Hitting the gym without a clear plan is frustrating. You train hard but see little progress.
Motivation drops, and doubts creep in. Many lifters stay stuck, repeating the same workouts without real results.
This 8-week intermediate muscle-building plan changes that. It’s built for lifters who have a foundation but need direction. Make sure you have the right fitness equipment to maximize your results and train safely.
Each workout is structured for steady strength and muscle growth. No more guesswork or wasted time. You’ll follow a proven plan that delivers measurable progress.
Train smarter, stay motivated, and finally build the lean, strong physique you’ve been chasing. Your transformation starts with the right program.
Workout Description
Main Goal |
Build Muscle |
Workout Type |
Split |
Training Level |
Intermediate |
Program Duration |
8 Weeks |
Days Per Week |
5 |
Time Per Workout |
60 Minutes |
Equipment Required |
Barbell, Bodyweight, Cables, Dumbbells, EZ Bar, Machines |
Target Gender |
Male & Female |
Recommended Supps |
Our 8-week muscle-building plan is an intermediate-level workout program that requires 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Since it’s designed for intermediate lifters, you should be familiar with exercise form and proper use of gym equipment to avoid injuries.
You will need equipment like barbells, body weights, cables, dumbbells, EZ bar, and machines to target all major muscle groups. Reps and sets will vary to keep your muscles challenged.
By combining this plan with your regular gym routine, your muscles will be pushed past plateaus, driving new growth and strength.
The Target for 8-Weeks Intermediate Muscle Building Workout
The key to achieving your fitness goals is setting small, realistic targets. Reaching these milestones boosts motivation and helps track progress. This 8-week intermediate muscle-building program includes 5 workout days per week and 2 active rest days.
Active rest days involve light activities such as walking, stretching, or simple mobility exercises to aid recovery while maintaining momentum. Each workout day focuses on specific muscle groups, allowing targeted training while giving other muscles time to recover.
This program is designed to build balanced, well-shaped muscles without creating a disproportionate physique.
Workout Schedule
Day |
Workout |
Monday |
Chest, Triceps and Shoulders |
Tuesday |
Back and Biceps |
Wednesday |
Legs |
Thursday |
Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps |
Friday |
Back and Biceps |
Saturday |
Active Rest Day |
Sunday |
Active Rest Day |
Monday: Chest, Triceps, and Shoulders
Chest |
||
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
3 |
10, 10, 8 (adding weight) |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
Max |
|
Triceps |
||
3 |
8–10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
Shoulders |
||
4 |
12 |
|
4 |
15, 12, 8, 8 (adding weight) |
Chest, triceps, and shoulders work well together because they share pushing movements. Training them in one session maximizes efficiency and muscle activation. You’ll perform 3 sets for chest and triceps and 4 sets for shoulders, using a progressive overload approach. Increase weight as reps decrease to ensure constant growth.
This structure not only saves time but also improves strength, endurance, and muscle definition. By targeting related muscle groups, you build balanced upper-body development while minimizing fatigue. Follow this plan consistently, focus on proper form, and watch your pushing strength and overall physique improve each week.
Tuesday: Back and Biceps
Back |
||
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
3 |
Max |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
8–10 |
|
Biceps |
||
3 |
8–10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
Back and biceps work naturally together because most pulling exercises engage both muscle groups. Training them in one session saves time and boosts efficiency. This workout includes 3 sets for each exercise with 8–10 reps for strength and growth. Minimize rest between sets to keep your muscles warm and maintain intensity.
Pull-ups and rows build width and thickness, while curls target biceps directly for balanced development. Following this plan improves posture, pulling strength, and arm definition. Stay consistent, focus on controlled movements, and gradually increase the weight to break plateaus and achieve a strong, defined upper body.
Wednesday: Legs
Quads, Glutes, and Hamstrings |
||
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
4 |
10, 10, 8, 8 |
|
3 |
8 each leg |
|
3 |
12 |
|
3 |
15 |
|
3 |
15 |
|
Calves |
||
5 |
10, 8, 8, 8, 6 (heavy) |
|
5 |
15 (light) |
Leg day focuses on building strength, size, and balance in your lower body. This workout trains quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves with effective compound and isolation movements. Squats and lunges develop power, while curls and extensions shape definition. Calf raises improve lower leg strength and stability.
Perform 3–5 sets with controlled form and progressive overload for consistent gains. Minimize rest to keep intensity high and muscles engaged. By the end of this session, your legs will be thoroughly challenged. Consistent training ensures balanced development, better athletic performance, and a strong foundation for your entire physique.
Thursday: Chest, Triceps, and Shoulders
Chest |
||
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
4 |
10, 10, 8, 6 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
Triceps |
||
4 |
10, 10, 8, 6 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
Shoulders |
||
4 |
10, 10, 8, 8 |
|
3 |
12 |
Thursday brings a second round for chest, triceps, and shoulders with fresh exercises to keep progress strong. This session prevents plateaus by changing the stimulus, ensuring muscle growth stays on track. Compound lifts like the incline bench press build power, while targeted isolation moves refine definition.
Focus on proper form and steady tempo for maximum activation. Perform 3–4 sets per exercise, adjusting weight for each set. Keep rest periods short to maintain intensity and keep muscles engaged. By the end, you’ll feel stronger, more balanced, and ready to crush the next phase of your training.
Friday: Back and Biceps
Back |
||
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
4 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
8-10 |
|
Biceps |
||
4 |
8-10 |
|
3 |
10 |
|
3 |
10 |
Friday focuses on back and biceps using fresh movements to finish the week strong. By combining compound lifts with isolation exercises, you’ll build strength and definition efficiently. Perform 3–4 sets for each exercise, keeping reps between 8–10. Maintain short rests to keep your muscles warm and engaged.
Rows and pulls target your back from multiple angles, while curls focus on bicep size and strength. Adjust weights progressively to challenge your muscles and maximize growth. This session is designed to push your limits while preparing you for recovery over the weekend, setting you up for the next training cycle.
Recommended Supplements for Better Results
Even though the workouts are effective, these supplements can enhance results and help you achieve your goals faster:
- Whey Protein Powder: Supports muscle growth, boosts energy during workouts, aids recovery, and helps maintain lean muscle mass.
- Creatine Powder: Increases strength, improves performance in high-intensity training, and speeds up muscle recovery.
- Pre-Workout Powder: Elevates energy, enhances focus, improves blood flow, and helps fight workout fatigue.
Conclusion
Training your body in separate parts while targeting complementary muscles is essential for building a balanced, sculpted physique. Whether male or female, strength training helps prevent injuries, improves posture, and supports daily movement.
Consistency is key, so follow the schedule patiently, and results will come. Combine this routine with cardio and active rest days to accelerate progress and keep your muscles engaged. This structured approach ensures steady growth, better recovery, and long-term success in achieving a strong and well-defined body.