--- created: 2025-12-04 updated: 2025-12-04 source: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/phul-workout --- # PHUL (Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower) Created by Brandon Campbell. A 4-day powerbuilding program that combines strength training with hypertrophy work. Ideal for intermediates who want both strength and size. ## Schedule - **Day 1 (Mon):** Upper Power - **Day 2 (Tue):** Lower Power - **Day 3 (Wed):** Rest - **Day 4 (Thu):** Upper Hypertrophy - **Day 5 (Fri):** Lower Hypertrophy - **Day 6-7:** Rest --- ## Day 1: Upper Power | Sets | Reps | Exercise | Targets | | :--- | :--- | :--------------------- | :---------------------------------- | | 3-4 | 3-5 | Barbell Bench Press | Chest, front delts, triceps | | 3-4 | 3-5 | Incline Dumbbell Press | Chest (upper), front delts, triceps | | 3-4 | 3-5 | Bent Over Row | Lats, rhomboids, rear delts, biceps | | 3-4 | 3-5 | Lat Pulldown | Lats, biceps | | 2-3 | 5-8 | Overhead Press | Front delts, side delts, triceps | | 2-3 | 6-10 | Barbell Curl | Biceps | | 2-3 | 6-10 | Skullcrusher | Triceps | --- ## Day 2: Lower Power | Sets | Reps | Exercise | Targets | | :--- | :--- | :--------------- | :------------------------------------ | | 3-4 | 3-5 | Barbell Squat | Quads, glutes, adductors | | 3-4 | 3-5 | Barbell Deadlift | Glutes, hamstrings, lower back, traps | | 3-4 | 3-5 | Leg Press | Quads, glutes | | 3-4 | 6-10 | Leg Curl | Hamstrings | | 4 | 6-10 | Calf Raise | Calves | --- ## Day 3: Rest --- ## Day 4: Upper Hypertrophy | Sets | Reps | Exercise | Targets | | :--- | :--- | :--------------------- | :---------------------------------- | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Incline Barbell Bench | Chest (upper), front delts, triceps | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Flat Dumbbell Fly | Chest | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Seated Cable Row | Lats, rhomboids, rear delts, biceps | | 3-4 | 8-12 | One Arm Dumbbell Row | Lats, rhomboids, rear delts, biceps | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Side delts | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Incline Dumbbell Curl | Biceps | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Tricep Rope Pushdown | Triceps | --- ## Day 5: Lower Hypertrophy | Sets | Reps | Exercise | Targets | | :--- | :---- | :---------------- | :------------------------- | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Front Squat | Quads, core | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Barbell Lunge | Quads, glutes, hip flexors | | 3-4 | 10-15 | Leg Extension | Quads | | 3-4 | 10-15 | Leg Curl | Hamstrings | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Seated Calf Raise | Calves (soleus) | | 3-4 | 8-12 | Calf Press | Calves (gastrocnemius) | --- ## Notes - **RPE:** All sets at RPE 9 (1 rep left in tank). Avoid failure to prevent overtraining. - **Rest between sets:** 2-3 min for compounds (up to 5 min if needed), 1-2 min for isolation. - **Don't change:** Main compound lifts (squat, bench, deadlift, overhead press). - **Can change:** Secondary compounds and isolation exercises for similar movements. - **Duration:** 12-week program, 4 days/week, 45-60 min per session. - **Progression:** Add weight when you hit the top of the rep range with good form. --- ## Power vs Hypertrophy Days | Aspect | Power Days | Hypertrophy Days | | ------ | ---------------- | -------------------- | | Goal | Strength | Muscle size | | Reps | 3-5 (low) | 8-15 (moderate-high) | | Weight | Heavy | Moderate | | Rest | Longer (2-5 min) | Shorter (1-2 min) | | Focus | Compound lifts | Volume + isolation | --- ## Sources - [Muscle & Strength - PHUL Workout](https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/phul-workout) - [Hevy - Complete Guide to PHUL](https://www.hevyapp.com/phul-power-hypertrophy-upper-lower/) - [StrengthLog - PHUL Workout Routine](https://www.strengthlog.com/phul-workout-routine/)