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Advanced Gym Lower Body 5x5 Strength Workout

57 min
 · 
7 exercises

Ready for some serious 5x5 lower body action? This advanced gym strength workout is built around big compound lifts — 5 sets of 5 reps — designed to drive muscle gain and build functional lower body power. Big lifts, big results. Now get after it!

Sandbag Squats exercise illustration
Sandbag Squats
3 sets
10 reps
45 sec rest
Hold on and get low! Warm up those stems.
2:00 rest
Barbell Squats exercise illustration
Barbell Squats
5 sets
5 reps
2 min rest
Start out with 82.5% of your ORM. Use pure power here, get it up!
2:00 rest
Barbell Deadlifts exercise illustration
Barbell Deadlifts
5 sets
5 reps
2 min rest
Start out with 82.5% and increase with every set!
2:00 rest
Smith Machine Squats exercise illustration
Smith Machine Squats
5 sets
10 reps
90 sec rest
Reduce the weight and focus on form. Make sure you\'re still feeling a burn at 10 reps.
2:00 rest
Dumbbell Weighted Leg Pull-Ins exercise illustration
Dumbbell Weighted Leg Pull-Ins
5 sets
- reps
30 sec rest
Hold at least 5 kg! Set 1 - 20 reps. Set 2 - 18 reps. Set 3 - 16 reps. Set 4 - 14 reps. Set 5 - 12 reps.
2:00 rest
Sit-ups exercise illustration
Sit-ups
5 sets
- reps
30 sec rest
Set 1 - 12 reps. Set 2 - 11 reps. Set 3 - 10 reps. Set 4 - 9 reps. Set 5 - 8 reps.
2:00 rest
Bicycles exercise illustration
Bicycles
5 sets
- reps
30 sec rest
(Reps= per side!) Set 1 - 20 reps. Set 2 - 18 reps. Set 3 - 16 reps. Set 4 - 14 reps. Set 5 - 12 reps.

About this workout

Advanced Gym Lower Body 5x5 Strength Workout is a free 57 min workout plan with 7 illustrated exercises for your abs, back and legs. Follow the workout online, save it to your WorkoutLabs Fit account or download it as a printable PDF.

Tap any exercise in the workout to see the muscles worked, clear exercise illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Each workout includes sets, reps, rest times and notes so you can follow the plan without guessing.

Workout details

  • Duration: 57 min
  • Exercises: 7
  • Training focus: Abs, back and legs
  • Equipment: Full gym
  • Level: Advanced
  • Format: Interactive workout and printable PDF

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Questions about this workout

What equipment do I need for this workout?

You'll need full gym for this workout. Tap any exercise to see form instructions and possible substitutions if a piece of equipment isn't available.

How long does the Advanced Gym Lower Body 5x5 Strength Workout take?

The full workout takes about 57 minutes, covering 7 exercises with prescribed sets, reps and rest periods. Using the built-in timers and auto-advance keeps you on pace from start to finish.

Is this workout suitable for my fitness level?

This is an advanced workout designed for experienced lifters. If you're newer to training, scale it down with lighter loads and longer rests, or browse our library for a beginner or intermediate version of a similar routine.

What muscles does this workout target?

This routine primarily works your glutes & hip flexors, quadriceps, lower back, hamstrings, abs, obliques. Tap any exercise in the workout to see a muscle diagram showing exactly which primary and secondary muscles it activates.

How often should I do this workout?

For gain muscle, improve function, aim to do this workout 2–3 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Progress by gradually adding weight or reps, and pair it with workouts for other muscle groups during the week.

Can I download or save this workout?

Yes – you can download this workout as a free printable PDF using the download button, or save it to a free WorkoutLabs Fit account to follow it on your phone, customize the exercises and track your progress.

Advanced Gym Lower Body 5x5 Strength Workout
57 min
 · 
7 exercises
Ready for some serious 5x5 lower body action? This advanced gym strength workout is built around big compound lifts — 5 sets of 5 reps — designed to drive muscle gain and build functional lower body power. Big lifts, big results. Now get after it!
Auto-advance Start exercises automatically
after a 5-second delay
Start workout Cancel workout
Sandbag Squats
Sandbag Squats exercise illustration
3 sets
10 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Hold on and get low! Warm up those stems.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and hold the powerbag/sandbag on your shoulders in a fireman’s-carry style
  2. Bend your legs and lower your body towards the ground. Be sure not to let your knees pass over your toe line.
  3. Keep your back nice and straight, and your chin up as you lower your body down to a full squat.
  4. Drive upwards through your feet using your glutes to the starting position.

 

Do not lock your knees at the top of the extension!

Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Shoulders
  1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart while holding a light dumbbell to your chest. You should hold the dumbbell by one end between your hands, with the other end extending down your torso. This is the start position.
  2. Squat down keeping your slightly arched and pushing your hips back.
  3. Continue down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
  4. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the start position.
  6. Repeat.

This exercise can also be performed with a kettlebell.

Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Lower Back
  1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
  2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
  3. Pause for one second.
  4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Bring your hands to your shoulders, keeping the handles of the band behind your shoulders. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
  3. Bend first at the knees then at the hips. Be sure to keep the chest up and abdominals tight. There should be no arch in your back.
  4. Pause when your thighs are parallel with the floor, then slowly return to the starting position, feeling the tension from the band in your quadriceps.
Rest
0:00
next up
Barbell Squats
Next
Barbell Squats
Barbell Squats exercise illustration
5 sets
5 reps
2 min rest
Set 1 of 5
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Start out with 82.5% of your ORM. Use pure power here, get it up!
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings, Lower Back
  1. Set up the barbell on the squat rack so that it is at the same height as your upper chest.
  2. Position your body under the bar, with knees bent so that the bar is resting high on the back of your shoulders.
  3. Grip the bar with your hands comfortably wider than your shoulders.
  4. Slowly straighten your legs to push upwards, lifting the barbell from the rack and take one step forward.
  5. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.
  6. Bend your knees forward and allow your hips to bend back as if sitting down,
  7. Continue this movement down until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly more, making sure your knees are pointing in the same direction as your feet.
  8. Hold for a count of one.
  9. Push up through your heels while straightening your hips and knees, until you are standing in the start position.
  10. Make any adjustments necessary to your stance and grip before continuing on the next repetition.

Do not rest the bar on your neck. Keep your head facing forward at all times. Keep your back straight throughout the entire movement.

Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves
  1. Begin by positioning a barbell at or just below shoulder level in the squat rack. Behind the squat rack, place a tall wooden box or chair. Place yourself underneath the barbell. Make sure the bar is across your upper traps and NOT on your neck.
  2. Place your feet outside of shoulder-width with your toes pointed slightly out. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
  3. Bend at the knees as you drive your hips back. Lower yourself slowly until your butt touches the box. Pause then drive your hips forward to return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Lower Back
  1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
  2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
  3. Pause for one second.
  4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Bring your hands to your shoulders, keeping the handles of the band behind your shoulders. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
  3. Bend first at the knees then at the hips. Be sure to keep the chest up and abdominals tight. There should be no arch in your back.
  4. Pause when your thighs are parallel with the floor, then slowly return to the starting position, feeling the tension from the band in your quadriceps.
Rest
0:00
next up
Barbell Deadlifts
Next
Barbell Deadlifts
Barbell Deadlifts exercise illustration
5 sets
5 reps
2 min rest
Set 1 of 5
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Start out with 82.5% and increase with every set!
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Forearms, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Place a barbell in a clear space on the floor. (Make sure there are no obstructions in your way.
  2. Stand facing the barbell with your legs about 4-6 inches from the bar.
  3. Place your feet shoulder width apart.Your feet can be pointed straight ahead or turned outwards slightly.
  4. Squat down, keeping your back straight and grip the bar with an overhand grip at shoulder width.
  5. Keep your arms fully extended and stand up with the barbell.
  6. As you lift the barbell, your hips and shoulders should rise together and your back should be straight.
  7. As you reach the top of the lift and are standing straight, rotate your shoulders back slightly until you feel a slight stretch in them.
  8. Lower the barbell back to the floor in the same squatting motion you used to lift it.

This exercise can be very dangerous if performed incorrectly. If you are a novice, only perform this exercise with an experienced trainer's supervision.

Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings, Quadriceps
  1. Place two dumbbells on the floor.
  2. Stand facing the dumbbells with your feet shoulder width apart.
  3. Bend knees and hips to lower your torso in a squatting movement,keep your back straight.
  4. At the bottom of the squat grip the dumbbells with an overhand grip,keeping your arms fully extended.
  5. Return to an upright position holding the dumbbells with your palms facing towards your body and extending your hips forward. Do not round your back.
  6. Return the dumbbells to the floor in the same manner you picked them up.
  7. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Holding the handles of the resistance band, step on to the middle. Place your feet at shoulder-width with toes pointing forward. Tighten your core and keep your chest up.
  2. Bend your knees slightly and drive your hips back but NOT lower than your knees. Again, keep the chest up. This is the starting position.
  3. Forcefully contract your glutes, driving them forward. Do not just lean back. Your glutes should be fully contracted. Pause then return to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Smith Machine Squats
Next
Smith Machine Squats
Smith Machine Squats exercise illustration
5 sets
10 reps
90 sec rest
Set 1 of 5
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Reduce the weight and focus on form. Make sure you\'re still feeling a burn at 10 reps.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
  1. Begin by positioning yourself underneath a Smith Machine barbell. Make sure the bar is across your upper traps and NOT your neck.
  2. Place your feet at shoulder-width with your toes pointed slightly out. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
  3. Bend first at the knees then at the hips. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings, Lower Back
  1. Set up the barbell on the squat rack so that it is at the same height as your upper chest.
  2. Position your body under the bar, with knees bent so that the bar is resting high on the back of your shoulders.
  3. Grip the bar with your hands comfortably wider than your shoulders.
  4. Slowly straighten your legs to push upwards, lifting the barbell from the rack and take one step forward.
  5. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.
  6. Bend your knees forward and allow your hips to bend back as if sitting down,
  7. Continue this movement down until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly more, making sure your knees are pointing in the same direction as your feet.
  8. Hold for a count of one.
  9. Push up through your heels while straightening your hips and knees, until you are standing in the start position.
  10. Make any adjustments necessary to your stance and grip before continuing on the next repetition.

