Building muscle and adding size requires a structured workout plan, proper nutrition, and consistent effort. A well-designed full-week gym routine ensures that all major muscle groups are targeted effectively, recovery is optimized, and progressive overload is applied to stimulate growth.
This guide provides a full-week workout plan aimed at size and muscle gain, suitable for beginners and intermediate lifters who want to maximize results efficiently.
Why a Full-Week Workout Plan Works
A full-week plan allows you to:
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Target all major muscle groups: Ensures balanced development of chest, back, arms, shoulders, and legs.
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Include sufficient volume and intensity: Proper volume stimulates hypertrophy (muscle growth).
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Optimize recovery: Alternating muscle groups prevents overtraining and supports strength gains.
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Build size progressively: Structured weekly routines make it easier to track progress and apply overload.
By combining compound and isolation exercises, this program ensures both strength and aesthetics are developed simultaneously.
Full Week Gym Workout Plan
This plan follows a 6-day split with one rest day, focusing on major muscle groups with a combination of compound and isolation movements.
Weekly Schedule
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| Monday | Chest & Triceps |
| Tuesday | Back & Biceps |
| Wednesday | Legs (Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves) |
| Thursday | Shoulders & Traps |
| Friday | Chest & Back (Push-Pull Combo) |
| Saturday | Arms & Core |
| Sunday | Rest or Active Recovery |
Day 1 – Chest & Triceps
Chest Exercises:
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Barbell Bench Press – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
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Incline Dumbbell Press – 4 sets of 10–12 reps
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Dumbbell Fly or Cable Crossover – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
Triceps Exercises:
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Tricep Rope Pushdown – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
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Overhead Dumbbell Tricep Extension – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
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Close-Grip Bench Press – 3 sets of 8–10 reps
Tips: Focus on controlled motion and full range of motion for maximum chest contraction and tricep engagement.
Day 2 – Back & Biceps
Back Exercises:
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Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldown – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
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Bent-Over Barbell Row – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
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Seated Cable Row – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
Biceps Exercises:
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Barbell Curl – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
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Dumbbell Hammer Curl – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
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Concentration Curl – 3 sets of 10–12 reps per arm
Tips: Keep elbows close to the body during curls and maintain a straight back during rows for safety and effectiveness.
Day 3 – Legs (Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves)
Leg Exercises:
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Squats (Barbell or Dumbbell) – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
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Romanian Deadlift – 4 sets of 10–12 reps
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Lunges – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg
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Leg Press – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
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Calf Raises – 4 sets of 15–20 reps
Tips: Prioritize proper form and slow, controlled movement for maximal hypertrophy.
Day 4 – Shoulders & Traps
Shoulder Exercises:
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Overhead Barbell or Dumbbell Press – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
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Dumbbell Lateral Raises – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
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Dumbbell Front Raises – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
Trap Exercises:
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Barbell Shrugs – 4 sets of 12–15 reps
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Upright Rows – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
Tips: Keep a slight bend in elbows during lateral raises and shrug slowly for peak contraction.
Day 5 – Chest & Back (Push-Pull Focus)
Chest Exercises:
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Incline Barbell Press – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
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Cable Crossover – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
Back Exercises:
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Pull-Ups – 4 sets to failure
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One-Arm Dumbbell Row – 4 sets of 10–12 reps
Tips: Maintain balance between push and pull movements for muscular symmetry.
Day 6 – Arms & Core
Biceps Exercises:
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Preacher Curl – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
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Incline Dumbbell Curl – 3 sets of 12 reps
Triceps Exercises:
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Skull Crushers (EZ Bar) – 3 sets of 8–12 reps
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Rope Tricep Pushdowns – 3 sets of 12–15 reps
Core Exercises:
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Plank – 3 sets of 60 seconds
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Russian Twists – 3 sets of 20 reps
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Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets of 10–12 reps
Tips: Focus on controlled movement, full contraction of arm muscles, and proper core engagement.
Day 7 – Rest / Active Recovery
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Take a complete rest day or do light cardio and stretching
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Proper rest is crucial for muscle repair and growth
Warm-Up & Cool Down
Warm-Up (5–10 Minutes)
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Light cardio: treadmill, bike, or rowing – 3–5 minutes
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Dynamic stretches: arm circles, leg swings, hip rotations
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Light sets of main exercises before heavier lifts
Cool Down (5–10 Minutes)
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Static stretches for muscles trained during the session
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Focus on breathing and muscle relaxation to reduce soreness
Nutrition for Muscle Gain
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Protein: 1.2–2 g per kg of bodyweight; sources: chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, dairy
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Carbohydrates: Fuel your workouts; sources: oats, rice, potatoes, whole grains
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Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil
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Hydration: At least 2–3 liters of water daily
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Caloric Surplus: Consume slightly more calories than you burn for size and muscle growth
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Pre- & Post-Workout Nutrition: Simple carbs + protein pre-workout, protein + carbs post-workout
Tips to Maximize Muscle Growth
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Progressive Overload: Gradually increase weight, reps, or sets
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Consistency: Stick to the plan for at least 8–12 weeks
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Sleep: 7–9 hours per night for recovery and growth
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Track Progress: Maintain a workout log to monitor gains
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Mobility & Stretching: Prevent injuries and improve performance
Summary Table: Full Week Size & Muscle Gain Workout Plan
| Day | Focus | Exercises | Sets/Reps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Chest & Triceps | Bench Press, Incline Press, Chest Fly, Rope Pushdown, Overhead Extension | 3–4 sets, 8–15 reps |
| Tuesday | Back & Biceps | Pull-Ups, Barbell Row, Seated Row, Barbell Curl, Hammer Curl | 3–4 sets, 8–15 reps |
| Wednesday | Legs | Squats, Romanian Deadlift, Lunges, Leg Press, Calf Raises | 3–4 sets, 8–20 reps |
| Thursday | Shoulders & Traps | Overhead Press, Lateral Raise, Front Raise, Shrugs, Upright Row | 3–4 sets, 8–15 reps |
| Friday | Chest & Back | Incline Press, Cable Crossover, Pull-Ups, Dumbbell Row | 3–4 sets, 8–12 reps |
| Saturday | Arms & Core | Preacher Curl, Incline Curl, Skull Crushers, Rope Pushdowns, Plank, Russian Twists | 3–4 sets, 10–15 reps |
| Sunday | Rest | Recovery or light cardio | – |
Final Thoughts
A full-week gym workout plan for muscle gain is ideal for lifters who want structured, progressive training for size and strength. By combining compound and isolation exercises, proper nutrition, and recovery, you can maximize gains while avoiding overtraining.
Consistency, patience, and proper technique are key. Stick to this weekly schedule, progressively overload your muscles, and track your results. Over time, you’ll notice significant size gains, improved strength, and a more balanced physique.
Building muscle takes time, but with a well-structured plan, the process becomes efficient and sustainable. Follow this program, stay committed, and you’ll grow like a pro.
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