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Classic Upper Lower Two Day Split

Classic Upper Lower Two Day Split

Gym Workout2-day split13 exercises

The Upper/Lower Two Day Split is a simple and effective routine that divides training into upper and lower body sessions. Day 1 targets the upper body muscles, including the chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Day 2 focuses on the lower body, hitting the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. This split allows for balanced strength development while providing enough recovery time between sessions, making it ideal for those seeking an efficient and manageable workout schedule.

1

Day 1: Upper Body

8 exercises
Bench press (regular grip) with barbell

The barbell bench press is a foundational strength-training exercise that offers numerous benefits. It primarily targets the pectoral muscles (chest), deltoids (shoulders), and triceps, promoting upper body strength and hypertrophy. This exercise also engages stabilizing muscles in the back and core, enhancing overall balance and stability. Athletes can profit from the Barbell Bench Press as it increases pushing power, essential for various sports, and improves upper body endurance, contributing to better performance and physical conditioning.

ChestBarbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

51kg

Avg. weight

112lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Lie with your back on a flat bench. The bar should be on the level of your eyes.
  2. 2Place your feet firmly on the ground. Grasp the bar with both hands, your hands should be shoulder-width apart.
  3. 3Straighten your wrists when holding the barbell. Push the bar upwards until your arms are almost fully extended.
  4. 4Inhale as you lower the barbell to your chest.
  5. 5Exhale as you press the barbell back up to the starting position.
  6. 6You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Arch Your Back: Maintain a slight arch in your lower back to engage your chest muscles more effectively and protect your spine.
  • Foot Placement: Firmly plant your feet on the ground. This stability allows you to generate more power throughout the lift.
  • Grip Width: Use a grip that’s slightly wider than shoulder-width. A narrower grip can put more strain on your shoulders, while a very wide grip can limit your range of motion.
Bent over row with barbell

The bent over row with barbell is a highly effective exercise targeting the upper and lower back, shoulders, and biceps. By engaging the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius, and the posterior deltoids, it promotes a balanced and strong upper body. This exercise also stabilizes the core and enhances overall posture. Athletes, especially those in sports requiring pulling strength like rowing or climbing, will benefit from improved muscular endurance, strength, and stability. Incorporating this exercise aids in enhancing athletic performance and injury prevention.

BackBarbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

44kg

Avg. weight

96lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand over a barbell, the bar should line up with your toes.
  2. 2Bend your hips and your knees and grasp the barbell with both hands a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Your back should be straight and your spine should form one line with your head.
  3. 3Flex your core muscles and exhale as you pull the barbell up to your waist or stomach using your arms and the strength of your back and core.
  4. 4Hold for a count of two and squeeze your back.
  5. 5Inhale and lower the barbell in a controlled manner until it nearly touches the floor. Keep your core flexed and your back straight.
  6. 6You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.
  7. 7On completion of your last rep, lower the barbell to the floor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain a Strong Core: Keep your abdominal muscles engaged throughout the exercise to support your lower back.
  • Neutral Spine: Ensure your spine stays neutral, avoiding any rounding or arching to prevent strain on your back.
  • Proper Angle: Bend at your hips so your torso is at about a 45-degree angle to the floor, and keep this angle consistent throughout the movement.
Lat pull down (wide grip)

The cable lat pulldown (wide grip) is an effective exercise for building upper body strength and enhancing muscle definition. This movement primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, but it also engages the biceps, rear deltoids, and upper back muscles. Athletes benefit by developing a powerful and balanced upper body, crucial for activities requiring pulling strength and stability. Additionally, this exercise improves posture and can aid in the prevention of shoulder injuries by bolstering supportive muscles around the joint. A versatile addition to any strength training regimen!

BackCableStrengthWeight

Community Averages

45kg

Avg. weight

100lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Choose a weight that you are comfortable with and sit on the lat pull-down machine. Adjust the machine so that your thighs fit under the supports.
  2. 2Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, with your hands more than shoulder-width apart.
  3. 3Exhale as you slowly pull the bar down towards your upper chest. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together and hold for a count of two.
  4. 4Inhale as you slowly return the bar to the starting position, keeping your movements controlled.
  5. 5Repeat this motion for the recommended number of repetitions, keeping proper form and technique throughout the exercise.

Tips & Tricks

  • Grip Control: Ensure your grip is wide enough to activate your lats effectively but not so wide that it strains your shoulders. A wider grip typically targets the upper part of the lats more intensely.
  • Elbow Position: As you pull down, focus on bringing your elbows down and back. Avoid letting them flare out to maintain tension on your lats.
  • Mind-Muscle Connection: Concentrate on contracting your lats as you pull the bar down. This can help enhance muscle activation and growth.
Overhead press with dumbbells (seated)

The dumbbell seated shoulder press offers numerous benefits, including enhanced shoulder strength, improved upper body stability, and increased muscle mass. This exercise primarily targets the deltoids, triceps, and upper pectorals, while also engaging the core for stabilization. Athletes profit from this exercise as it translates to greater shoulder endurance and power, critical for performance in sports like swimming, basketball, and baseball. It's also effective for achieving balanced muscle development and reducing the risk of shoulder injuries.

ShouldersDumbbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

29kg

Avg. weight

64lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand up straight and hold a barbell with a shoulder-width supinated grip (palms facing upward). Your arms should be almost fully extended and the barbell should rest against your thighs.
  2. 2Keep your body still. Exhale as you curl the barbell up towards your shoulders until your elbows are fully flexed.
  3. 3Allow your elbows to move forward slightly (shoulder flexion) until your forearms are vertical.
  4. 4Hold this position for a count of two while squeezing your biceps.
  5. 5Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position, keeping control of the movement.
  6. 6Repeat the exercise for the recommended number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Stabilize Your Core: Engage your core muscles throughout the exercise to maintain proper form and prevent lower back strain.
  • Controlled Movements: Avoid using momentum. Lift and lower the dumbbells in a controlled manner to maximize muscle engagement and minimize risks of injury.
  • Avoid Locking Elbows: When you reach the top of the press, do not lock your elbows. Keeping a slight bend protects your joints and keeps tension on the muscles.
Lateral raise with dumbbells

The dumbbell lateral raise primarily targets the lateral deltoids, providing definition and strength to the shoulders. Additionally, it involves the anterior deltoids, trapezius, and rotator cuff muscles. Benefits include enhanced shoulder width, improved posture, and better shoulder stability, crucial for athletic performance. Athletes profit from this exercise as it contributes to stronger and more balanced shoulder muscles, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall upper body strength and aesthetics. It's an essential move for building a robust shoulder profile and enhancing athletic capabilities.

ShouldersDumbbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

16kg

Avg. weight

34lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand with the dumbbells hanging down by your sides. Keep your elbows slightly bent during the whole exercise.
  2. 2Exhale as you raise both arms to the sides until your arms form one line with your shoulders.Inhale and lower the dumbbells into the starting position.
  3. 3You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Form: Keep a slight bend in your elbows to reduce the strain on your elbow joints. This will help maintain tension in your shoulder muscles.
  • Neutral Wrist Position: Keep your wrists in a neutral position-avoid letting them bend forward or backward. This helps to protect your wrists and ensure that the focus remains on your shoulders.
  • Controlled Movement: Lift and lower the dumbbells slowly and with control. Avoid using momentum to lift the weights, which can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury.
Bicep curl with EZ bar

The EZ bar bicep curl is an effective bicep exercise that primarily targets the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles, with secondary engagement of the forearms. The curved design of the EZ bar reduces strain on wrists, making it a preferred choice for those with wrist discomfort. Athletes benefit from enhanced arm strength, better grip endurance, and improved muscle definition. Incorporating this exercise can aid performance in other sports and activities requiring lifting, pulling, and overall upper body strength, making it invaluable for athletic development.

ArmsEzbarStrengthWeight

Community Averages

22kg

Avg. weight

48lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand upright holding an EZ bar in both hands. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart and your palms should be facing upward. Your elbows should almost be fully extended and the bar should rest against your thighs.
  2. 2Exhale as you lift the EZ bar up toward your shoulders using only your arms. The rest of your body should be still.
  3. 3At the top of the movement, hold shortly and squeeze your biceps.
  4. 4Inhale as you lower the EZ bar to the starting position.
  5. 5You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Optimal Grip Position: Use the angled grips of the EZ bar to reduce wrist strain. This not only increases comfort but also optimizes bicep engagement.
  • Controlled Movements: Avoid swinging the bar or using momentum. Focus on controlled, deliberate movements to maximize muscle activation and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your torso throughout the movement. This helps to isolate the biceps and ensures that other muscle groups aren't taking over.
Hammer curl with dumbbells

The dumbbell hammer curl is a versatile strength training exercise that primarily targets the brachialis, brachioradialis, and biceps brachii muscles. By maintaining a neutral grip throughout the movement, this exercise effectively isolates the forearm and upper arm muscles, promoting balanced development and increased overall arm strength. Athletes benefit from enhanced grip strength and improved performance in sports requiring arm and hand power. Additionally, this exercise supports injury prevention by fortifying the muscles and tendons surrounding the elbow joint. Ideal for boosting arm functionality and aesthetics.

ArmsDumbbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

24kg

Avg. weight

54lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand using a neutral grip (palms facing in).
  2. 2Keep your elbows by your sides throughout the exercise.
  3. 3Exhale as you curl one dumbbell up towards your shoulder, contracting your biceps fully.
  4. 4Hold for two seconds and squeeze your biceps.
  5. 5Inhale as you slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
  6. 6Repeat the movement with your opposite arm.
  7. 7Keep alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.
  8. 8Remember to breathe throughout the exercise and maintain proper form.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Posture: Stand tall with your chest up and shoulders back. This will help you engage the right muscles and avoid strain on your back.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your torso throughout the movement. This isolates the biceps and forearms, ensuring effective muscle engagement.
  • Controlled Movement: Avoid swinging the weights. Lift and lower the dumbbells in a controlled manner to maximize muscle tension and avoid injury.
Triceps push down with ropes

The cable triceps pushdown is a powerful exercise for enhancing upper-arm strength. This move primarily targets the triceps brachii, engaging all three heads for balanced development. Secondary muscles include the shoulders and core, providing stabilization. Athletes benefit from this exercise by improving arm strength and definition, aiding performance in sports that require powerful arm movements like basketball, tennis, and swimming. Enhanced triceps strength also contributes to better performance in chest and shoulder workouts, offering comprehensive upper-body conditioning.

ArmsCableStrengthWeight

Community Averages

27kg

Avg. weight

59lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Attach a rope to a high cable pulley. Grasp the rope with your palms facing each other. Lean forward and keep your elbows close to the sides of your body. This is your starting position.
  2. 2Exhale as you extend your elbows and push the rope downwards until your arms are almost fully extended. Twist your wrists at the end of the movement so that your palms are facing the floor as your arms are extended.
  3. 3Inhale as you reverse the movement and return to the starting position.
  4. 4You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Posture: Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise. Avoid leaning forward or backward as this can reduce the effectiveness and put unnecessary strain on your lower back.
  • Keep Elbows Close: Ensure that your elbows are tucked close to your sides throughout the movement. Flaring them out can transfer the focus away from your triceps and reduce the efficiency of the exercise.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms fully downwards, and let them return to about a 90-degree angle at the top of the movement. Don't let the weight stack touch down or rest between repetitions to keep constant tension on the muscles.
2

Day 2: Lower Body

5 exercises
Squat with barbell

The barbell squat is a foundational exercise that offers multiple benefits, including improved strength, power, and muscle mass. Key muscle groups activated during this exercise include the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. For athletes, incorporating barbell squats can enhance performance by promoting better balance, agility, and explosiveness, which are crucial for sports like football, basketball, and track. Additionally, squats improve core stability and support injury prevention by strengthening connective tissues and joints.

LegsBarbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

55kg

Avg. weight

122lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Load a barbell on a rack at upper-chest level. Step under the barbell so that it rests on the back of your shoulders, and grasp the bar at each side. Hands are slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. 2Dismount the barbell and step backward. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and must slightly point outwards.
  3. 3Inhale as you squat down by simultaneously pushing the hips back and bending your knees and hips to lower the torso. Keep your torso upright, and descend at least until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
  4. 4Be careful that your knees do not extend beyond an imaginary line drawn vertically upward from your toes. Instead, push your butt backwards to avoid this.
  5. 5Exhale as you push your body back up to the starting position, still keeping your torso upright.
  6. 6You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Warm-Up Thoroughly: Always start with a comprehensive warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints. This can include dynamic stretches and light cardio to get your blood flowing.
  • Head Position: Keep your head facing forward and eyes fixed on a point in front of you. This helps maintain balance and keeps your spine aligned.
  • Chest Up: Ensure your chest is up and your back is neutral throughout the movement. Avoid rounding your back to prevent spinal injuries.
Leg press

The machine horizontal leg press is a powerhouse exercise perfect for building lower body strength and muscle mass. This exercise predominantly targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. It also engages the core for stabilization. The benefits of incorporating the machine Horizontal Leg Press into your routine include enhanced lower body power, greater muscle hypertrophy, and improved joint stability. Athletes can profit from this exercise by increasing their explosive strength, essential for sports like sprinting and jumping. Furthermore, its controlled movement reduces the risk of injury, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

LegsMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

103kg

Avg. weight

228lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Sit in the leg press machine with your back firmly against the back support.
  2. 2Place your feet hip-width apart on the platform.
  3. 3Release the safety bars and hold onto the side handles for support.
  4. 4Extend your legs without locking your knees, creating a 90-degree angle between your torso and legs.
  5. 5Inhale and bend your legs, lowering the platform until your knees are almost fully flexed.
  6. 6Drive with your heels and press the platform back up to the starting position while exhaling.
  7. 7Repeat the exercise for desired number of repetitions.
  8. 8After finishing, lock the safety bars to prevent the platform from sliding down.

