Programs
Pick a goal. WorkoutSmart handles the periodization.
You cannot peak strength, size, endurance and leanness at once. Every WorkoutSmart program trains one goal, from Dan Wirth's periodization, leveled to your strength test.
“If you want strength you need to train for strength. If you want size you must train for size.”
Choose a goal
Build Strength
The Strength and Power series follows a wave periodization model, from Hypertrophy to Max Strength and Power over the length of the schedule you choose.
Rep ranges are higher (6–12) in the early phases, with more emphasis on conditioning and hypertrophy. You finish in Max Strength phases with reps in the 1–4 range.
Weeks per phase · Level 2
- Hypertrophy2 wk
- Base Strength5 wk
- Strength & Power3 wk
- Transition1 wk
- Max Strength & Power1 wk
Best forLifters with a year or more of consistent training who want to get as strong as possible.
Build Your Own Workouts
Build Your Own Workouts
Dan's Custom Favorite - Strength and Power MAX Back Emphasis
Strength and Power, Higher Weights, Lower Reps, Push/Pull Organization
Strength and Power MAX
Strength and Power, Higher Weights, Lower Reps, Push/Pull Organization
Strength and Power MAX - Dumbbell Oriented
Strength and Power, Higher Weights, Lower Reps, Dumbbell Oriented, Push/Pull Organization
Strength and Power MAX EXPRESS!
Strength, Power, Maximum Efficiency
Strength and Power MAX EXPRESS! Dumbbell Oriented
Strength and Power, Higher Weights, Lower Reps, Efficiency, Dumbbell Oriented, Push/Pull Organization
Strength and Power MAX with Olympics
Strength and Power, Olympic Movements, Higher Weights, Lower Reps
Strength, Power and Size
Strength and Power, Assistance Work for Size
Strength, Power and Size - Dumbbell Oriented
Strength and Power, Assistance Work for Size , Dumbbells are emphasized!
Strength, Power and Size EXPRESS!
Strength, Power, Size, Maximum Efficiency
Strength, Power and Size EXPRESS! - Dumbbell Oriented
Strength and Power, Assistance Work for Size , Dumbbells are emphasized!
Strength, Power and Size with Olympic Lifts
Strength and Power, Olympic Movements, Assistance Work for Size
Bodybuilding
The Classic Bodybuilding series moves through Muscular Endurance (15+ reps), Hypertrophy (8–12 reps) and Base Strength (4–8 reps).
Most of the block is spent in Hypertrophy, built on the squat, bench and deadlift with assistance movements for size and shape.
Weeks per phase · Level 2
- Endurance1 wk
- Hypertrophy5 wk
- Base Strength6 wk
Best forLifters training for size, with each muscle worked twice a week: one harder day and one easier.
Build Your Own Workouts
Build Your Own Workouts
Classic Bodybuilding
Muscular Size and Shape
Classic Bodybuilding - Leg Emphasis
Muscular Size and Shape, Leg Emphasis
Classic Bodybuilding Dumbbell Oriented
Classic Bodybuilding, Muscular Size and Shape, Dumbbell Oriented
Classic Bodybuilding Dumbbell Oriented EXPRESS!
Muscular Size and Shape, Maximum Efficiency, Dumbbell Oriented
Classic Bodybuilding EXPRESS!
Muscular Size and Shape, Maximum Efficiency
Dan's Custom Favorite - Classic Bodybuilding EXPRESS! Once Per Week Muscle Group Training
Single Muscle Group Emphasis, Muscular Size and Shape, Maximum Efficiency
Dan's Custom Favorite - Classic Bodybuilding Upper Body Blast!
DCF - Upper Body Blast Emphasis for Muscular Size and Shape
Dan's Custom Favorite - Power Bodybuilding EXPRESS! Once Per Week Muscle Group Training
Single Muscle Group Emphasis, Muscular Size and Shape, Maximum Efficiency
Phase 1 - Legs, Biceps, Triceps mass, Chest, Abs cut
Mass, Strength, Cuts
Phase 2 - Legs, Biceps, Triceps mass, Chest, Abs cut
Mass, Strength, Cuts Advanced
Power Bodybuilding
Muscular Size and Shape
Power Bodybuilding - Back Emphasis
Muscular Size and Shape, Back Emphasis
Power Bodybuilding - Dumbbell Oriented
Muscular Size and Shape, Dumbbell Oriented
Power Bodybuilding - Leg Emphasis
Muscular Size and Shape, Leg Emphasis
Power Bodybuilding EXPRESS!
