Push, Pull, Legs: The Ultimate 6-Day Workout Plan to Maximise Strength and Growth

Published on 6 December 2024 at 09:38

Looking to supercharge your fitness routine and take your gains to the next level? The Push-Pull-Legs (PPL) split is a time-tested approach designed to maximise strength, muscle growth, and overall performance. By targeting specific muscle groups across six days, this high-frequency workout plan ensures balanced progress while keeping you consistent and motivated. Whether you're an advanced lifter or ready to take your training seriously, this PPL routine will push your limits and deliver real results. Let’s dive into the ultimate 6-day plan that’ll transform your physique and power up your strength game!

What Is the Push Pull Legs Workout Split?

The Push Pull Legs (PPL) workout split is one of the most popular and effective ways to structure your training. It breaks your workouts into three simple categories, focusing on movement patterns and muscle groups for optimal strength and muscle growth.

Push Workouts

Push days hit all the "pushing" muscles—your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Think exercises like:

  • Bench Press
  • Shoulder Press
  • Tricep Pushdowns

Pull Workouts

Pull days focus on "pulling" movements, working your back, biceps, and rear delts. Some key exercises include:

  • Pull-Ups
  • Barbell Rows
  • Bicep Curls

Leg Workouts

Leg day targets your lower body, building strength and power in your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Must-haves are:

  • Squats
  • Romanian Deadlifts
  • Calf Raises

Why It’s So Effective

  1. Balanced Training: Every muscle group gets its own focus, so you train smarter, not harder.
  2. High Frequency: You can hit each muscle group twice a week for quicker gains and better recovery.
  3. Customisable: Whether you’re training 3, 4, 5, or 6 days a week, this split adapts to your schedule.

The PPL split is perfect for anyone wanting to level up their workouts. It’s straightforward, efficient, and proven to get results—whether you’re building muscle, gaining strength, or just wanting to stay consistent.


Why Choose a 6-Day Push Pull Legs Plan?

A 6-day Push Pull Legs (PPL) plan is the ultimate strategy for serious lifters who want to maximise strength, build muscle efficiently, and take their fitness to the next level. Here's why it stands out:

1. High Training Frequency

Training each muscle group twice a week with a 6-day split ensures optimal stimulation for growth. This frequency allows you to hit the sweet spot for building muscle without overtraining, giving your body enough time to recover and grow.

2. Balanced Muscle Development

By splitting your workouts into Push, Pull, and Legs, you ensure every muscle group gets equal attention. This balance prevents muscular imbalances and promotes a well-rounded physique.

3. Maximised Recovery

While it may seem intense, a 6-day split is designed to give specific muscle groups 48–72 hours of rest between sessions. For example, after a Push day, your chest, shoulders, and triceps recover while you target Pull or Legs. This rotation keeps your performance at its peak.

4. Adaptable to Advanced Goals

Whether your goal is hypertrophy (muscle growth), strength, or body composition, a 6-day PPL plan provides enough volume and intensity to make progress. Advanced lifters, in particular, benefit from the additional workload.

5. Efficient Time Use

A 6-day plan spreads the workload evenly across the week. Instead of cramming too many exercises into a single day, you can focus on fewer movements with better form, intensity, and purpose.

6. Mental Discipline and Routine

Consistency is key to results, and a 6-day PPL split builds a strong habit of showing up to the gym regularly. It keeps your motivation high and your training structured.

💪 The Ultimate Push Workout Routine

Build strength, size, and definition with this power-packed plan!

Get ready to power through Push Day with a routine that targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Designed for lifters at any level, this plan combines compound lifts with focused isolation movements for maximum gains.

1. Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

Sets/Reps: 4 sets of 8-12 reps

Why It’s Great: Builds the upper chest and shoulders with a better range of motion than barbell presses.

2. Standing Barbell Overhead Press

Sets/Reps: 4 sets of 6-8 reps

Why It’s Great: A full-body compound movement that strengthens shoulders, triceps, and core.

3. Flat Dumbbell Bench Press

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Why It’s Great: Targets the mid-chest and triceps with an extended range of motion.

4. Dumbbell Lateral Raises

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Why It’s Great: Isolates the lateral deltoids for wider, stronger shoulders.

5. Cable Chest Fly (High-to-Low)

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Why It’s Great: Sculpts the lower chest and enhances overall chest definition.

6. Rope Tricep Pushdowns

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Why It’s Great: Focuses on the tricep’s long head for bigger arms and stronger pressing power.

7. Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Why It’s Great: Stretches and isolates the triceps for a great finishing burn.

Optional Finisher: Push-Up Burnout

Sets/Reps: 2 sets of AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible)

Why It’s Great: Adds a final pump to leave your chest, shoulders, and triceps feeling unstoppable.

🔥 Pro Tips for Push Day

  • ✔️ Warm up with light sets and mobility exercises to avoid injuries.
  • ✔️ Focus on strict form to maximise muscle activation.
  • ✔️ Rest 60-90 seconds between compound sets and 30-60 seconds for isolation exercises.

💥 Ready to dominate Push Day? Let’s crush it! 💪

🏋️‍♂️ Leg Day: Build Power and Stability

Get stronger, faster, and more stable with this ultimate lower-body workout plan.

Leg Day isn’t just about building stronger legs—it’s about creating a foundation of power and stability for your entire body. This workout combines heavy lifts, unilateral movements, and isolation exercises to strengthen your **quads**, **hamstrings**, **glutes**, and **calves**.

1. Safety Bar Squat (or Front Squat)

Sets/Reps: 4 sets of 8-10 reps

Why It’s Great: Builds quad and core strength while being easier on the shoulders than a traditional back squat.

2. Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbells)

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Why It’s Great: Targets the hamstrings and glutes while improving hip hinge mechanics.

3. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squats

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg

Why It’s Great: Strengthens each leg individually while improving balance and coordination.

4. Glute Bridge with Band

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 15-20 reps

Why It’s Great: Activates and strengthens the glutes while protecting your lower back.

5. Machine Leg Curl

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Why It’s Great: Isolates the hamstrings for a deep burn and increased muscle definition.

6. Standing Calf Raises

Sets/Reps: 4 sets of 20-25 reps

Why It’s Great: Strengthens the calves for improved explosiveness and ankle stability.

7. Lateral Lunges

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps per side

Why It’s Great: Targets the inner thighs, glutes, and hip stabilisers for lateral strength and mobility.

🔥 Pro Tips for Leg Day

  • ✔️ Warm up with dynamic stretches and bodyweight squats to activate your lower body.
  • ✔️ Prioritise form and control to avoid injuries and maximise effectiveness.
  • ✔️ Rest 90-120 seconds between heavy compound sets and 30-60 seconds for isolation exercises.

💥 Time to crush Leg Day and build a rock-solid foundation! 🦵

🦾 Pull Workouts for Strength and Muscle Growth

Build a powerful back, biceps, and traps with this pull-focused routine.

Pull Day is all about creating a strong, sculpted back and biceps. This routine combines heavy compound lifts with isolation movements to strengthen your pulling muscles, improve posture, and maximise hypertrophy.

1. Seal Row (Barbell or Dumbbell)

Sets/Reps: 4 sets of 8-10 reps

Why It’s Great: Targets the upper back and lats while removing lower back strain from traditional rows.

2. Wide-Grip Pull-Ups

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

Why It’s Great: Builds width in the lats for that coveted V-taper look.

3. Underhand Barbell Row

Sets/Reps: 4 sets of 8-10 reps

Why It’s Great: Works the lats, traps, and biceps while improving pulling strength.

4. Bayes Curl (Cable)

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Why It’s Great: Maximises tension on the biceps for better growth and definition.

5. Straight Arm Lat Pulldown (Cable)

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Why It’s Great: Isolates the lats and helps strengthen the mind-muscle connection.

6. Dumbbell Shrugs

Sets/Reps: 4 sets of 12-15 reps

Why It’s Great: Builds traps for a stronger and more defined upper back.

7. Face Pulls (Cable or Band)

Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Why It’s Great: Strengthens the rear delts and improves posture for a balanced physique.

🔥 Pro Tips for Pull Day

  • ✔️ Warm up with banded rows or light pull-ups to activate your pulling muscles.
  • ✔️ Focus on slow, controlled movements to maximise muscle engagement.
  • ✔️ Rest 90 seconds between heavy lifts and 30-60 seconds for isolation exercises.

💥 Crush your Pull Day and build a back that turns heads! 💪

📅 How to Structure Your 6-Day Workout Schedule

Maximise gains and recovery with this ultimate 6-day plan.

A 6-day workout schedule is ideal for lifters who want to hit every muscle group twice a week while optimising recovery and performance. Here’s how to structure your week for maximum strength and muscle growth.

Day 1: Push

Focus: Chest, shoulders, and triceps. Compound lifts and isolation exercises to start your week strong.

Day 2: Pull

Focus: Back, biceps, and traps. Strengthen your posterior chain and build pulling power.

Day 3: Legs

Focus: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Heavy lifts for power and stability.

Day 4: Push

Focus: A second session to target your pushing muscles, using variations to hit different angles.

Day 5: Pull

Focus: Another opportunity to work on your back and biceps, focusing on hypertrophy.

Day 6: Legs

Focus: Wrap up the week with lower body strength and endurance work, including unilateral movements.

Day 7: Rest/Active Recovery

Focus: Rest or light activities like yoga, stretching, or a walk to help your muscles recover.

🔥 Pro Tips for Your 6-Day Plan

  • ✔️ Prioritise sleep and nutrition to fuel recovery between sessions.
  • ✔️ Adjust volume or intensity based on your fitness level and goals.
  • ✔️ Incorporate mobility work and stretching to stay injury-free.

💥 Follow this structure and watch your strength and muscle growth skyrocket! 💪

Tips to Maximise Results With This Plan

  1. Prioritise Recovery: Sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition are just as important as your workouts. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and ensure your diet supports your training goals.

  2. Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight, reps, or intensity of your exercises over time to continually challenge your muscles and promote growth.

  3. Focus on Form: Quality over quantity! Proper technique ensures you're targeting the right muscles while reducing the risk of injury.

  4. Warm-Up and Cool Down: Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up and end with stretching or mobility work to keep your muscles healthy and flexible.

  5. Track Your Progress: Use a workout journal or app to log your exercises, sets, and weights. Tracking helps you stay consistent and see how far you've come.

  6. Stick to the Plan: Consistency is key. Commit to the schedule and resist the urge to skip days or add unnecessary workouts.

  7. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of fatigue or pain. Adjust volume or take rest days when needed to avoid burnout or injury.

  8. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration improves performance, aids recovery, and keeps your energy levels up during tough sessions.

  9. Fuel Up Pre- and Post-Workout: Have a balanced meal or snack before training for energy, and refuel afterward with protein and carbs to support muscle repair and growth.

  10. Keep It Fun: Stay motivated by switching up your exercises or incorporating new challenges while sticking to the core structure of the plan.

By following these tips, you’ll maximise your results and get the most out of your 6-day workout plan. Stay focused, stay consistent, and the gains will follow! 💪

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