Workout template

Upper Body Workout

A balanced upper-body day built around pressing, rowing, pulling, and arm accessories.

Goal
Muscle Building

The main training outcome this template is built around.

Difficulty
Intermediate

A quick way to gauge how simple or advanced the structure feels.

Duration
60 min

Use this to match the template to your actual weekly schedule.

Who it is for

Intermediate

Lifters who want a straightforward upper session they can run once or twice per week.

Equipment

Barbell, Cable, Dumbbell

These are the main tools you will usually need to run the workout as written.

Training days

4 days / week

Use this to decide whether the template fits the time you can realistically train each week.

Warm-up guidance

Prime the upper back and shoulders first, then take a few ramp-up sets on the main press.

Progression guidance

Progress the first press and row as a pair, then add small improvements on the rest of the session.

Exercise table

What this workout includes.

Use the table below to see each exercise, how it is organized, and the basic set, rep, and rest guidance.

Upper

6 exercises
ExerciseSectionSetsRepsRestNotes
Barbell Bench Press - Medium GripPrimary lifts45-82 min 30 secUse a setup you can repeat every week.
Bent Over Barbell RowPrimary lifts46-82 min 30 secOwn the torso angle and row to the same point each rep.
Wide-Grip Lat PulldownSecondary work38-121 min 30 secThink elbows down and chest tall.
Dumbbell Shoulder PressSecondary work38-101 min 15 secKeep the dumbbells stacked over the elbows.
EZ-Bar CurlArms310-1245 secUse the full range instead of half reps.
Reverse Grip Triceps PushdownArms310-1245 secKeep the upper arm quiet and lock out hard.
Exercise substitutions

Simple swaps if you need another option.

These substitutions stay in the same general lane so you can adjust the workout without rebuilding it from scratch.

Related exercises

Learn the main movements before you run the template.

These exercise pages help you understand the lifts, machines, and accessories that show up most in this workout.

ChestBarbell

Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip

Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip is a beginner strength that mainly trains your chest using barbell.

BeginnerStrength
View exercise
BackBarbell

Bent Over Barbell Row

Bent Over Barbell Row is a beginner strength that mainly trains your back using barbell.

BeginnerStrength
View exercise
ShouldersDumbbell

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Dumbbell Shoulder Press is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.

IntermediateStrength
View exercise
ArmsEZ bar

EZ-Bar Curl

EZ-Bar Curl is a beginner strength that mainly trains your arms using ez bar.

BeginnerStrength
View exercise
ArmsCable

Reverse Grip Triceps Pushdown

Reverse Grip Triceps Pushdown is a beginner strength that mainly trains your arms using cable.

BeginnerStrength
View exercise
BackCable

Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown

Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown is a beginner strength that mainly trains your back using cable.

BeginnerStrength
View exercise
Related workouts

More templates built for a similar goal.

Compare these if you want a different split, a different equipment setup, or another template in the same general direction.

Muscle BuildingIntermediate

4-Day Upper Lower Split

A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.

60 minBarbell, Dumbbell
View workout
Muscle BuildingIntermediate

5-Day Bodybuilding Split

A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.

70 minBarbell, Dumbbell
View workout
Muscle BuildingIntermediate

Arm Workout

A focused arm session with direct biceps and triceps volume you can recover from.

45 minEZ bar, Dumbbell
View workout
Muscle BuildingIntermediate

Back and Biceps Workout

A straightforward back and biceps workout with vertical pulls, rows, and direct arm work.

60 minBarbell, Cable
View workout
FAQ

Common questions about Upper Body Workout.

Use these quick answers as a starting point, then compare the plan to your real schedule, equipment, and recovery.

Who is Upper Body Workout best for?

Lifters who want a straightforward upper session they can run once or twice per week.

How often should I run Upper Body Workout?

This template is structured around about 4 training days per week.

Can I swap exercises in Upper Body Workout?

Yes. The cleanest swaps are exercises that train the same main muscle group with similar equipment and a similar movement pattern.

How do I progress this workout over time?

Progress the first press and row as a pair, then add small improvements on the rest of the session.

Logbook

Track this workout for free in Logbook.

Once you start running the template, use Logbook to save the sets, reps, and exercise history that tell you whether the plan is really working.

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