpose per slot. If a barbell lift creates an avoidable constraint, use a machine, dumbbell or cable variation that still loads the target.

Common mistakes

Do not add exercises simply because the session felt short. Avoid changing several variables at once, and do not carry a missed session into the next day if that destroys the rest of the week.

Use it in Bulk Coach

Recreate the session as a saved workout, assign its weekday if the schedule is fixed, and choose each catalogue exercise by its intended movement role. One-click import is not claimed; review exercise names, sets and rep ranges before the first session.

Sources and further reading

  1. ACSM progression models for resistance training
  2. Proximity-to-failure systematic review
Updated 7 August 2026Reviewed by James Wood, founder