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Upper/Lower Split Workout (4-Day Plan)

By the FORMA team·Updated June 2026
The upper/lower split alternates upper-body and lower-body days, training everything twice a week across 4 sessions. It's the classic step up from full-body — more volume per muscle per session while keeping the twice-weekly frequency that drives growth. A great fit for intermediate lifters.
GoalBuild muscle
LevelIntermediate
EquipmentFull gym
Days / week4
StyleHypertrophy
Sets × reps4 × 8–12

The weekly schedule

Every exercise below links to a full guide with form cues and a demo. Do 4 sets of 8–12 reps, resting ~90 sec between sets.

Day 1 · Upper

  1. Barbell Bench Press4 × 8–12
  2. Push-Up4 × 8–12
  3. Incline Dumbbell Press4 × 8–12
  4. Overhead Press4 × 8–12
  5. Lateral Raise4 × 8–12
  6. Face Pull4 × 8–12

Day 2 · Lower

  1. Barbell Back Squat4 × 8–12
  2. Leg Press4 × 8–12
  3. Walking Lunge4 × 8–12
  4. Hip Thrust4 × 8–12
  5. Standing Calf Raise4 × 8–12
  6. Plank4 × 8–12

Day 3 · Upper

  1. Barbell Bench Press4 × 8–12
  2. Push-Up4 × 8–12
  3. Incline Dumbbell Press4 × 8–12
  4. Overhead Press4 × 8–12
  5. Lateral Raise4 × 8–12
  6. Face Pull4 × 8–12

Day 4 · Lower

  1. Barbell Back Squat4 × 8–12
  2. Leg Press4 × 8–12
  3. Walking Lunge4 × 8–12
  4. Hip Thrust4 × 8–12
  5. Standing Calf Raise4 × 8–12
  6. Plank4 × 8–12

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Frequently asked questions

Is upper/lower better than push/pull/legs?

Both are excellent. Upper/lower fits 4 days a week and hits each muscle twice; PPL suits 6 days. Pick by how many days you can train.

How many days is an upper/lower split?

Usually 4 (two upper, two lower), e.g. Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri. It can also run as 2 or 6 days.

Can I build muscle on 4 days a week?

Yes — 4 well-structured sessions hitting each muscle twice weekly is plenty of volume for steady hypertrophy.

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