Muscular Size and Shape, Efficiency
Power Bodybuilding EXPRESS! Dumbbell Oriented
Muscular Size and Shape, Dumbbell Oriented, Efficiency
Get Lean
The Get Lean series uses higher reps, lighter weights and short rests, and puts the emphasis on conditioning your muscles.
A good fit for weight loss, toning and shaping, muscular endurance, and burning as many calories as possible.
Best forAnyone whose first goal is fat loss and conditioning rather than maximum strength.
Build Your Own Workouts
Build Your Own Workouts
Dan's Custom Favorite - Get In Shape For, During and After the Holidays!
Holiday Fitness Routine, Higher Reps, Cardio Intervals, Core Training, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Dan's Custom Favorite - Get Lean with Extra Leg and Butt Work
Higher Reps, Core Training, Conditioning, Calorie Burning, Lower Body Emphasis
Get Lean
Higher Reps, Core Training, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Get Lean - Dumbbell Oriented
Higher Reps, Core Training, Conditioning, Calorie Burning, Dumbbell Emphasis
Get Lean - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Higher Reps, Core Training, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Get Lean - EXPRESS! - Dumbbell Oriented
Higher Reps, Core Training, Conditioning, Calorie Burning, Efficiency, Dumbbell Oriented
Get Lean - Functional
Higher Reps, Core Training, Balance Work, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Get Lean - Functional - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Higher Reps, Core Training, Balance Work, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Get Lean with Cardio Intervals
Higher Reps, Cardio Intervals, Core Training, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Get Lean with Cardio Intervals - Dumbbell Oriented
Higher Reps, Cardio Intervals, Core Training, Conditioning, Calorie Burning, Dumbbell Emphasis
Get Lean with Cardio Intervals - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Higher Reps, Cardio Intervals, Core Training, Conditioning, Calorie Burning
Get Lean with Cardio Intervals - EXPRESS! - Dumbbell Oriented
Efficiency, Higher Reps, Cardio Intervals, Core Training, Conditioning, Calorie Burning, Dumbbell Oriented
Get Lean with Cardio Intervals - Functional
Higher Reps, Cardio Intervals, Core Training, Balance Work, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Get Lean with Cardio Intervals - Functional - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Higher Reps, Cardio Intervals, Core Training, Balance Work, Conditioning and Calorie Burning
Optimal Fitness
The Optimal Fitness series gives you an optimal amount of training to get in shape and stay there.
Each phase prepares you to move safely to the next level. Not too heavy, and not too light.
Best forPeople who want to be fit and stay fit, without training for a peak.
Build Your Own Workouts
Build Your Own Workouts
Dan's Custom Favorite - Back Safety - Optimal Fitness - Functional
Back Safety, Muscle Conditioning, Balance Work, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention
Dan's Custom Favorite - Back Safety - Optimal Fitness with Cardio Intervals - Functional
Back Safety, Muscle Conditioning, Balance Work, Cardio Intervals, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention
Optimal Fitness
Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach
Optimal Fitness - Dumbbell Oriented
Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach, Dumbbell Oriented
Optimal Fitness - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach
Optimal Fitness - EXPRESS! - Dumbbell Oriented
Efficiency, Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach, Dumbbell Oriented
Optimal Fitness - Functional
Muscle Conditioning, Balance Work, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention
Optimal Fitness - Functional - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Muscle Conditioning, Balance Work, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention
Optimal Fitness with Cardio Intervals
Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Cardio Intervals, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach
Optimal Fitness with Cardio Intervals - Dumbbell Oriented
Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Cardio Intervals, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach, Dumbbell Oriented
Optimal Fitness with Cardio Intervals - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Cardio Intervals, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach
Optimal Fitness with Cardio Intervals - EXPRESS! - Dumbbell Oriented
Efficiency, Muscle Conditioning, Overall Strength, Cardio Intervals, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach, Dumbbell Oriented
Optimal Fitness with Cardio Intervals - Functional
Muscle Conditioning, Balance Work, Cardio Intervals, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention
Optimal Fitness with Cardio Intervals - Functional - EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Muscle Conditioning, Balance Work, Cardio Intervals, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention
Programs for Life
Programs for Life build balance, core stability, body awareness and strength endurance.
