Power 8 is a muscle building workout system that attacks major muscle groups in 3 different ways:

Power - Each major muscle group is first hit with a ramping 5x5; the same style of 5x5 made famous by classic bodybuilder Reg Park.

- Each major muscle group is first hit with a ramping 5x5; the same style of 5x5 made famous by classic bodybuilder Reg Park. 8x8 - Following the power sets, major muscle groups are then taxed using an 8x8 protocol. Rest between each of these sets is kept to 60 seconds maximum.

- Following the power sets, major muscle groups are then taxed using an 8x8 protocol. Rest between each of these sets is kept to 60 seconds maximum. Isolation - Major muscle groups are "finished off" using an isolation exercise that focuses on a strict rep cadence.

Smaller muscle group are worked in a similar manner, but do not contain power movements. In addition, instead of performing an 8x8, you will target minor muscle groups with a 6x8 before finishing them off with an isolation movement.

6x8 - Minor muscle groups are first targeted with an 6x8 protocol (6 sets x 8 reps). Rest between each of these sets is kept to 60 seconds maximum.

- Minor muscle groups are first targeted with an 6x8 protocol (6 sets x 8 reps). Rest between each of these sets is kept to 60 seconds maximum. Isolation - Minor muscle groups are "finished off" using an isolation exercise that focuses on a strict rep cadence.

Power 8 - Three Day Split

This 3 day split should be performed with at least one day of rest between workouts, if possible. You can rotate this 3 day split over the course of 6 or 7 days.

7 Day Variation

Day 1 - Chest and Back

- Chest and Back Day 2 - Off

- Off Day 3 - Leg and Abs

- Leg and Abs Day 4 - Off

- Off Day 5 - Shoulders and Arms

- Shoulders and Arms Day 6 - Off

- Off Day 7 - Off

For the 6 day variation, simply do away with "day 7" and start the rotation over again. If your schedule forces you to workout 2 days in a row, the following schedule is recommended.

7 Day Variation - Back to Back Variation

Day 1 - Chest and Back

- Chest and Back Day 2 - Leg and Abs

- Leg and Abs Day 3 - Off

- Off Day 4 - Off

- Off Day 5 - Shoulders and Arms

- Shoulders and Arms Day 6 - Off

- Off Day 7 - Off

You want to keep rest between pushing days (chest - shoulders and arms) to a maximum. Keep those days in the same place, and adjust your leg training day as needed.

Selecting Exercises

Don't shy away from hard exercises. If you do, you're only selling your results short. A sample template is included below. If you need to change exercises because of limited equipment, choose the best possible substitutions. Try to make equal exercise swaps. Power 8 is set up as follows:

Major Muscle Groups

Power - A 5x5 using a heavy compound lift.

- A 5x5 using a heavy compound lift. 8x8 - An 8x8 using a less impactful heavy compound movement, or a machine exercise.

- An 8x8 using a less impactful heavy compound movement, or a machine exercise. Isolation - A 3x8-12 using an isolation style movement.

Minor Muscle Groups

6x8 - A 6x8 using a challenging isolation or machine exercise.

- A 6x8 using a challenging isolation or machine exercise. Isolation - A 3x8-12 using an isolation style movement.

As mentioned, 5x5 exercises are ramped. The first 2 sets are working warm up sets.

Set 1 - 60% x 5 reps

Set 2 - 80% x 5 reps

- 80% x 5 reps Sets 3-5 - 100% x 5 reps

Set 5 is an AMAP set, meaning you will perform as many reps as possible. Do NOT train to failure. Stop set 5 when you feel like you might fail on the next rep, or if your form starts to severely deteriorate. When you reach 7 or more reps on set 5, it is time to add weight. The next time you hit the gym, add 5 pounds to the bar.

8x8 and 6x8 Exercises

Rest between sets for these exercises is kept to a strict 60 seconds. Do not exceed this rest period. If you are unable to hit 8 reps for each set, don't worry. When you are able to perform 8 reps for each of these sets, it's time to add weight to the bar. Add the smallest possible amount of weight the next time you perform this movement.

Isolation Exercises

Perform these movements using a 4-2-4 rep tempo. This means it will take you 4 seconds to compete a rep, followed by a 2 second hold at the point of contraction, and a 4 second eccentric - or returning of the weight to the starting position of the exercise. Add weight when it makes sense for these exercises.

There is no need to force heavier weights before you are ready. Also, you may need to drop weight from set to set. These exercises are very deliberate and taxing. Dropping to a lighter weight is perfectly fine. Again, the point is to finish off your muscles, so weight used is secondary. With that said, don't go "too light", this making a set too easy.

Power 8 - Frequently Asked Questions

When can I work abs?

You could add in 3 sets per day after each workout. Use whichever exercises you prefer.

Can I add in deadlifts?

Yes, you can use deadlifts on back day for your 5x5 exercise. If you do this make sure to use some form of row and pull up/lat pull down for your next 2 exercises. You may want to rotate weeks, and do an 8x8 for rows one week, and an 8x8 for pull downs or pull ups the next.

What about forearms?

You really shouldn't need to work the forearms directly in the context of this system. Your forearms will receive plenty of quality stimulation.

Can I add in more arm work?

No. Trust the process. This workout system will build plenty of arm size.

Can I add in more chest work?

No. Trust the process. This workout system will build plenty of chest size.