Upper lower 4-day split
An upper lower split trains each muscle twice a week across four sessions, with more total work than a full body plan. It is a natural next step once beginner progress slows.
Weekly schedule
Monday Upper A, Tuesday Lower A, Thursday Upper B, Friday Lower B.
Upper A (heavier)
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip | 4 | 5-8 |
| Bent Over Barbell Row | 4 | 6-8 |
| Standing Military Press | 3 | 6-10 |
| Pullups | 3 | as many as you can, 5-10 |
Lower A (heavier)
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Barbell Squat | 4 | 5-8 |
| Romanian Deadlift | 3 | 6-10 |
| Leg Press | 2 | 10-12 |
| Standing Calf Raises | 3 | 8-12 |
Upper B (lighter)
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Incline Dumbbell Press | 3 | 8-12 |
| Seated Cable Rows | 3 | 10-12 |
| Side Lateral Raise | 3 | 12-15 |
| Barbell Curl | 2 | 10-12 |
| Triceps Pushdown | 2 | 10-15 |
Lower B (lighter)
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Barbell Deadlift | 3 | 4-6 |
| Dumbbell Lunges | 3 | 10 each leg |
| Lying Leg Curls | 3 | 10-15 |
| Plank | 3 | 30-60 sec |
How to progress
Push the heavier days with small weight jumps; use the lighter days for more reps and better control. If a lift stalls for three sessions, drop it by 10 percent and work back up.
Rest between sets
2 to 3 minutes on heavier days, 60 to 120 seconds on lighter days. See how long to rest between sets.
Tips
- Keep the heavier and lighter days distinct; that variety helps recovery.
- Log every set so you know exactly what to beat next week.
- Take an easier week every 6 to 8 weeks if you feel run down.
Questions
Is upper lower better than push pull legs?
Neither is better for everyone. Upper lower fits four days a week; push pull legs fits three or six. Pick the one that matches your schedule.
Can beginners do an upper lower split?
Yes, though a 3-day full body plan is simpler for the first few months.
How long should I run this plan?
As long as you keep progressing, often 3 to 6 months or more.
More plans
- 3-day full body plan for beginners
- Home workout plan with no equipment
- Push pull legs split
- Dumbbell-only workout plan
- Glute and leg focus plan
General guidance, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts. The camera can miss things, so no issue seen doesn't mean perfect form.
Follow this plan in RepSensei
Free, with no account. Open it in your phone browser, or get the Android app.