Steve Reeves was an advocate of full-body workouts. On average, each workout would take between 2 and 4 hours. Training days were Monday (am), Wednesday (pm), and Friday (am). Steve aimed to get a day and a half of recovery between workouts.
In 1995 Steve published Building The Classic Physique The Natural Way (1995). The book details one of his favorite full-body routines.
Incline DB Press: 3 sets, 8-12 reps
Breathing Front Squat: 3 sets, 15 reps
DB Lateral Raises: 3 sets, 15 reps
Seated BB Curls: 3 sets, 12 reps
Alternate DB Front Raise: 2 sets, 15 reps
Bent Over Rows: 2 sets, 12 reps
One Arm Row: 2 sets, 12 reps
Lunges with BB: 1 set until breathless
Good Mornings: 1 set, 15 reps
DB French Press: 3 sets, 12 reps
Calf Raises: 1 set, 30-40 reps
Bench Press: 2 sets, 12 reps
*BB = Barbell & DB = Dumbbell
Perform each exercise with the heaviest weight you can use. Maintain perfect form. No cheat reps. Move the weight slowly and deliberately through a full range of motion.
Rest at least 45 – 60 seconds between each set.
Breathing front squats are designed to aid rib cage expansion. Between each rep, pause and take a few deep breaths.
Seated BB Curls should be heavy. Focus on the negative. If needed, swing the weight up or use your knees, and then resist the weight all the way down.
For more information on Steve Reeves and how he trained check out Steve Reeves: The Greatest Bodybuilder of the Silver Era.
