Mountain Dog Training
Mountain Dog Training is a 5-day bodybuilding training approach focused on muscle building. Use it as a starting point for organizing and tracking consistent training.
Program-specific training plan
- Chest Press — controlled heavy/moderate work
- Incline Press — 3–4 sets
- Fly — 3–4 sets
- Pump / stretch-focused chest work
Mountain Dog programming is known for varied exercise selection, controlled execution and targeted muscle-building volume.
- Pulldown — 3–4 sets
- Row — 3–4 sets
- Chest-Supported Row — 3 sets
- Pullover — 3 sets
- Rear Delt Work — 3 sets
Use deliberate execution and choose movements that load the target tissue without unnecessary joint stress.
- Squat or Leg Press — 3–4 sets
- Hip Hinge — 3 sets
- Leg Extension — 3 sets
- Leg Curl — 3 sets
- Calves — 4 sets
Leg sessions often combine heavier work with high-rep pump work.
- Press — 3 sets
- Lateral Raise — 4 sets
- Rear Delt Work — 3 sets
- Curl — 3–4 sets
- Triceps — 3–4 sets
Exercise selection and intensity techniques should be adjusted to the individual.
- Priority Muscle — 3–4 sets
- Secondary Compound — 3 sets
- Isolation Work — 3–4 sets
- Pump Finisher — 2–3 sets
Use this day to bring up lagging areas rather than simply adding more fatigue everywhere.
How to use it
- Main movement patterns
- Hypertrophy-focused work
- Accessory exercises
- Manage weekly volume
Who it is for
People seeking a structured bodybuilding routine with a clear weekly schedule.
Goal
Muscle building
Progression
Mountain Dog-style training emphasizes progressive overload, exercise rotation, muscle-specific execution and strategic high-rep work. Exact weekly programming varies across John Meadows' routines.
Accuracy note
Mountain Dog Training refers to a family of John Meadows bodybuilding methods and programs, not one fixed routine; this page summarizes the approach rather than reproducing a proprietary program.
Regardless of template, log every working set and prioritize repeatable technique, appropriate recovery and sustainable progression.
Ready to track it?
Choose a start date and import this plan into your Gym Log calendar.