Built for people who want to move well for decades, with the same wave structure and the same coach behind it. The aim is stability and movement skill in everyday life.
Best forAdults training for health and pain-free movement, including anyone returning after a long break.
Build Your Own Workouts
Build Your Own Workouts
Program for Life
Muscle Conditioning, Strength Endurance, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Simple and Effective
Program for Life - Minimalist Training
Dumbbell Oriented, Muscle and Cardio Conditioning, Strength Endurance, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Simple and Effective
Program for Life - Total Body Circuit - No Equipment
No Equipment Needed, Muscle and Cardio Conditioning, Strength Endurance, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Simple and Effective
Program for Life Dumbbell Oriented with Cardio Intervals
Dumbbell Oriented, Muscle and Cardio Conditioning, Strength Endurance, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Simple and Effective
Program for Life EXPRESS!
Efficiency, Muscle Conditioning, Strength Endurance, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Simple and Effective
Program for Life EXPRESS! with Cardio Intervals
Efficiency, Muscle and Cardio Conditioning, Strength Endurance, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Simple and Effective
Program for Life with Cardio Intervals
Muscle and Cardio Conditioning, Strength Endurance, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Simple and Effective
Sport Specific
Programs for more than a dozen sports, each with off-season and in-season versions.
Off-season builds, in-season keeps. During the season athletes drop to two days a week, the way a college strength coach runs it.
Best forHigh school, college and masters athletes, and the coaches who train them.
Build Your Own Workouts
Build Your Own Workouts
Sport - Baseball Offseason Strength Development - Fielder
Fielder Position, Muscle Conditioning, Overall Core Strength, Mobility, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach
Sport - Basketball Offseason Strength Development
Off-Season, Full Body Strength and Power, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Muscular Conditioning
Sport - Fooball Inseason 2 Power Velocity
Preseason Velocity Training for Football, Lower Volume, Power Conversion, includes Olympic Lifts
Sport - Football Offseason (Med Ball and Plyo's)
Offseason Development for Football, Maximum Strength and Power including Med Ball and Plyo Work
Sport - Football Offseason with Olympic Lifts
Offseason Development for Football, Maximum Strength and Power including Olympic Lifts
Sport - Football Preseason
Preseason Velocity Training for Football, Lower Volume, Power Conversion, includes Olympic Lifts
Sport - Golf
Muscle Conditioning, Overall Core Strength, Mobility, Injury Prevention, Balanced Approach
Sport - Swimming Off-Season
Off-Season, Overall Strength and Power, Core Stability, Injury Prevention, Muscular Conditioning
Sport - Water Polo Off-Season
Off-Season, Overall Strength, Injury Prevention, Muscular Conditioning
Sports - Boxing
Muscular Endurance and Power, Olympic Movements, Assistance Work for Injury Prevention
Sports - Diving
Muscular Endurance and Power, Olympic Movements, Assistance Work for Injury Prevention
Sports - Martial Arts Program
Muscular Endurance, Leg Power, Core Stability, Injury Prevention
Sports - Middle Distance Running Program
Muscular Endurance, Leg Power, Core Stability, Injury Prevention
Sports - Winter Sports Program
Muscular Endurance, Leg Power, Core Stability, Injury Prevention
How you start
Goal, schedule, test. Then train.
- 01
Pick a goal
Strength, size, leanness, fitness, life or your sport. Each program trains one.
- 02
Choose your week
1 to 7 training days, and how long the cycle runs. 12 weeks is the base block.
- 03
Take a strength test
It sets your level per muscle group and the max every load is based on.
- 04
Train it as written
Rate each exercise after you log it. The Wave Engine moves next week's weight.
Dan's Custom Favorites
Train the way Dan sets up his own week.
A shelf of programs Dan uses himself, each with a note in his words on how he runs it: how many days, which day is legs, and what he does on the others.
Read Dan's storyDan's Custom Favorite
Strength and Power MAX · Back Emphasis
- MONLift + hills
- TUELift
- WEDLegs
- THULift
- FRILift + intervals
5 days a week, legs once on Wednesday, hills and intervals on Monday and Friday.
14-day free trial · Cancel anytime