Build Muscle Faster: The Best 4-Day Workout Split You Need to Try.
Why a 4-Day Workout Split is Ideal for Muscle Growth
A 4-day workout split is one of the most effective ways to build muscle, increase strength, and optimize recovery. Unlike full-body workouts, a split routine allows you to target specific muscle groups on different days, ensuring maximum hypertrophy and progressive overload. Training four times a week gives your muscles ample time to recover, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth.
The Best 4-Day Workout Split for Maximum Gains
This 4-day muscle-building plan is structured to optimize strength and hypertrophy. The key is to hit each muscle group with enough volume while allowing sufficient recovery time.
Day 1: Chest and Triceps
Focus on compound movements followed by isolation exercises to fully exhaust the muscles.
- Flat Barbell Bench Press – 4 sets x 6-8 reps
- Incline Dumbbell Press – 3 sets x 8-10 reps
- Dips (Weighted if possible) – 3 sets x 8-12 reps
- Cable Flys – 3 sets x 10-12 reps
- Skull Crushers – 3 sets x 10 reps
- Rope Triceps Pushdown – 3 sets x 12-15 reps
Day 2: Back and Biceps
A strong back and biceps are crucial for overall upper body strength.
- Deadlifts – 4 sets x 5 reps
- Pull-Ups (Weighted if possible) – 3 sets x 8-10 reps
- Bent-over Barbell Rows – 3 sets x 8-10 reps
- Lat Pulldown – 3 sets x 10-12 reps
- Barbell Bicep Curls – 3 sets x 10 reps
- Hammer Curls – 3 sets x 12 reps
Day 3: Rest or Active Recovery
Take a rest day or do light cardio, stretching, or mobility work to keep your body active and aid recovery.
Day 4: Legs and Abs
Legs are the foundation of strength. Training them properly will lead to better athletic performance.
- Squats – 4 sets x 6-8 reps
- Romanian Deadlifts – 3 sets x 8 reps
- Leg Press – 3 sets x 10 reps
- Calf Raises – 4 sets x 15 reps
- Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets x 12 reps
- Cable Crunches – 3 sets x 15 reps
Day 5: Shoulders and Arms
Shoulders enhance upper body aesthetics and strength, while arms are essential for pushing and pulling movements.
- Overhead Barbell Press – 4 sets x 6-8 reps
- Lateral Raises – 3 sets x 12 reps
- Face Pulls – 3 sets x 15 reps
- EZ Bar Preacher Curls – 3 sets x 10 reps
- Concentration Curls – 3 sets x 12 reps
- Close-Grip Bench Press – 3 sets x 8 reps
Days 6 & 7: Rest or Active Recovery
Recovery is as important as training. These days, focus on stretching, yoga, foam rolling, or light cardio.
Key Principles for Faster Muscle Growth
1. Progressive Overload
Always aim to increase weight, reps, or intensity to push your muscles beyond their limits.
2. Proper Nutrition
A high-protein diet with adequate calories is essential for muscle repair and growth. Some key foods include:
- Lean meats (chicken, beef, turkey)
- Eggs and dairy
- Fish and seafood
- Complex carbs (rice, oats, sweet potatoes)
- Healthy fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil)
3. Adequate Rest and Recovery
Muscles grow when they rest, not during the workout. Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep per night and proper hydration.
4. Supplementation for Growth
Consider adding high-quality supplements to your diet:
- Whey Protein – Supports muscle repair and growth
- Creatine Monohydrate – Enhances strength and performance
- BCAAs – Reduce muscle breakdown and improve recovery
- Pre-workout – Provides energy and focus during training
5. Stay Consistent and Track Progress
Keep a workout log, track weights lifted, and measure body progress every few weeks to ensure consistent muscle gains.
Why This 4-Day Split Works Best
- Optimized Recovery – Each muscle group gets 48+ hours to recover
- Balanced Volume – Enough volume for hypertrophy without overtraining
- Time-Efficient – Only 4 days a week, making it easy to maintain
- Proven Results – Trusted by bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts
By following this scientifically-backed 4-day workout split, you’ll see noticeable muscle growth, increased strength, and better overall fitness in no time.