Aesthetic Bodybuilding Intermediate 2
About this program
A 6-week intermediate aesthetic / bodybuilding program. Progressive overload each week with structured recovery and evidence-based exercise selection.
Program breakdown
Week 1 preview- Incline DB Bench Press4 × 8-10@ RPE 8Rest 90s
- Machine Chest Press3 × 10-12@ RPE 8Rest 75s
- Cable Fly (high-to-low)3 × 12-15@ cableRest 60s
- Cable Triceps Pushdown4 × 10-12@ cableRest 60s
- Overhead DB Triceps Ext3 × 10-12@ DBRest 60s
Aesthetic Bodybuilding Intermediate 2
A 6-week intermediate aesthetic / bodybuilding program. Progressive overload each week with structured recovery and evidence-based exercise selection.
Week 1
Day 1 · Week 1 Day 1 — Push
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Push. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incline DB Bench Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slight arch. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Machine Chest Press | 3 | 10-12 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Cable Fly (high-to-low) | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Squeeze. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Cable Triceps Pushdown | 4 | 10-12 | 60s | @ cable · Full ROM. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Overhead DB Triceps Ext | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
Day 2 · Week 1 Day 2 — Pull
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Pull. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Pull-Up | 4 | 6-8 | 90s | @ + · Full stretch. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Chest-Supported Row | 4 | 8-10 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Retract, hold. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Cable Pullover | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Lat focus. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Incline DB Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Hammer Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Neutral grip. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
Day 3 · Week 1 Day 3 — Legs
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Legs. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hack Squat | 4 | 8-10 | 120s | @ RPE 8 · Full depth. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Romanian Deadlift | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Walking Lunge | 3 | 10/leg | 75s | @ DB · Long stride. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Seated Leg Curl | 3 | 12 | 60s | @ machine · Squeeze. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Standing Calf Raise | 4 | 10-12 | 45s | @ machine · Pause at top. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
Day 4 · Week 1 Day 4 — Shoulders/Arms
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Shoulders/Arms. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seated DB Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Full ROM. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Cable Lateral Raise | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · Slow control. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Rear Delt Fly (machine) | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ machine · Elbows high. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Barbell Shrug | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ BB · No neck strain. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
| Cable Face Pull | 3 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · External rotate. Baseline week — set working weights ~RPE 6-7. |
Week 2
Day 1 · Week 2 Day 1 — Push
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Push. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incline DB Bench Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slight arch. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Machine Chest Press | 3 | 10-12 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Cable Fly (high-to-low) | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Squeeze. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Cable Triceps Pushdown | 4 | 10-12 | 60s | @ cable · Full ROM. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Overhead DB Triceps Ext | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
Day 2 · Week 2 Day 2 — Pull
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Pull. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Pull-Up | 4 | 6-8 | 90s | @ + · Full stretch. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Chest-Supported Row | 4 | 8-10 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Retract, hold. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Cable Pullover | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Lat focus. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Incline DB Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Hammer Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Neutral grip. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
Day 3 · Week 2 Day 3 — Legs
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Legs. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hack Squat | 4 | 8-10 | 120s | @ RPE 8 · Full depth. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Romanian Deadlift | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Walking Lunge | 3 | 10/leg | 75s | @ DB · Long stride. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Seated Leg Curl | 3 | 12 | 60s | @ machine · Squeeze. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Standing Calf Raise | 4 | 10-12 | 45s | @ machine · Pause at top. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
Day 4 · Week 2 Day 4 — Shoulders/Arms
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Shoulders/Arms. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seated DB Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Full ROM. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Cable Lateral Raise | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · Slow control. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Rear Delt Fly (machine) | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ machine · Elbows high. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Barbell Shrug | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ BB · No neck strain. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
| Cable Face Pull | 3 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · External rotate. Add 2.5-5% load or 1 rep vs Week 1. |
Week 3
Day 1 · Week 3 Day 1 — Push
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Push. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incline DB Bench Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slight arch. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Machine Chest Press | 3 | 10-12 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Cable Fly (high-to-low) | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Squeeze. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Cable Triceps Pushdown | 4 | 10-12 | 60s | @ cable · Full ROM. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Overhead DB Triceps Ext | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
Day 2 · Week 3 Day 2 — Pull
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Pull. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Pull-Up | 4 | 6-8 | 90s | @ + · Full stretch. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Chest-Supported Row | 4 | 8-10 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Retract, hold. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Cable Pullover | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Lat focus. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Incline DB Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Hammer Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Neutral grip. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
Day 3 · Week 3 Day 3 — Legs
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Legs. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hack Squat | 4 | 8-10 | 120s | @ RPE 8 · Full depth. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Romanian Deadlift | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Walking Lunge | 3 | 10/leg | 75s | @ DB · Long stride. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Seated Leg Curl | 3 | 12 | 60s | @ machine · Squeeze. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Standing Calf Raise | 4 | 10-12 | 45s | @ machine · Pause at top. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
Day 4 · Week 3 Day 4 — Shoulders/Arms
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Shoulders/Arms. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seated DB Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Full ROM. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Cable Lateral Raise | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · Slow control. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Rear Delt Fly (machine) | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ machine · Elbows high. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Barbell Shrug | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ BB · No neck strain. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
