BUILD is our most strength-focused program, delivering maximum muscle and power gains for serious lifters. With higher volume sessions (75-90 minutes) and an optional 4th power day, BUILD creates the perfect environment for significant strength development while still accommodating light to moderate cardio. Ideal for experienced lifters (1-2+ years) prioritizing strength goals or endurance athletes in their off-season looking to build a powerful foundation for future performance. This program is not for those doing moderate to higher volumes of running or race training. Please see PERFORM or RACE for those goals.
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We keep equipment at TLM minimal and include all suggested movements swaps directly in your programming so that everyone can train with the equipment they have. TLM is designed to be done from almost anywhere. If you don't have a barbell, you can do it at home with just dumbbells, swap the barbell for a machine, or use a smith machine. Many clients do TLM from home with basic equipment and crush it!
Our most strength-focused program delivers dramatic power and muscle gains for experienced lifters (1-2+ years). With 3-4 weekly high-volume sessions (75-90 minutes), BUILD combines powerlifting and bodybuilding techniques to maximize strength adaptations while still accommodating light cardio or lower-distance running (up to 10K). Perfect for off-season endurance athletes building their power foundation or dedicated lifters pursuing serious strength gains. Not suitable for first time race training or half marathon or longer training—choose PERFORM or RACE for those goals.
BUILD offers higher volume, longer workouts, and more intensive focus on powerlifting and bodybuilding principles. While PERFORM balances lifting volume and cardio equally, BUILD emphasizes strength and hypertrophy development with cardio as a secondary consideration.
If you are doing moderate to higher volumes of running (20-30+ miles/week) you should not do BUILD and should do PERFORM. If you are 12 weeks or less out from a race, please check out or RACE program.
Yes, but we recommend pairing BUILD with lower volume running (under 20 miles per week) or general cardio rather than intensive race training. The program is designed to be more lifting-dominant in the hybrid balance.
BUILD pairs best with:
TLM utilizes a mix of classic strength movements, powerlifting barbell compounds, power training, and muscle-building accessories. We program with minimal equipment, so all workouts are friendly to almost any gym space or at-home training. We use a mix of barbell, dumbbell/kettlebell, banded or cable, or bodyweight-based training.
Please note within every TLM workout; you can swap any main compound for a machine or non-barbell variation based on your preference or equipment.
You will see main lifts and movement patterns such as
Other movement patterns you will see in TLM:
You will ONLY see barbell-based Olympic-style lifting in later blocks of METCON on the optional 4th day, so it is not required. There is no other Olympic lifting in any TLM program.
BUILD workouts typically take 75-90 minutes to complete, with 3 workouts per week and an optional 4th day. The higher volume and intensity require more time and recovery compared to our other programs.
BUILD is ideal for individuals with at least 1-2 years of consistent barbell experience who want to prioritize strength and muscle development. It's perfect for those in an off-season from endurance training or who prefer to focus more heavily on lifting with only light or moderate cardio.