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4-Week Back Workout Plan to Build Size, Strength & Shape

Get a more substantial back in four weeks with this training program targeting every muscle system behind you.

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  • 4 weeks

  • 15

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bodybuilder back pose
bodybuilder back pose

Build a wider, thicker back in just 4 weeks with this complete training plan. This program targets every major muscle group on your backside—including your lats, traps, spinal erectors, and core—and helps you grow size and strength with weekly progressions.

Additional Read: Essential Exercises For Strength Training

Why This Workout Works

This 4-week program alternates two key focuses:

  • Strength Training (Weeks 1 & 3): Low reps, heavier weight (4–6 reps)
  • Hypertrophy Training (Weeks 2 & 4): Higher reps, moderate weight (8–15 reps)

This approach delivers full muscle development, increasing pulling power, improving posture, and sculpting a thick, V-shaped back.

Program Overview

  • Goal: Muscle mass + strength
  • Duration: 4 Weeks
  • Schedule: Perform each workout once per week (Days 1 and 2)
  • Equipment Needed: Barbell, dumbbells, cable machine, pull-up bar, bench, back extension machine
  • Optional Tools: V-handle attachment, squat rack, weight plates

Training Tips

  • Use the correct weight: Pick a load that challenges you by your last rep for strength sets. For hypertrophy sets, choose a moderate weight and push close to failure.
  • Rest strategically: Heavier sets require more rest (2–3 minutes), while higher-rep sets allow for faster recovery (60–90 seconds).
  • Increase intensity: Add drop sets and supersets in Weeks 2 and 4 to boost muscle fatigue and stimulate growth.
  • Track your progress: Aim to increase either weight or reps each week.

Routine

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Size Workout

Weeks 1 & 3

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 2 of 15

T-Bar Row

Equipment
Barbell, V-Handle Attachment
Sets
3
Reps
4-6
Rest
2-3 min
Perform 4 reps in week 1 & 6 reps in week 3.
Exercise 3 of 15

Seated Cable Row

Equipment
Adjustable Cable Machine, V-Handle Attachment
Sets
3
Reps
4-6
Rest
2-3 min
Perform 4 reps in week 1 & 6 reps in week 3.
Exercise 4 of 15

Front Pulldown

Equipment
Sets
3
Reps
4-6
Rest
2-3 min
How to
Perform 4 reps in week 1 & 6 reps in week 3.
Exercise 5 of 15

Weighted Plank

Equipment
Weight Plates
Sets
3
Reps
6-10
Rest
2-3 min
Perform 6 reps in week 1 & 10 reps in week 3.
Exercise 6 of 15

Weighted Crunch

Equipment
Bench, Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
6-10
Rest
2-3 min
Perform 6 reps in week 1 & 10 reps in week 3.
Exercise 7 of 15

Machine Back Extension

Equipment
Sets
3
Reps
6-10
Rest
2-3 min
Perform 6 reps in week 1 & 10 reps in week 3.

Size Workout

Weeks 2 & 4

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 8 of 15

General Pullup

Equipment
Pullup Bar
Sets
4
Reps
8-15
Rest
60-90 sec
Perform 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4.
Exercise 9 of 15

Rack Pull

Equipment
Barbell, Squat Rack
Sets
3
Reps
8-15
Rest
60-90 sec
Perform 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4.
Equipment
Sets
4
Reps
8-15
Rest
60-90 sec
How to
Perform 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4. Make the last set a drop set by reducing the weight 25% and continuing to failure.
Exercise 11 of 15

Machine Row

Equipment
Sets
4
Reps
8-15
Rest
60-90 sec
How to
Use a wide, overheand grip. Perform 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4. Make the last set a drop set by reducing the weight 25% and continuing to failure.
Exercise 12 of 15

Dumbbell Row

Equipment
Dumbbells
Sets
3
Reps
8-15
Rest
--
Perform 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4.
Exercise 13 of 15

Straight-Arm Pulldown

Equipment
Adjustable Cable Machine, Lat Pulldown Bar, Straight Bar Attachment
Sets
3
Reps
8-15
Rest
60-90 sec
Perform 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4.
Exercise 14 of 15

Machine Crunch

Equipment
Sets
3
Reps
8-15
Rest
60-90 sec
How to
Perform 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4.
Exercise 15 of 15

Static Back Extension

Equipment
Roman Chair
Sets
3
Reps
8-15
Rest
60-90 sec
Perform weighted. Do 8-10 reps in week 2 & 12-15 reps in week 4.
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