this 4×8 training plan– 4 sets of 8 repetitions – is a popular structure used in global strength and hypertrophy programs. It’s in Medium volume,,,,, Medium intensityand Time efficiencymaking it focus on Muscle growth.
But is 4×8 really the best for hypertrophy? In this article, we break down muscleanalyzes the effectiveness of the 4×8 setting and provides practical advice on how and when to use it in a training program.
What is the 4×8 for strength training?
4×8 Refers to performance 4 sets 8 repetitions Specific exercises, usually 60–75% of your single replies maximum (1RM). The purpose is to control and have sufficient resistance to stimulate muscle fibers in appropriate form.
It usually A fattening planusually in the following prescription:
What is hypertrophy?
Muscle hypertrophy yes Increase muscle fiber size As a response to mechanical and metabolic stress caused by progressive overload and training. There are two types of hypertrophy:
Myofibrillary hypertrophy: Increase contractile protein (related to strength growth)
Nucleoplasm hypertrophy: Increases the volume of non-contractive fluids in muscles (related to size and endurance)
Both types can be designed correctly Medium measures, moderate load trainingfor example, a 4×8 scheme.
Is 4×8 useful for hypertrophy?
Yes – 4×8 is effective for hypertrophyespecially with:
Appropriate load selection (RPE 7-9 or 1-3 reserves)
Tough Time (TUT) 8 rep usually keeps the muscle under load for 30-45 seconds, which is ideal for stimulating metabolic stress and mechanical tension, both of which drive hypertrophy.
Medium volume The 4 working groups provided sufficient total volume to trigger muscle growth while minimizing fatigue, especially for intermediate lifters.
Optimal strength 60-75% of the training of 1RM can recruit sufficient load to recruit type I and type II muscle fibers.
Consistency and tracking 4×8 is easy to track, progress and across training blocks.
What does the research say?
Many studies support a moderate rep range (6-12 times) to maximize fertilizer size:
Schoenfeld et al. (2017): Found that 6-12 times per group are ideal for muscle growth when the total training volume is also the same.
Krieger (2010): Meta-analysis shows Multiple groups (3 or more) It is more effective against hypertrophy than in a single group.
Brad Schoenfeld (2010): Emphasize this Mechanical tension,,,,, Muscle injuryand Metabolic stress It is the main driver of hypertrophy and can be achieved through 4×8 training.
How to use 4×8 in a hypertrophy plan
1. Sports Choice
Apply 4×8 to Compounds and accessories movementFor example:
Squat down
Bench press
Elevated Press
Barbell or dumbbell row
Romanian deadlift
Pull-up or lip pull
You can also use it for isolation exercises (e.g., biceps curls, lateral bulges), although some lifts prefer higher reps (10-15).
2. Rest interval
3. Progressive strategies
Once all 4 sets of 8 repetitions are completed, in a consistent form
Alternatively, increase sales reps to 9-10 per set before increasing the load
When is 4×8 not ideal?
While effective, 4×8 is not always the best choice for every training goal:
For maximum force: The lower rep range (3-6) for heavier loads is more effective
For muscle endurance: The higher representative (12-20) is the first choice
For advanced lifts: Continuous progress may require more representative range and installment differences
Sample 4×8 hypertrophy exercise (upper body focus)
exercise
Set X reps
rest
Bench press
4×8
90 seconds
Pull-up (please assist if needed)
4×8
90 seconds
Dumbbells Publishing House
4×8
60–90 seconds
Cable line
4×8
60 seconds
Side salary increase
4×8
45–60 seconds
Biceps curl
4×8
45–60 seconds
in conclusion
4×8 is an efficient setup and verification solution for hypertrophyespecially for beginners and intermediates who want to build lean muscle mass in a time-consuming and sustainable way. It provides the ideal balance Volume, strength and recoverycan be divided into almost any division.
To maximize results, make sure your 4×8 program includes:
Gradually overloaded
Appropriate motion form and range
Enough sleep and nutrition
Deloads or changes after 6-8 weeks
final, Consistency and clever progress More important than the exact setup-REP scheme. But as a template centered on maturity, 4×8 is still one of the most balanced and validated formats available.
refer to
Schoenfeld BJ. The mechanism of muscle hypertrophy and its application in resistance training. J intensity channel. 2010; 24(10):2857–2872.https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181e840f3
Krieg JW. Single and multiple groups of anti-muscular hypertrophy exercises: Meta-analysis. J intensity channel. 2010; 24(4):1150–1159.