ReBuilt 2.0 Official FINAL
ReBuilt 2.0 Official FINAL
ReBuilt 2.0 Official FINAL
This manual is being offered for education and information purposes. There is
inherent risk with any physical activity. Please consult your physician before
starting this (or any) exercise program. Joe DeFranco and DeFranco’s Training
Systems, LLC, can not be held responsible for any injury that may occur while
participating in the REBUILT 2.0 program.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wanted to recognize the following individuals for having a positive
influence on my training/rehab [in some way, shape, or form] during
the past 18-24 months. Whether it was an in-person interaction,
podcast, or social media post - these leaders have all helped me
advance my training knowledge - which contributed to the creation
of this new ReBuilt 2.0 program. Thank you all for your willingness
to share such valuable information. Keep leading from the front!
[In no particular order]
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Intro/Background
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heavy lifting, combined with 13 years of playing football.
As I was woke up from my most recent surgery [gasping for air
due to an interscalene nerve block that affected my ability to
breathe] I thought to myself, “I’m going to come back from this
surgery stronger, leaner, and healthier than ever…and I’m going
to do it the smartest way possible because I don’t want to go
through this sh*t ever again!!”
The DAY I arrived home from my surgery I began planning,
researching and designing ReBuilt 2.0. It’s been a long road…
and it certainly wasn’t easy. But here we are - 14 months post-
surgery - and I’m in the best shape of my life [at 46-years-old]!
It’s time for a change: Most
people accept joint pain as part
of the muscle-building &
strength-building process, but
it doesn’t have to be that way!
ReBuilt 2.0 uses the most joint-
friendly exercises - in the
proper sequencing - to reduce
joint stress, while increasing
strength, hypertrophy &
mobility!
As you can see from my pics, ReBuilt 2.0 has built me the best
physique of my life - and the best part is - I actually feel better
than I look.
Now it’s YOUR turn!
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If you’re like me and have nagging injuries (from playing sports
when you were younger and/or years of heavy lifting), ReBuilt 2.0
is about to change your life!
Gone are the days when training would take away from your
quality of life. It’s time to build a physique that enhances your
daily activities and feels as good as it looks…
It’s time to get REBUILT!
Let’s get started!
-Joe D.
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READ BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROGRAM!
Do NOT skip to the 12-week program until you read through
ALL of the following notes! Reading the information below
is crucial to your success on the ReBuilt 2.0 program.
1. Exercise Execution
Make sure to watch the VIDEO DEMOS of each exercise
before you begin this program!
We filmed every single exercise in this program for you. Take advantage
of the video library and review each exercise before you begin each
workout. Proper exercise execution is key if you’re interested in
maximizing your results!
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2. Training Days | Program Split Recommendation
Monday: Push
Tuesday: Legs
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Pull
Friday: Off
Saturday: Full Body
Sunday: Off
*NOTE: I recommend the above training days/split, BUT…
I know some people prefer/need weekends off (for family, travel, etc). If
that’s the case, simply perform your Full Body workout on Friday. (Of
all the body parts, I believe “upper back” can handle the most volume/
frequency. After all, they are postural muscles which “fight gravity” 24/7
- so training ‘Back’ on “back-to-back” days (pun intended) is NOT the
end of the world :)
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beginning of each session to ENHANCE the subsequent workout, not
take away from it.
6. Rest Intervals
If a specific rest interval isn’t specified for an exercise, rest as long/little
as you feel you need to perform the next set at the highest possible level.
(Everyone has different strength/conditioning levels, so work at a pace
that’s appropriate for YOU.) BUT, with that being said, don’t get in a
habit of resting 3-4 minutes between every set! REMEMBER: We’re
prioritizing health, longevity & relative strength on this program - so
your goal should be to “push the pace” of your workouts (without
sacrificing the quality of your reps/sets).
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Make sure you’re doing everything in your power to progress from week-
to-week. Don’t just “go through the motions”!
FOR EXAMPLE: If an exercise calls for “3 sets of 12-15 reps” [during
one of the 4-week training blocks] you can:
OPTION A: Perform 3 sets of 15 reps during the first week, then increase the
weight and decrease the reps the following week(s)
OPTION B: Perform 3 sets of 12 during the first week, then try and increase the
reps [while using the same or more weight] the following week(s)
*These are just 2 examples of the many ways you can progress from
week-to-week. I don’t care how you decide to progress your
supplemental & accessory exercises, as long as you’re progressing!
