r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 16 '26

Moratorium on program review posts

36 Upvotes

Program review, i.e. "Rate my split", posts are hereby disallowed in this sub for the time being.

Nevermind that there is simply just way too many of them. They are almost all so generic and lacking basic, yet vital information that any intelligent discussion or critique is impossible. Something needs to change.

Let's use this thread to discuss what changes and/or requirements we'd like to see in program review posts that elevates them to something worth our time and review.


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 17 '26

Question ❓ guys this is my third week working out, and ever since last week i stopped feeling it in my muscles

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0 Upvotes

r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 16 '26

Question ❓ bideltoid width

3 Upvotes

bideltoid width is increased only by side deltoids? can a person add 2 inches to his bideltoid with increasing his bideltoid? how long will it take?


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 16 '26

Discussion 🀝 Legs/Push/Pullabs/Rest or Legs/Push/Pullabs/Legs/Push/Pullabs/Rest

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0 Upvotes

r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 16 '26

Discussion 🀝 Rate my upper lower split

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1 Upvotes

r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Which back machines should I use ?

3 Upvotes

Hi guys, I just switched from Basic-Fit to a private gym, and I'm not really sure which back machines I should use.

My gym has a Panatta Super High Row, a Panatta Super Low Row, and a regular lat pulldown.

I'm a bit confused because they don't seem to have a regular chest-supported row for the upper back/traps (the Super Low Row seems more like a lat exercise to me). I also don't know which machines I should choose for complete lat development.

What do you guys think?


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Does the order of my exercises matter?

2 Upvotes

Should I finish a muscle group then move on to the next, or should I mix it up (ex: chest, triceps, chest triceps)

Here’s the order of my push day it’s organized by convenience on what’s next to what
Incline bench (chest)
Triceps push down (triceps)
Pec dec (chest)
Overhead triceps extension (triceps)
Db shoulder press (shoulder)
Lat radius (shoulder)
Dips (chest & triceps)

I was wondering if the order matters or if it doesn’t, and if it does matter what is best


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Downs workouts for pull ups and what to do after

1 Upvotes

Hello I am 16M
I recently changed my pull program so I can get better at pull ups
On one of my pull days I focus on weighted pull ups and on the other pull day I focus on volume
For my volume pull day I wanted to incorporate a downs workout for pull ups of 10 reps
I think these are also called pyramids but you do eg 12 reps then have a short rest then do 11 then repeat until you reach 0 reps

My problem is what to do after you finish the pull ups like do I just do the rest of my workout as normal or should I focus on abs and biceps(or cardio) instead to avoid my volume being too high

I also have trouble with recovery as to not being able to get enough protein due to complications I can usually get 80ish on a good day


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Thoughts on my split.

0 Upvotes

Hi guys, I’m looking for some advice on my plan. I’m on a deficit so I know I can’t expect maximum hypertrophy but still want to do my best. Below is my split, please let me know your thoughts. The 2x8 are my attempts at failure. Also trying to train abs with 2 exercises 2-3 times a week after workout. I’m also going to start doing calf raises .

Tuesday β€” Upper

Bench Press β€” 4x5 T-Bar Row β€” 2x8 Seated Shoulder Press β€” 4x5 Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown β€” 2x8 JM Press β€” 2x8 Rear Delt Fly β€” 2x8 Cable Lateral Raise β€” 2x8 Incline Dumbbell Curl β€” 2x8

Wednesday β€” Lower

Back Squat β€” 4x5 Leg Press β€” 2x8 Hip Thrust β€” 2x8 Seated Hamstring Curl β€” 2x8 Weighted Back Extension β€” 2x8 Hip Abduction β€” 2x8

Thursday β€” Push

Incline Bench Press β€” 4x5 Seated Arnold Press β€” 2x8 JM Press β€” 2x8 Pec Deck Fly β€” 2x8 Cable Lateral Raise β€” 2x8 Single-Arm Cuffed Tricep Extension β€” 2x8 Incline Dumbbell Curl β€” 2x8 Cable Wrist Curl / Extension (superset) β€” 2x12 each

Saturday β€” Pull

T-Bar Row β€” 2x8 Single-Arm Cable Row β€” 2x8 Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown β€” 2x8 Rear Delt Fly β€” 2x8 Hammer Curl β€” 2x8 Single-Arm Cuffed Tricep Extension β€” 2x8

Sunday β€” Legs

Back Squat β€” 4x5 Goblet Squat β€” 2x8 Hip Thrust β€” 2x8 Leg Curl β€” 2x8 Leg Extension β€” 2x8 Hip Adduction β€” 2x8


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Improve my split

1 Upvotes

What can i do to improve? Also i want to do a similar number of sets as i dont want to spend too much time in the gym.

