Open Gym Strength and Conditioning – Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding RPE Scale
RPE 1-3 || This should be a weight that an athlete can move with ease throughout the intended rep range.
RPE 4-5 || This is a weight that provides a moderate amount of resistance but the athlete feels like they could double the intended rep range with the weight they chose
RPE 6-7 || This is a moderate-moderate/heavy weight for the athletes. This should provide a challenge for the intended rep range but should not be something that they are worried of failing. The rest needed between sets should be minimal.
RPE 8-9 || This is a near maximal effort for the intended rep range. Athletes should need and want adequate amount of rest between the sets at this RPE.
RPE 10 || This is a max effort for the intended rep range. The athlete should be fully taxed at the end of each set.
Arms and Core Warm-up (Checkmark)
3 Rounds
15/12 cal row
15 banded bicep curls (light band – fast reps)
15/12 cal ski
15 banded tricep extensions (light band – fast reps)
-into-
3 rounds:
5 Alt. V-ups (each side)
10 Lying Heel Taps (each side)
5 Cat/Cows
Athletes Notes
Focus: Move with intention and take machine work at an easy/moderate pace
Banded Bicep Curls
Banded Tricep Extension
Alt Leg V-ups (per side)
Lying Heel Taps (per side)
Cat/Cows
Deficit Pushups
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Focus: Set up 3 plates on the floor. Two plates should be positioned under the hands and one plate positioned under the feet. There should be enough space between the plates for the hands so that the torso can pass through and make contact with the floor. Athletes will find that turning the hands out slightly will allow for better shoulder positioning when going down in the pushup. Only attempt deficit Push-ups if you can perform regular Push-ups without assistance. Recommended deficit is 45lb hi-temp plates.
5 sets: 10 reps – RPE 7
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Ring Row – Feet Elevated
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Focus: Athletes will need a set of rings and some type of item (bench, box, or stacked plates) to elevate their feet. Rings should be set up so that the bottom of the rings are at the top of the athlete’s hip when standing. Foot platform should be at a height that allows athlete to be completely parallel when athletes are at the top of the rep (with rings making contact with the outside of the chest). Another measurement that typically works is using a platform that is right at knee level. Athlete should lie back hanging from rings with straight legs on their elevated platform and row until rings make contact with the outside of the chest. Core should stay engaged and legs straight. Athletes should avoid “kipping” the rep.
5 sets: 10 reps – RPE 7
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Ring Dips
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Focus: Dips will be performed on rings set at a height that you can keep your feet off the ground. Keep shoulders in an engaged position throughout the dips and the rest of the body in a strong “hollow position” if not using assistance. A band can be attached across the rings or one foot can be placed on the floor to assist.
4 sets: 10 reps – RPE 7
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Seated Alternating DB Hammer Curl
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
*Build to a light/moderate weight. Stay the same and focus on strict control throughout
Focus: Stay with a weight that will allow for control and minimal kipping of reps. Sit on the edge of a bench or surface that will allow for the hands to be lowered to the sides of the body rather than being stopped by the surface that athlete is sitting on (ex. if the athlete sat in the middle of the bench). Keep dumbbells slightly in front of the body at the bottom position to keep tension on the biceps throughout set. When curling, turn the arm thinking about getting the pinky finger close to the shoulder to maximize contraction with each rep.
4 sets: 10 reps (each side) – RPE 7
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Standing KB Crush Grip French Press
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Focus: In a standing position, take a KB and grasp it between both hands around the bell portion (not the handles). Palms will be facing each other on either side of the bell. Lift the KB overhead, being mindful of the positioning of the handles so they don’t hit the head. Keeping the elbows tucked and pointed at the ceiling, lower the weight behind the head. Extend back overhead to complete. Be sure to keep core engaged and avoid overextension in the low back.
4 sets: 10 reps – RPE 7
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Barbell Curl 21s
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets Focus: Standing with a barbell perform 7 reps from waist to parallel, 7 reps from top of rep to parallel, 7 reps full range of motion. Ensure that you do not sacrifice quality over quantity with this exercise.
3 sets: 21 reps – RPE 7
*Rest 1:00-1:30 b/t sets
Core Work (4 Rounds for time)
4 sets:
10 Overhead Plate Situps
:45 Superman Hold
30 Laying Heel Taps
15 Dip Supported Leg Raise
:45 sec Overhead DB Hold (each side)
*Rest 2:00 b/t sets
Athletes Notes
Overhead Plate Situps
Superman Hold
Heel Taps
Dip Support Leg Raise
Cooldown/Mobility (Checkmark)
1 min seal pose
1 min bicep stretch on wall
1 min tricep smash (each side)
Athlete Notes
Bicep Wall Stretch
Tricep Smash
Mayhem Mini-Pump
Mini-Pump Sessions are used as a supplement to another Mayhem Athlete track or on days when you are pressed for time and cannot complete the full day’s bodybuilding session as programmed. You should NOT complete today’s bodybuilding program AND the mini-pump session. Choose one or the other.
Arms and Core (4 Rounds for time)
4 rounds:
10 Deficit Pushups @ moderate weight RPE 7
10 Ring Row – Feet Elevated @ moderate weight RPE 7
10 Standing KB Crush Grip French Press @ moderate weight RPE 7
10 Seated Alternating DB Hammer Curl (each side) @ moderate weight RPE 7
15 Strict Abmat Situps (hands next to head or across chest)
:30 L-sit Hold
15 Plank Walk (each side)
:30 Chinese Plank
30yd Offset Overhead Farmer Carry (left overhead/right farmer hold)
30yd Offset Overhead Farmer Carry (right overhead/left farmer hold)
*Rest 3 minutes b/t rounds
Athletes Notes
Deficit Pushups
Ring Row – Feet Elevated
Standing KB Crush Grip French Press
Seated Alternating DB Hammer Curls
Strict Sit Up
L-Sit Hold
Plank Walk
Face Up Chinese Plank
Isolateral DB Farmers Carry
Add Comment