Tips & Tricks

  • Foot Placement: Vary your foot placement to target different parts of your legs. A higher foot position emphasizes the glutes and hamstrings, while a lower position targets the quadriceps more.
  • Controlled Movements: Control the tempo of your reps-avoid rapid, jerky motions. Slow and controlled movements ensure maximum muscle engagement and minimize injury risk.
  • Maintain Proper Form: Keep your back flat against the seat and ensure that your knees stay in line with your feet. This helps in avoiding undue stress on your joints.
Leg extension on machine

The machine leg extension is a strength training exercise targeting the quadriceps, primarily engaging the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. This exercise isolates the quads, allowing for focused muscle development, improved knee extension strength, and enhanced overall leg definition. Athletes benefit from increased power and stability in activities requiring leg strength, such as running, jumping, and cycling. Additionally, strong quadriceps support knee joint health, reducing injury risk and improving athletic performance.

LegsMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

51kg

Avg. weight

112lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Sit on the leg extension machine. Adjust the weight. The backs of your thighs should fully rest on the seat and your back should be fully supported by the back rest.
  2. 2Lock your feet under the foot pads of the lever with the pads resting slightly above your ankles. Grasp the side handles for support.
  3. 3Exhale as you lift the foot pad forward and upward until your legs are fully extended.
  4. 4Hold there for one second and then inhale as you return to the starting position.You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure the machine is properly adjusted to fit your body. The axis of rotation of the machine should align with your knee joint to avoid unnecessary strain.
  • Keep your back firmly against the seat and avoid arching it.
  • Grip the handles to stabilize your upper body and prevent leveraging off the machine.
Leg curl on machine (seated)

The machine seated leg curl is a highly effective exercise focusing primarily on the hamstrings, with secondary activation of the calf muscles. This exercise is pivotal for athletes as it enhances lower body strength, contributes to muscle balance, and reduces the risk of injury. Efficiently targeting the hamstrings, it aids in improved sprinting speed, jumping ability, and overall leg endurance. The machine's controlled motion ensures proper form, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes aiming to optimize their performance and athletic capabilities.

LegsMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

43kg

Avg. weight

94lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Adjust the Machine: Ensure the machine’s pads are set up so they sit comfortably against your lower back when seated.
  2. 2Position Your Legs: Place your legs on the padded lever so it rests just below your calf muscles.
  3. 3Secure the Lap Pad: Adjust the lap pad so it sits securely on your thighs, just above the knees.
  4. 4Lift and Grip: Straighten your legs out in front of you and grasp the side handles of the machine.
  5. 5Execute the Movement: Pull the padded lever down and back towards you using your legs as far as you can.
  6. 6Hold and Return: Hold the position for a second, then slowly return the lever back to the starting position.
  7. 7Repeat the movement in a controlled manner for your desired number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the pad is adjusted to rest comfortably against the back of your lower legs just above the ankles. This helps in maximizing the range of motion.
  • Breathe out as you curl the weight towards you and breathe in as you slowly return to the starting position. Controlled breathing can enhance your focus and performance.
  • Perform each repetition through a full range of motion to effectively target your hamstrings. Avoid partial reps to prevent muscle imbalances.
Standing calf raise on Smith machine

The Smith machine standing calf raise is a beneficial exercise for strengthening and building the calf muscles, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus. By performing this movement, athletes can improve lower leg strength, enhance explosive power, and stabilize the ankles, which are crucial for activities requiring running, jumping, and sudden directional changes. This exercise also contributes to better balance and overall athletic performance, making it a valuable addition to any athlete's training regimen.

LegsMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

39kg

Avg. weight

85lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Setup: Place a block or weight plate below the bar on the Smith machine to stand on. Adjust the bar to match your height. Load the bar with the desired weight.
  2. 2Positioning: Step onto the plate with the balls of your feet. Position the bar on the back of your shoulders and grip it with both hands facing forward.
  3. 3Starting Position: Rotate the bar to unrack it. This is your starting position.
  4. 4Execution: Raise your heels as high as possible by pushing off the balls of your feet. Flex your calves at the top of the movement. Keep your knees extended throughout.
  5. 5Contraction & Descent: Hold the top position for a second. Slowly lower your heels back to the starting position while breathing in.
  6. 6Repetitions: Repeat the movement for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Proper Foot Positioning: Ensure that your toes are pointed forward and your heels are slightly hanging off the edge of the platform. This maximizes the range of motion and engages the calf muscles fully.
  • Controlled Movements: Focus on a slow and controlled tempo. Avoid bouncing or using momentum to lift the weight. This ensures that your calf muscles are doing the work and reduces the risk of injury.
  • Full Range of Motion: Lower your heels as far as comfortably possible before raising them. A complete range of motion will help in fully engaging and stretching the calf muscles.

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