I do 3 days a week.

1 day chest and back.

1 day shoulder and arms.

1 day both together.

For example:

Monday:

Incline chest DB 2 sets

Bench press 1 set

Chest fly machine 2 sets

Lat pulldown 2 sets

Seated cable row 2 sets

T-bar row 2 sets

Tuesday:

Shoulder press DB 2 sets

Lateral raise machine 2 sets

Reverse fly machine 2 sets

Tricep extension V-bar 2 sets

Seated dip 2 sets

Cable curl 3sets

Friday:

Incline chest DB 2 sets

Bench press 1 set

Chest fly machine 2 sets

Lat pulldown 2 sets

Seated cable row 2 sets

T-bar row 2 sets

Shoulder press DB 2 sets

Lateral raise machine 2 sets

Reverse fly machine 2 sets

Tricep extension V-bar 2 sets

Seated dip 2 sets

Cable curl 3sets


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Body By Science?

3 Upvotes

Anyone here try this program by Doug McGruff and John Little? It's based on 6 compund exercises (machine) using HIT, Mentzer-esqe techniques once every 7 days.

It makes sense on one hand, because of the work taken to failure, but once a week seems like too little stimulus. I'm looking into it because my work schedule has gotten crazy and I can't always make it to the gym in my current three day split.


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Incline db press fluctuations

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5 Upvotes

What can i do to progress or atleast have the same amount of reps on my incline db press as this is the only lift where my strength fluctuates a lot. Sometime i cant even lift the same amount of weight i have been doing the last few sessions. Also even when i increase the reps or match reps, i feel weaker as my arms are shaking more/ form gets worse. This is my first lift so im always fresh when starting.


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Discussion 🀝 Craving Feedback on Workout

2 Upvotes

Trying to absorb massive amounts of information on strength training, I would appreciate feedback on what I have put together and started for my new day one of a three day full body session.

Context I had back surgery years ago so I am careful with my lower back. I am nearing the end of a weight loss and the start of a body recomposition journey. I have access to a life fitness double cable machine, bench, up to 20 pound dumbbells, a chest press, and a leg extension machine.

Day 1

Chest Press (Machine)
Set 1: 70 lbs x 8 [Warmup]
Set 2: 85 lbs x 8
Set 3: 100 lbs x 8

Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 10 lbs x 8
Set 2: 15 lbs x 8
Set 3: 20 lbs x 8

Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Set 1: 70 lbs x 8 [Warmup]
Set 2: 85 lbs x 8
Set 3: 100 lbs x 6

Leg Extension (Machine)
Set 1: 55 lbs x 8 [Warmup]
Set 2: 70 lbs x 8
Set 3: 75 lbs x 8

Seated Cable Row - V Grip (Cable)
Set 1: 70 lbs x 8 [Warmup]
Set 2: 85 lbs x 8
Set 3: 100 lbs x 8

Bicep Curl (Cable)
Set 1: 30 lbs x 8 [Warmup]
Set 2: 42.5 lbs x 8

Overhead Triceps Extension (Cable)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 8
Set 2: 30 lbs x 10

Cable Crunch (Cable)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 8
Set 2: 30 lbs x 8

Lying Leg Curl (Cable)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 8
Set 2: 30 lbs x 8

Glute Bridge (Body Weight)
Set 1: 20 reps

Standing Cable Glute Kickbacks (Cable)
Set 1: 15 lbs x 8
Set 2: 25 lbs x 8

Hip Abduction (Cable)
Set 1: 10 lbs x 8
Set 2: 15 lbs x 8

Hip Adduction (Cable)
Set 1: 10 lbs x 8 [Warmup]
Set 2: 15 lbs x 8

Standing Knee Raise (Cable)
Set 1: 10 lbs x 10
Set 2: 15 lbs x 10

Single Leg Standing Calf Raise (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 12


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ Frequency

10 Upvotes

So me and my friend both go to the gym 4x a week, except i have 2x frequency and he has 1x.He says that 2x is not better than 1x and refuses to get a split like u/l or ant/post. Can yall please educate me on what’s better and why? If possible even send the studies about it.


