1. Leg Extension — Ratchet

    Sets: 5   Reps: 1/3/X   Rest: 45

    A ratchet is comprised of 2 sets, both using the same weight. The first set is an activation set, so you'll perform 1 repetition. The second set of a ratchet is the stimulation set, and you'll perform 3 reps. After the second set of a ratchet, add 10 or 20 pounds for the next ratchet. Perform two ratchets, which is 4 total sets. As a general guideline, your first ratchet should be with approximately 75% of your 1RM, and your last ratchet should be the heaviest weight you can lift without slowing down through sticking points, which is usually around 85%. After the last ratchet (set 4), for set 5, reduce the weight by 20% and perform as many reps as you can without technical breakdown. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between all sets, but only take the minimum time required to give maximum effort.
  2. Leg Curl — Ramp

    Sets: 5   Reps: 3/X   Rest: 45

    Perform 4 sets of 3 repetitions, ramping (increasing) the load each set. Begin the work sets of the ramp with approximately 50% of 1RM and add 10 or 20 pounds on each subsequent set. Ramp for 4 sets, ending with the weight that's the heaviest you can lift without slowing down through sticking points. For intermediate lifters, and depending upon the day and lift, the load should be between 70% and 80% 1RM. For advanced lifters, the load should be between 85% and 90%. Set 5, reduce the weight by 20%, and perform as many repetitions as you can without technical breakdown. On each rep of every set, always lift the weight with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible). Rest no more than 45 seconds between sets, only taking the time required to give maximum effort.
  3. Face Pull — Ratchet

    Sets: 5   Reps: 1/3/X   Rest: 45

    A ratchet is comprised of 2 sets, both using the same weight. The first set is an activation set, so you'll perform 1 repetition. The second set of a ratchet is the stimulation set, and you'll perform 3 reps. After the second set of a ratchet, add 10 or 20 pounds for the next ratchet. Perform two ratchets, which is 4 total sets. As a general guideline, your first ratchet should be with approximately 75% of your 1RM, and your last ratchet should be the heaviest weight you can lift without slowing down through sticking points, which is usually around 85%. After the last ratchet (set 4), for set 5, reduce the weight by 20% and perform as many reps as you can without technical breakdown. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between all sets, but only take the minimum time required to give maximum effort.
  4. Restart Lateral Raise — Ramp

    Sets: 5   Reps: 3/X   Rest: 45

    Perform 4 sets of 3 repetitions, ramping (increasing) the load each set. Begin the work sets of the ramp with approximately 50% of 1RM and add 10 or 20 pounds on each subsequent set. Ramp for 4 sets, ending with the weight that's the heaviest you can lift without slowing down through sticking points. For intermediate lifters, and depending upon the day and lift, the load should be between 70% and 80% 1RM. For advanced lifters, the load should be between 85% and 90%. Set 5, reduce the weight by 20%, and perform as many repetitions as you can without technical breakdown. On each rep of every set, always lift the weight with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible). Rest no more than 45 seconds between sets, only taking the time required to give maximum effort.
  5. Floor Barbell Triceps Extension — Ratchet

    Sets: 5   Reps: 1/3/X   Rest: 45

    A ratchet is comprised of 2 sets, both using the same weight. The first set is an activation set, so you'll perform 1 repetition. The second set of a ratchet is the stimulation set, and you'll perform 3 reps. After the second set of a ratchet, add 10 or 20 pounds for the next ratchet. Perform two ratchets, which is 4 total sets. As a general guideline, your first ratchet should be with approximately 75% of your 1RM, and your last ratchet should be the heaviest weight you can lift without slowing down through sticking points, which is usually around 85%. After the last ratchet (set 4), for set 5, reduce the weight by 20% and perform as many reps as you can without technical breakdown. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between all sets, but only take the minimum time required to give maximum effort.
  6. High-Incline Seated Dumbbell Curl — Ramp

    Sets: 5   Reps: 3/X   Rest: 45

    Perform 4 sets of 3 repetitions, ramping (increasing) the load each set. Begin the work sets of the ramp with approximately 50% of 1RM and add 10 or 20 pounds on each subsequent set. Ramp for 4 sets, ending with the weight that's the heaviest you can lift without slowing down through sticking points. For intermediate lifters, and depending upon the day and lift, the load should be between 70% and 80% 1RM. For advanced lifters, the load should be between 85% and 90%. Set 5, reduce the weight by 20%, and perform as many repetitions as you can without technical breakdown. On each rep of every set, always lift the weight with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible). Rest no more than 45 seconds between sets, only taking the time required to give maximum effort.
Christian Thibaudeau specializes in building bodies that perform as well as they look. He is one of the most sought-after coaches by the world's top athletes and bodybuilders. Check out the Christian Thibaudeau Coaching Forum.