Do not rest the bar on your neck. Keep your head facing forward at all times. Keep your back straight throughout the entire movement.

Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Sit down on a leg press machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at shoulder width.
  2. Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform  and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you bot do NOT lock your knees. Your torso and legs should be at a 90degree angle to each other. This is the start position.
  3. Inhaling, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs form a 90-degree angle. Pause for a count of one,
  4. Return to the starting position by pushing through the heels of your feet, engaging your quadriceps. Exhale as you do so.
  5. Repeat.
  6. After completing the desired number of repetitions, make sure you lock the safety pins of the machine before alighting.

Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.

Rest
0:00
next up
Dumbbell Weighted Leg Pull-Ins
Next
Dumbbell Weighted Leg Pull-Ins
Dumbbell Weighted Leg Pull-Ins exercise illustration
5 sets
- reps
30 sec rest
Set 1 of 5
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Hold at least 5 kg! Set 1 - 20 reps. Set 2 - 18 reps. Set 3 - 16 reps. Set 4 - 14 reps. Set 5 - 12 reps.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Stand a dumbbell on one of its plates about 2 feet away from the edge of a bench and sit comfortably on the edge of that bench, using you hand-grip for support. Fully extend your legs towards the dumbbell.
  2. Using your amazing foot-eye coordination, pin each foot underneath the top plate of the standing dumbbell, on either side of its bar.
  3. Bring your knees in towards your chest, taking care not to drop the dumbbell in the process, and hold them as close as you can to your chest for 1 second.
  4. Extend the legs back down towards the floor to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Sit-ups
Next
Sit-ups
Sit-ups exercise illustration
5 sets
- reps
30 sec rest
Set 1 of 5
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Set 1 - 12 reps. Set 2 - 11 reps. Set 3 - 10 reps. Set 4 - 9 reps. Set 5 - 8 reps.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lie with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. You can have someone hold your feet or place them under something to keep them steady.
  2. Place your hands behind your head, elbows pointing out.
  3. Engage your abs and lift your head, neck and shoulders up. Pretend you are holding a small ball under your chin.
  4. Hold and then return to starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Bicycles
Next
Bicycles
Bicycles exercise illustration
5 sets
- reps
30 sec rest
Set 1 of 5
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
(Reps= per side!) Set 1 - 20 reps. Set 2 - 18 reps. Set 3 - 16 reps. Set 4 - 14 reps. Set 5 - 12 reps.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Obliques
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
  1. Lie flat on an exercise mat on the floor keeping your lower back straight with no arching of your spine and with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  2. Place your hands lightly on the sides of your head.
  3. Curl your torso upwards so your shoulders are slightly raised off the floor..
  4. Raise your knees until your thighs are at a right angle to the floor and your calves are parallel to the floor. This is the start position.
  5. Slowly move your legs in a pedaling action as if you are riding a bicycle.
  6. As you do so, exhale and bring your opposing elbow close to each knee by crunching to one side. Left elbow to right knee. Right elbow to left knee.
  7. After each crunch, return to the start position inhaling as you do so.
  8. Without pausing, repeat the movement to the other side.
  9. Repeat without pausing for the desired number of repetitions to each side.

Do not use your hands to pull your head and neck up during this exercise. Doing so may cause injury. Concentrate on a slow rhythmic cycle from side to side with perfect form for each repetition.

Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lie on your back. Bring your knees up to a 90-degree angle. Shins should be parallel to the floor. Place your hands behind your head and bring your shoulders off the ground.
  2. Exhale and contract your abdominals. Bring your head towards your knees while moving your knees toward your chest.
  3. Pause and return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Obliques
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Lie on an exercise mat, with your back flat, knees bent and your feet flat on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Fully extend your arms down the side of your body, palms facing in. This is the start position.
  3. Exhaling, crunch your torso forward and to the right until you can touch your right heel with your right hand. Hold for a count of one.
  4. Return to the starting position smooth motion, inhaling as you do so.
  5. Repeat the movement, this time to your left side.
  6. When you have completed the movement on both sides, you have done one repetition.
  7. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Lie on a mat with your hands under your buttocks and raise your legs slightly, keeping knees straight and ankles together.
  2. Keep abs engaged and perform short kicks in an alternating fashion.
  3. Repeat as needed and then lower legs to the ground.
Workout done!
Exercises done
of 7
Total time
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