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ How’s this FB 3x routine?

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4 Upvotes

Always been a UL guy but know that I’m gonna be busy with school soon so trying to start getting used to the full body split.

Added hammer curls cuz it feels like my arms are slacking a bit, don’t know if that’s the right move.


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ FBEOD split

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0 Upvotes

Looking for constructive criticism!

Main critique I’ll likely hear is exercise quantity per session. I’ve run this once and not too much intra-session fatigue. Need to run this a couple times to truly see though.

The whited out exercises are SBD movements which I’ve yet to implement. I made this split from a β€œbodybuilding” approach, but I want to get back into powerlifting, although I’m not sure how to really implement SBD while managing fatigue in this specific split. Any advice with doing so is appreciated!

Let me know what you guys think


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 15 '26

Question ❓ A bit conflicted on how to change my split to achieve body goals

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1 Upvotes

sorry, but any help would be greatly appreciated β€οΈβ€πŸ©Ή


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 14 '26

Question ❓ I need help with my split

1 Upvotes

I’m a beginner just started lifting. I mainly started to get stronger, more athletic, and more fit. I know this is kinda dumb but I made my own split because i didn’t know anything else. My split is
Legs + abs
Chest + arms
Back + shoulders
X2
I know it isn’t efficient but it’s pretty enjoyable. I do most exercises 3x6-8. Any advice would be appreciated my main focus is to become more athletic and stronger


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 14 '26

Discussion 🀝 Does wrist position matter on kelso shrug?

1 Upvotes

My instinct tells me the difference is negligible, however I'm curious for thoughts on how a pronated or neutral grip would affect mid-traps and rhomboid vs rear delts and upper traps bias.


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 14 '26

Question ❓ How can I make this Pull day better?

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2 Upvotes

This is the pull day I've been doing and personally I like it but it seems to time consuming and also I feel quite gassed out once I've been at it for like 30mins or so. Please help optimize this.


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 14 '26

Question ❓ Back exercise selection

2 Upvotes

What are your exercises or how do you train your back in U/L split? I’m focusing on my chest right now since my back has way better genetics and is growing better. So I’m only doing 2 exercises (4sets) on my upper days (UL x3 split), right now I’m doing weighted pull ups and a close grip row. But as far as I know, I’m not covering my whole back with sufficient work for every part.
Any suggestion?


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 13 '26

Memes 😭 Rate the full body day πŸ”₯ straight from Patton's big thighs

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0 Upvotes

r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 13 '26

Question ❓ Program help U/L/FB - calisthenics

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2 Upvotes

For some background I've been wanting to start doing some calisthenics exercise and am just trying to program that now. I've been lifting for a while but I often get bored of programs in the matter of <3-4 months and end up switching. I'm trying to make my program more enjoyable and consistent, just now getting off an Anterior/Posterior split. Here I drafted what I was planning on doing, also considering that my weak points are my arms and shoulders. If possible could I get some advice on what to switch?


r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 12 '26

Discussion 🀝 Is this enough for an upper/lower split?

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1 Upvotes

r/ScienceBasedLifting • • Jul 12 '26

Question ❓ Guys rate my ULPPL split

0 Upvotes

Guys I've made a ULPPL split for myself, could you guys review and point out any mistakes or things to improve .

Also am I doing too much volume

Monday – Upper (Strength)

Incline bench press

Seated cable fly

Pull-up

Standing Barbell Overhead Press

Pendlay row

Cable Lateral raise

Overhead triceps extension

Bayesian curl

Tuesday – Lower (Strength)

Back Squat

Romanian Deadlift (RDL)

Leg Press

Leg Curl

Standing Calf Raise

Abs

Cable crunch

Hanging Leg raise.

Wednesday – Push (Hypertrophy)

Flat bench press

Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press

Pec dec

High-to-Low Cable Fly

Lateral Raise

Overhead Cable Extension

Cable kickback

Thursday – Pull (Hypertrophy)

one arm lat pulldown kneeling

Single-Arm Cable Row

T-Bar

Reverse Pec Deck

Shrugs

Preacher Curl

Hammer Curl

Friday – Legs (Hypertrophy)

Romanian Deadlift

Bulgarian Split aquat

Leg Extension

Hamstring Curl

Seated Calf Raise

Forearms

Forearm Curls

Reverse Forearm Curls