8. Exercise Substitutions
If an exercise hurts, DON’T DO IT! (See “Training Longevity
Commandment #1”). There is always an alternative/regression, so there’s
no need to “push through pain”. You must become your own best trainer/
coach. Just because an exercise/regression may not be programmed in
any of the ReBuilt 2.0 workouts doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate it. If
there’s a variation of a movement that you feel is better for you and your
body, DO IT! Again, I want you to become your own best trainer/coach.
Nobody knows how your body feels better than you. Be smart and make
any programming adjustments that you feel are needed to personalize the
ReBuilt 2.0 program for your body.
9. Equipment Requirements
I did my best to make this program as practical as possible. The majority
of the ReBuilt 2.0 program requires only basic equipment that most
commercial (or well-equipped home) gyms have: Rack, Adjustable
Bench, Dumbbells, Barbell, Bands & Rings/suspension trainer.
*Cables are also incorporated into the program, but most of the cable
exercises can be substituted with band(s) if needed.
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ReBuilt 2.0 - “Quick 6” Warm-up Routines
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PUSH WARM-UP
LOWER WARM-UP
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PULL WARM-UP
1. Child’s Pose w/ Lat Stretch: 3-5 deep breaths w/ right arm & 3-5
deep breathes w/ left arm
FULL WARM-UP
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ReBuilt 2.0 - Official Program
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WEEKS 1-4
MONDAY: PUSH WORKOUT
1. Pump-n-Prime Circuit (RPE 5-7)
a. Prone Y-W Raise w/ PVC (or Bodybar): 8 reps
b. Flat Bench DB Flyes: 10 reps
c. Flat Bench DB Tricep Kickbacks: 12 reps
*Perform 3 rounds of this circuit w/ minimal rest between rounds.
2. Supplemental Superset
a. Seesaw Push-ups: 3 x 10-15, Last set AMRAP
*The goal is to complete all reps without allowing the sides of the barbell to touch the floor.
b. Band Pull-Aparts (overhand): 3 x 12-20
3. Main Lift
a. Slight Decline* DB Pause Bench Press: 40 total reps w/
your 10-15RM (See “Total Reps” explanation on page 10.)
*Place 25lb plate under foot-end of bench | 1sec pause at bottom of each rep
4. DROP-SET: Rest 2min after last set of the main lift, drop weight
approx. 10-15% and then perform your drop-set.
a. Slight Decline DB *Squeeze Press [w/ Rest-Pause]:
1 set x “AMRAP” (leaving 1-2 reps “in the tank”), rest
20-30sec, then perform as many more reps as possible.
*Placing 1-2 Airex Pads [b/t dumbbells] is recommended, but NOT required.
5. Accessory Superset
a. *Prone Incline DB Y-Raise: 3 x 20,15,12 (increase weight each set)
*Set incline at approx. 75-80 degrees
b. Flat KB (or) DB Tricep Extensions: 3 x 10-15 reps
6. Finisher
a. Single Arm Cable (or Band) Lateral Raise 21’s: 2 sets
*FULL ROM x 7, TOP-Half x 7, BOTTOM-Half x 7
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TUESDAY: LOWER WORKOUT
2. Supplemental Superset
a. Split Stance Barbell (or KB) RDL’s*: 3 x 8 reps each leg
*90% of weight on FRONT foot. (Turn back foot OUT slightly)
b. (Band-Assisted) Reverse Nordics: 3 x 6 reps
3. Main Lift
a. KOT Split Squat, front foot/toes elevated [holding dumbbells]
WK1 = 3 x 10 per leg WK2 = 3 x 8 per leg WK3-4 = 4 x 8,7,6,6 per leg*
*increase weight from WK1 *increase weight each set
4. Accessory Superset
a. 45-Degree Hypers (OR) Reverse Hypers: 3 x 10-15 reps
b. Foam Roller Body Saw: 3 x 8-12 slow/controlled reps
5. Finisher
a. Kettlebell Mile, holding 10% BW in each hand
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THURSDAY: PULL WORKOUT
2. Supplemental Exercise
a. Half Kneeling Single Arm Lat Pulldown w/ ISO-Holds*
*Drive elbow into thigh for 2-count each rep
WK 1-2 = 3 x 10, 8, 8 per arm WK 3-4 = 4 x 8 per arm
3. Main Lift
a. Chest Supported DB or KB Rows [w/ ISO-Holds]: 3 x 10-12
*Hold each rep in contracted position for a “1-count”
4. DROP-SET: Rest 60sec after last set of the main lift, drop weight
approx. 20% and then perform your drop-set.
a. Chest Supported ISO-Alternating DB or KB Row:
1 set x 8-10 reps each arm
6. Finisher
a. Incline 1.5-Rep Dumbbell Curls: 2 sets x 8-12 reps
*Set up Incline Bench b/t 60-75degrees
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SATURDAY: FULL BODY WORKOUT
1. Main Lift
a. Goblet Box Squats: 35-50 TOTAL reps w/ 50% Bodyweight
*Perform 1-2 low-rep warm-up sets before you start your work sets.
