5 Best Workout Splits for Maximum Muscle Growth
A five-day split maximizes muscle growth by focusing on individual muscle groups with high-volume training sessions. This advanced training approach suits experienced lifters who can dedicate significant time to the gym.
Key Benefits:
- Higher volume per muscle group
- Greater exercise variety
- More time for advanced techniques
- Enhanced recovery between muscle groups
- Focused attention on specific areas
Training Requirements:
- Advanced lifting experience (2+ years)
- Good recovery capabilities
- Proper nutrition
- Time commitment for daily training
- Strong exercise form
Essential Guidelines:
- Avoid training overlapping muscle groups on consecutive days
- Keep workouts under 70 minutes
- Use varied rep ranges (6-8 for strength, 10-12 for hypertrophy)
- Choose complementary exercises
- Change routines every 4-8 weeks
Muscular man doing barbell workout
Program Option 1: Five On, Two Off
- Monday: Chest
- Tuesday: Legs
- Wednesday: Front/Lateral Delts, Traps
- Thursday: Back, Rear Delts
- Friday: Arms
- Saturday/Sunday: Rest
Woman performing pull-up exercise
Program Option 2: Two On, One Off
- Day 1: Chest, Triceps
- Day 2: Back, Biceps
- Day 3: Rest
- Day 4: Shoulders, Traps
- Day 5: Arms
- Day 6: Rest
- Day 7: Legs
Workout Guidelines:
- Perform 4-5 exercises for large muscles
- Choose 2-4 exercises for smaller muscles
- Rest 60-90 seconds between sets
- Include proper warm-up sets
- Consider intra-workout supplements
- Add abs/calves up to 3 times weekly
- Alternate arm exercise order weekly
Research supports both training frequencies when volume is equated properly. Choose the split that best fits your schedule and recovery needs.