| Cable Face Pull | 3 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · External rotate. Add another 2.5-5% or 1-2 reps. Sleep hard. |
Week 4
Day 1 · Week 4 Day 1 — Push
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Push. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incline DB Bench Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slight arch. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Machine Chest Press | 3 | 10-12 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Cable Fly (high-to-low) | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Squeeze. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Cable Triceps Pushdown | 4 | 10-12 | 60s | @ cable · Full ROM. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Overhead DB Triceps Ext | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
Day 2 · Week 4 Day 2 — Pull
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Pull. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Pull-Up | 4 | 6-8 | 90s | @ + · Full stretch. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Chest-Supported Row | 4 | 8-10 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Retract, hold. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Cable Pullover | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Lat focus. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Incline DB Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Hammer Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Neutral grip. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
Day 3 · Week 4 Day 3 — Legs
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Legs. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hack Squat | 4 | 8-10 | 120s | @ RPE 8 · Full depth. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Romanian Deadlift | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Walking Lunge | 3 | 10/leg | 75s | @ DB · Long stride. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Seated Leg Curl | 3 | 12 | 60s | @ machine · Squeeze. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Standing Calf Raise | 4 | 10-12 | 45s | @ machine · Pause at top. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
Day 4 · Week 4 Day 4 — Shoulders/Arms
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Shoulders/Arms. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seated DB Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Full ROM. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Cable Lateral Raise | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · Slow control. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Rear Delt Fly (machine) | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ machine · Elbows high. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Barbell Shrug | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ BB · No neck strain. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
| Cable Face Pull | 3 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · External rotate. Peak intensity week — push top sets. |
Week 5
Day 1 · Week 5 Day 1 — Push
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Push. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incline DB Bench Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slight arch. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Machine Chest Press | 3 | 10-12 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Cable Fly (high-to-low) | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Squeeze. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Cable Triceps Pushdown | 4 | 10-12 | 60s | @ cable · Full ROM. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Overhead DB Triceps Ext | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
Day 2 · Week 5 Day 2 — Pull
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Pull. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Pull-Up | 4 | 6-8 | 90s | @ + · Full stretch. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Chest-Supported Row | 4 | 8-10 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Retract, hold. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Cable Pullover | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Lat focus. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Incline DB Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Hammer Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Neutral grip. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
Day 3 · Week 5 Day 3 — Legs
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Legs. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hack Squat | 4 | 8-10 | 120s | @ RPE 8 · Full depth. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Romanian Deadlift | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Walking Lunge | 3 | 10/leg | 75s | @ DB · Long stride. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Seated Leg Curl | 3 | 12 | 60s | @ machine · Squeeze. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Standing Calf Raise | 4 | 10-12 | 45s | @ machine · Pause at top. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
Day 4 · Week 5 Day 4 — Shoulders/Arms
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Shoulders/Arms. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seated DB Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Full ROM. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Cable Lateral Raise | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · Slow control. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Rear Delt Fly (machine) | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ machine · Elbows high. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Barbell Shrug | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ BB · No neck strain. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
| Cable Face Pull | 3 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · External rotate. Deload-adjacent: reduce load ~10%, keep reps. |
Week 6
Day 1 · Week 6 Day 1 — Push
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Push. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incline DB Bench Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slight arch. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Machine Chest Press | 3 | 10-12 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Cable Fly (high-to-low) | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Squeeze. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Cable Triceps Pushdown | 4 | 10-12 | 60s | @ cable · Full ROM. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Overhead DB Triceps Ext | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
Day 2 · Week 6 Day 2 — Pull
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Pull. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Pull-Up | 4 | 6-8 | 90s | @ + · Full stretch. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Chest-Supported Row | 4 | 8-10 | 75s | @ RPE 8 · Retract, hold. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Cable Pullover | 3 | 12-15 | 60s | @ cable · Lat focus. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Incline DB Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Full stretch. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Hammer Curl | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ DB · Neutral grip. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
Day 3 · Week 6 Day 3 — Legs
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Legs. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hack Squat | 4 | 8-10 | 120s | @ RPE 8 · Full depth. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Romanian Deadlift | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Slow eccentric. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Walking Lunge | 3 | 10/leg | 75s | @ DB · Long stride. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Seated Leg Curl | 3 | 12 | 60s | @ machine · Squeeze. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Standing Calf Raise | 4 | 10-12 | 45s | @ machine · Pause at top. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
Day 4 · Week 6 Day 4 — Shoulders/Arms
Intermediate Aesthetic / Bodybuilding — Shoulders/Arms. Focus on quality reps and progressive overload.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seated DB Press | 4 | 8-10 | 90s | @ RPE 8 · Full ROM. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Cable Lateral Raise | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · Slow control. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Rear Delt Fly (machine) | 4 | 12-15 | 45s | @ machine · Elbows high. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Barbell Shrug | 3 | 10-12 | 60s | @ BB · No neck strain. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
| Cable Face Pull | 3 | 12-15 | 45s | @ cable · External rotate. Test week — beat Week 4 by load or reps. |
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