WK 1 = 35 total reps w/ 50% BW WK 2 = 40 total reps w/ 50% BW
WK 3 = 45 total reps w/ 50% BW WK 4 = 50 total reps w/ 50% BW
NOTE: To reduce shoulder stress, you can “mix & match” the load by wearing a
weight vest and/or placing a chain(s) around your neck.
FOR EXAMPLE: A 200lb man can hold an 80lb dumbbell & place a 20lb chain
around his neck [as opposed to just holding a 100lb dumbbell.] *Follow this advice
whenever performing a Goblet Squat variation while on this program.
2. EDT Superset
a. Inverted Bodyweight Rows: 5-10 reps
*Choose the appropriate set-up/technique for your current strength level
WKS 1-2 = Perform 5-10 reps each movement in an alternating fashion. Rest
as little as needed and repeat x 15 MINUTES.
WKS 3-4 = Perform 5-10 reps each movement in an alternating fashion. Rest
as little as needed and repeat x 18 MINUTES.
3. “Pick-A-Part!” [Optional]
Pick a body part(s) that you feel needs more work and spend
10-12 minutes training it.
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WEEKS 5-8
MONDAY: PUSH WORKOUT
1. Pump-n-Prime Circuit (RPE 5-7)
a. Gripless Band Face Pull-Aparts: 10-15 reps
b. Low Incline DB Flyes: 10 reps
c. Low Incline DB Tricep Kickbacks: 12 reps
*Perform 3 rounds of this circuit w/ minimal rest between rounds.
2. Supplemental Superset
a. Ring/Suspension Push-ups: 3 x 8-12 reps (weighted if necessary)
b. Band Pull-Aparts (underhand): 3 x 12-20 reps
3. Main Lift
a. Low Incline Eccentric-Focussed DB Bench (on Bosu)*
4 sets x 8, 7, 6, 6 reps (5-second lowering each rep)
*Bosu Ball recommended, but NOT required.
4. DROP-SET: Rest 2min after last set of the main lift, drop weight
20-25% and then perform your drop-set.
a. Low Incline Alternating DB Bench - Ascending Ladder*
*Start w/ both arms locked out. Perform 1 rep w/ right arm, then 1 rep w/ left arm.
Then perform 2 consecutive reps w/ your right arm followed by 2 consecutive reps
w/ your left. Then, 3 consecutive reps w/ your right arm & 3 consecutive reps w/ your left.
The goal is to make it to “6 reps” each arm (which would equal 21 TOTAL reps per arm).
5. Accessory Superset
a. Side-Lying Incline Laterals: 3 x 8-10 reps per arm
b. X-Band Lateral Raises: 3 x 10-20 reps
6. Finisher
a. Meadows Rear Delt Swings: 100 total reps
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TUESDAY: LOWER WORKOUT
2. Supplemental Superset
a. Hand Supported Single Leg RDL’s: 3 x 8-10 reps per leg
*Contralateral load (opposite hand)
b. (Band-Assisted) Reverse Nordics: 3 x 6-8 reps
3. Main Lift
a. Deficit Reverse Lunges, holding dumbbells*
4 sets x 8, 7, 6, 5 reps each leg (increasing weight each set)
*Can use straps if grip becomes a limiting factor
4. Accessory Superset
a. Glute Bridge Sliders: 3 x 6-8 reps (slow/controlled eccentric)
b. Banded Reverse Crunches (OR) Hanging Bent-Knee Raises
3 sets x 10-15 reps
5. Finisher
a. Single Arm Farmer’s Walk, holding DB or KB: 3 x 45-60sec each arm
*Perform right arm, then left arm (without resting between arms). After you
complete your 1st set with each arm, REST 60sec, then repeat for 2 more sets.
**Holding 25% of your BW is a good starting point/weight. Once you can
complete all 3 sets x 45-60sec w/ 25% BW (and near-perfect posture/
technique), you can increase the weight.
