247 reviews for Push Pull Legs Upper Lower (PPLUL)

Dr. Swole's science-based PPLUL (Push Pull Legs Upper Lower) 5-day program is designed for late beginners, intermediates, and advanced athletes to maximize hypertrophy. This program is best suited for those with at least 2+ years of serious training.

The PPLUL addresses some of the disadvantages of both PPL (Push Pull Legs) and UL (Upper Lower) splits. Traditional PPL tends to favor upper body more, while UL tends to favor lower body more. PPLUL combines the best of both and allows you to hit upper and lower body hard twice a week.

Read more about the program below.

4.12 / 5

Maroun J.

Man, 29
2 days ago

3 weeks complete

7 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

No modifications

Good

Zac

Man, 42
10 days ago

7 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

I like that you mostly hit areas twice a week with a focus on compound movements. However, I think the Upper day could be better designed. It's almost entirely push exercises, despite the back being the largest upper body muscle group. By the end of the program, there's a lot of volume at high intensity too. If you're in your 20s and early 30s, this probably won't be an issue, but if you're over 40, you might end up needing to add in some rest days here and there. I did add some strength with this program though, which is pretty good considering I've been lifting for over 20 years.

A C.

Man
a month ago

3 weeks complete

2 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Simple and to the point. 10/10

Nick A.

Man, 31
2 months ago

3 weeks complete

2 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

I like the variability in the workouts. Can get them done in a reasonable amount of time. Switching from 3 to 5 lift days was tough at first (especially on the legs and back) so I’ve averaged probably 4 days per week. More shoulders than I expected. Lots of dumbbell lateral raises. I also wish there were options to switch out exercises for alternatives. I don’t deadlift

Richard Saldivar

Man, 43
2 months ago

3 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Great place to start! Really enjoyed the progress I’ve made.

Briana C.

Woman, 34
3 months ago

3 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

As expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Great program to lock into! My personal gains seem not that major visibly, but definitely see it strength wise. Going to continue locking in to this program and finish it up! Halfway there so we still have plenty of time.

Thomas M.

Man, 48
4 months ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Good to go!

Michael I.

Man, 37
4 months ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Was a great workout plan, easy to follow and also has very great directions on what equipment to use.

Nehir

Man, 28
5 months ago

7 weeks complete

4 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Not bad. Some days had legs on upper or pull days its suprising and unusual but it has some benefits. I had injuries therefore my experience with this program are not that significant for general healthy population but Its effective end covers basics

Matt P.

Man, 33
6 months ago

5 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Great program to target high intensity without overtraining