Lee Labrada's professional body dominated an era in bodybuilding before giants ruled the stage. He won contests through definition and balance rather than mind-blowing mass. At 5-foot-6, maybe 185 pounds, Lee's body had to approach toned perfection to compete with larger men.

His trick? Old-fashioned hard work. He trains hard whenever he's in the gym. There's no jovial exchanges, no lollygagging and very little rest. He lifts heavy weights with rapid movements. Rest is allowed only until the body stabilizes itself and your heart stops pounding on the inside of your ribs. Then, you go again, again and again.



Lee Labrada Fitness 360

Watch The Video - 11:47

He asks that you listen to your body, take rest when you need it, especially of you are new to weightlifting. There is no rush to go from flab to flex. Go at your own pace and eventually you will get stronger and be able to work faster, more intensely.

Engage in active rest, blast through rigorous cardio routines on your days off. But, get plenty of sleep and recover properly before you go back into the gym.

Your body will adapt to whatever you do, so keep changing your plans, adapt to your adaptations. Different stressors kickstart gains.

Lee Labrada's Training Regime

3 days on/1 day off/2 days on/1 day off Rotate Workouts 1, 2, 3.

For example:

  • Monday: Workout 1—Chest/Shoulders/Triceps
  • Tuesday: Workout 2—Back/Biceps
  • Wednesday: Workout 3—Legs/Abs
  • Thursday: Rest
  • Friday: Workout 1—Chest/Shoulders/Triceps
  • Saturday: Workout 2—Back/Biceps
  • Sunday: Rest

For back and legs (large body parts) I choose 4 exercises and do 3-to-4 sets, 8-to-12 reps of each—total of 12-16 sets.



For chest and shoulders (medium body parts) I choose 3 exercises and do 3-to-4 sets, 8-to-12 reps of each—total of 9-12 sets.

For biceps, triceps and calves, I do a total of 6-to-9 sets, 8-to-12 reps each.

Workout 1: Chest/Shoulders/Triceps
1
Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip
4 sets, 8-12 reps
+ 16 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos
  • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images
  • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Workout 2: Back/Biceps/Forearms
1
Reverse-grip lat pull-down
4 sets, 8-12 reps
+ 10 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos
  • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images
  • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Workout 3: Quads/Hamstrings/Calves/Abs
1
Leg Press
4 sets, 8-12 reps
+ 12 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos
  • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images
  • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Lee Labrada Fitness 360

About the Author

Dustin Lapray

Dustin Lapray

Dustin Lapray is a writer, journalist, and editor living in Boise, Idaho.

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