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THURSDAY: PULL WORKOUT
2. Supplemental Exercise
a. One-Arm DB “Gorilla” Rows: 3 x 10, 8, 8 reps each arm
3. Main Lift
a. (Weighted) Inverted BW Rows: 40-50 total reps
WKS 5-6 = 40 total reps WKS 7-8 = 50 total reps
4. DROP-SET: Rest 60sec after last set of the main lift, then perform
your dropset.
a. Inverted BW Row ISO-HOLD [w/ yoga block]: 1 set x ALAP
*Knees bent/Feet on floor (Beginner/Intermediate) OR Straight Legs/elevated on bench (Advanced)
6. Finisher
a. DB Curl 21’s (version 2.0): 2 sets x 21 reps
*Zottman Curls x 7, Palms Up x 7, Hammer Curls x 7
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SATURDAY: FULL BODY WORKOUT
1. Main Lift
a. Weighted Push-ups - Timed*: 50 TOTAL reps
[Use weight vest, band, backpack, chain(s), sandbag, or a combo of any 2 for additional weight]
*Choose a resistance/weight that represents your 12-15 rep max & complete 50
TOTAL REPS in the shortest time possible. [Start your stopwatch before your first
rep/set and then stop it immediately upon completing your 50th rep.]
RECORD YOUR TIME and try and complete your 50 reps [with the same
resistance] in LESS time the following week.
2. EDT Superset
a. Goblet Squats, heels elevated
*Suggested weight = 55% of your bodyweight
3. “Pick-A-Part!” [Optional]
Pick a body part(s) that you feel needs more work and spend
10-12 minutes training it.
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WEEKS 9-12
MONDAY: PUSH WORKOUT
1. Pump-n-Prime Superset (RPE 5-7)
a. Supine Band “Pullover-Apart & Press”: 3 x 5-10 reps
c. Shoulder Touch Push-ups: 3 x 5-10 reps per arm
2. Supplemental Superset
a. Single Arm DB Floor Press:
WKS 9-10 = 3 x 8-10 reps per arm (increasing weight each set)
WKS 11-12 = 2 x 8-10 reps per arm, 1 x AMRAP w/ 40% BW*
*EXAMPLE: 200lb man would perform final set w/ 80lb DB
*WOMEN: Use 25% BW for this set.
b. Floor Band Pull-Aparts (overhand): 3 x 12-20 reps
3. Main Lift
a. Barbell Bench Press variation*
4 sets x 5 reps, last set 5+
*Recommended: neutral/angled barbell + chains and/or reverse bands
[chains/reverse bands: decrease shoulder stress/loading in bottom position]
4. Accessory Exercise
a. Cable Crossovers (OR) Single Arm Band Fly: 3 x 10-12
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TUESDAY: LOWER WORKOUT
1. Pump-n-Prime Circuit (RPE 5-7)
a. Spanish Squats (holding light DB or KB): 10 reps
b. Stability Ball Bridge + Curl: 10 reps
c. Bent-Knee Calf Raises: 20-35 reps
*Perform 3 rounds of this circuit w/ minimal rest between rounds.
2. Supplemental Superset
a. Single Leg RDL’s*: 3 x 8,7,6 per leg (increasing weight each set)
*Ipsilateral load (same-side hand)
b. (Band Assisted) Reverse Nordics: 3 x 6-8 reps
OR
Backward Sled Drags: 3 x 40-50 yards per set
3. Main Lift
a. Bulgarian Split Squats, holding DB’s: *3 x 6, 5, 5 each leg
*Increase weight each set / Can use straps if needed
4. DROP-SET: Rest 2min after last set of the main lift, drop
weight 20% and then perform your drop-set.
a. 1.5-Rep Bulgarian Split Squats: 1 x 8-10 reps each leg
5. Accessory Superset
a. Barbell Hip Thrusts: 3 x 10, 8, 8 (pause at top of each rep for 1sec)
b. McGill Curl-ups: 3 x 5 “each leg” (hold each rep/contraction for 5sec)
6. Finisher
a. Timed Forward/Backward Farmer’s Walks: 3 sets
Sets 1&2 = 30-45sec Set 3 = Max Time*
[*Goal = 40% BW per hand (or more) for 45+ seconds]
NOTE: If space is limited, just walk 5-6 steps forward & 5-6 steps backward.
Repeat for the duration of each set.
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THURSDAY: PULL WORKOUT
2. Supplemental Exercise
a. Meadows Landmine Row: 3 x 12, 10, 8 reps each arm*
*increasing weight each set
3. Main Lift
a. Seated Cable Low Rows: 50-60 total reps*
WKS 9-10: 50 total reps WKS 11-12: 60 total reps
*Choose a weight that represents the maximum weight that you can complete for 12-15 near-
perfect reps. NOTE: It’s better to choose a lighter/more conservative weight in this exercise to
ensure quality execution/upper back development.
