4-Day Lean Mass Bodybuilding Program
Designed for an intermediate lifter with a previous lower-back disc injury. Goal: maximize hypertrophy while
minimizing spinal fatigue and unnecessary risk.
Day Focus
Day 1 Upper Body A
Day 2 Lower Body A
Day 3 Rest
Day 4 Upper Body B
Day 5 Lower Body B
Day 6-7 Rest / Light Cardio / Mobility
Day 1 — Upper Body A
• Incline Dumbbell Press — 4 sets | 6–10 reps | RPE 7–8
• Chest-Supported Row — 4 sets | 8–12 reps | RPE 8
• Cable or Machine Lateral Raise — 3 sets | 12–15 reps | RPE 8–9
• Neutral-Grip Lat Pulldown — 3 sets | 8–12 reps | RPE 8
• Cable Tricep Pushdown — 3 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 8
• Incline Dumbbell Curl — 3 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 8
Day 2 — Lower Body A
• Leg Press — 4 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 7–8
• Bulgarian Split Squat — 4 sets | 8–12 reps | RPE 8
• Seated Hamstring Curl — 4 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 8–9
• Leg Extension — 3 sets | 12–15 reps | RPE 8–9
• Standing Calf Raise — 4 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 8
Day 4 — Upper Body B
• Flat Dumbbell Press — 4 sets | 8–12 reps | RPE 8
• One-Arm Cable Row — 4 sets | 8–12 reps | RPE 8
• Machine Shoulder Press — 3 sets | 8–12 reps | RPE 7–8
• Pec Deck Fly — 3 sets | 12–15 reps | RPE 8–9
• Cable Curl — 3 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 8
• Overhead Rope Tricep Extension — 3 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 8
Day 5 — Lower Body B
• Hack Squat or Goblet Squat — 4 sets | 8–12 reps | RPE 7–8
• Walking Lunges — 3 sets | 10–12 reps each leg | RPE 8
• Seated Hamstring Curl — 3 sets | 10–15 reps | RPE 8
• Leg Extension — 3 sets | 12–15 reps | RPE 8–9
• Seated Calf Raise — 4 sets | 12–15 reps | RPE 8
Lower Back Protection Rules
• Avoid max-effort deadlifting and excessive spinal flexion.
• Prioritize neutral spine positioning and controlled tempo.
• Stop any exercise that causes sharp spinal or nerve pain.
• Use machine-supported and chest-supported movements whenever possible.
• Consistency and pain-free training matter more than ego lifting.
Lean Muscle Nutrition Guidelines
• Protein: 0.7–1.0 g per lb of bodyweight daily.
• Calories: Aim for a moderate surplus (+250–350 calories/day).
• Sleep: 7.5–9 hours nightly.
• Cardio: 2–3 weekly sessions of incline walking, cycling, or light rowing.
Additional Note:
This workout protocol can serve as your baseline and can be adjusted later based on recovery, progress, and
preferences.