4. DROP-SET: Rest 60sec after last set of the main lift, drop weight
approx. 20% and then perform your drop-set.
a. 1.5-Rep Seated Cable Low Rows: 1 x 8-12 reps
6. Finisher
a. Single Arm Preacher Curls: 2 x 10-12 reps each arm
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SATURDAY: FULL BODY WORKOUT
1. Main Lift
a. Chin-ups (Neutral Grip recommended)
WKS 9-10 = Take your chin-up max and multiply it by 3. That is your
training volume. EXAMPLE: If you can do 5 chin-ups, then
your training volume for Weeks 9 & 10 is 15 TOTAL reps
(because 5 x 3 = 15).
WKS 11-12 = Take your chin-up max and multiply it by 4. That is your
training volume. EXAMPLE: If you can do 5 chin-ups, then
your training volume for Weeks 11&12 will be 20 TOTAL reps
(because 5 x 4 = 20).
*If you can’t do a single chin-up, perform Band Assisted Chin-ups (and follow the
same instructions/workout outlined above).
**If you can’t do at least 5 band-assisted chin-ups, perform Eccentric Chin-ups:
3-5 sets of 2-4 lowerings, 5-10sec each lowering
2. EDT Superset
a. Weighted Deficit Push-ups: 6-10 reps*
Use Dumbbells, Push-up Handles, or Suspension Trainer for deficit
Use weight vest, band, backpack, chain(s), or any combo of each, for additional weight*
*Choose a resistance/weight that represents your 12-15 rep max
3. “Pick-A-Part!” [Optional]
Pick a body part(s) that you feel needs more work and spend
10-12 minutes training it.
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Relative Strength & Body Comp Standards
1. Max Push-ups
2. Max Goblet Squats w/ 50% BW
3. Max Chin-ups (OR) Dead Hang
4. Reverse Lunges w/ 35% BW [contralateral load]
5. Farmer’s Walk [holding 40% BW in each hand]
6. Waist Circumference measurement
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I recommend performing these 6 tests before/after each
12-week training cycle to determine the areas where you
need the most work, as well as identify the areas where
you made the most progress.
NOTE: You can spread the tests out and perform them on
two separate days if you prefer. You do NOT have to test
everything on the same day.
DISCLAIMER: The following tests/standards are by no
means appropriate for everyone. They are merely [general]
guidelines created for fit/healthy individuals to have something
to “shoot for”. Each standard was created based on my personal
training experience/clients and anecdotal evidence.
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MAX GOBLET SQUATS w/ 50% BW
Perform 1 set of as many unbroken* goblet squats as possible
(parallel or lower on every rep).
The test ends when you can no longer stand all the way up, OR
you need to take more than 3 seconds break (at the top) to get
another rep.
*Unbroken = You can NOT rest longer than 3 seconds in the top/
lockout position.
NOTE: A 200lb man would perform this test with a 100lb
dumbbell or kettlebell. *You can “mix & match” your load if
needed. FOR EXAMPLE: If 100lbs is your required weight, you
can hold an 80lb dumbbell & place a 20lb chain around your
neck (to reduce stress on your shoulders).
You can elevate your heels for this test if you prefer.
ReBuilt 2.0 standard: 25 reps (men & women)
—————
MAX CHIN-UPS
Perform 1 set of as many bodyweight chin-ups as possible:
FULL ROM on every rep w/ NO leg swing. (Lower yourself
until your elbows are straight & pull yourself up until your chin
clears the bar.) The test ends when you can no longer pull
yourself all the way up, you begin shortening the ROM, or using
excessive leg swing/momentum.
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NOTE: I recommend a neutral grip because it’s easier on the
shoulders, elbows & wrists, but choose whatever grip you prefer.
(This test is more about your ability to “overcome your
bodyweight” and less about biasing specific muscle groups by
using different grips.)
ReBuilt 2.0 standard: 12 reps (men), 6 reps (women)
———
Waist Circumference/Measurement
Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your waist,
directly over your belly-button & “love handles”.
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NOTE: This is NOT the same measurement as your “pants size”.
(Most people wear their pants below their belly-button/waist, so
your pants size is going to be different than your true “waist
circumference”.) When measuring your waist circumference,
make sure the tape measure goes directly over your belly-button
& “love handles”. (See photo below)
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ReBuilt 2.0 Training Longevity Commandments
#1) Though Shalt Never Train Through Pain
#2) Though Shalt Never Sacrifice Form To Lift More Weight
#6) Though Shalt Limit The Use Of The Straight Barbell in Your Training
#10) Though Shalt Program Your ‘Main Lift’ Towards the Middle/End
of Your Workout
#12) Though Shalt Limit the Amount of Missed Reps, Forced Reps &
Training To Failure [on your main/compound lifts]
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