The Valkyrie Forge: 16-Week Nordic Bodybuilding Program

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Type: weight-training/bodybuilding

Author: Daniel - TinyVik1ng

Embrace your inner warrior with The Valkyrie Forge, a 16-week bodybuilding program inspired by the strength, discipline, and power of the Nordic and Viking warriors. Just like the legendary Valkyries who choose the bravest of warriors to join Odin in Valhalla, this program is designed to forge you into a formidable force in the gym.

The program follows a periodized structure that includes phases of muscle hypertrophy, strength building, and cutting. You will progress through each phase, ensuring continuous growth, increasing strength, and mastering the discipline necessary to achieve a physique worthy of a Viking.

You’ll focus on compound lifts, high-intensity training, and strategic rest periods to allow optimal recovery, along with the power of Nordic-inspired movements and techniques. From the mighty Thor's Hammer to the disciplined training of Odin’s warriors, this program will test your limits, help you build muscle, and sculpt your physique like a true Norse hero.

Program Breakdown:

  1. Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): The Hammer of Thor (Strength Foundation) Focus: Build strength and foundational muscle mass with heavy compound lifts and low-rep, high-weight sets. Increase your lifting capacity and lay the groundwork for future hypertrophy.

  2. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): The Shield Maiden (Muscle Growth) Focus: Work on hypertrophy with moderate weights, higher volume, and more isolation exercises. You'll push your limits for muscle growth, sculpting the body of a warrior.

  3. Phase 3 (Weeks 9-12): The Jörmungandr (Total Body Power) Focus: Total body power, conditioning, and maximal effort. Strengthen your muscle groups while ensuring functional performance. Build explosiveness and speed with explosive movements.

  4. Phase 4 (Weeks 13-16): Ragnarok (Final Push) Focus: Cutting phase. Build lean muscle mass while reducing fat through high-intensity interval training (HIIT), metabolic conditioning, and continued heavy lifting. Prepare for the battle of physique transformation.


16-Week Program Table:

Week Day 1 (Chest & Triceps) Day 2 (Back & Biceps) Day 3 (Legs & Abs) Day 4 (Shoulders & Traps) Day 5 (Full Body Power) Day 6 (Active Recovery) Day 7 (Rest)
Weeks 1-4 (Strength) Bench Press (4x5) Deadlift (4x5) Squat (5x5) Overhead Press (4x5) Full Body Compound Circuit (3 rounds) Active Recovery (Mobility work) Rest Day
  Incline Dumbbell Press (3x8) Barbell Row (4x6) Bulgarian Split Squats (4x8) Arnold Press (4x6) Deadlift (3x5) Foam Rolling & Stretching  
  Chest Dips (3x8-10) Lat Pulldown (4x8) Leg Press (4x10) Shrugs (4x10) Bench Press (3x5) Light Cardio (Walking)  
  Cable Tricep Pushdowns (3x12) EZ-Bar Bicep Curls (3x12) Romanian Deadlifts (4x8) Lateral Raises (3x12) Pull-Ups (3x10) Yoga or Light Swimming  
Weeks 5-8 (Hypertrophy) Flat Bench Press (4x6-8) Barbell Row (4x6-8) Barbell Squat (4x6-8) Standing Overhead Press (4x8) Power Cleans (3x6) Active Recovery (Mobility work) Rest Day
  Dumbbell Chest Flys (3x10) Dumbbell Rows (3x8) Leg Press (4x12) Upright Rows (3x10) Barbell Deadlift (3x6) Foam Rolling & Stretching  
  Triceps Dips (3x10) T-Bar Row (3x10) Lying Leg Curls (4x10) Lateral Raises (3x12) Barbell Bench Press (3x5) Light Cardio (Walking or Cycling)  
  Tricep Rope Extensions (3x12) Barbell Curls (3x12) Walking Lunges (3x12) Shrugs (3x12) Push-Ups (4x10) Yoga or Light Swimming  
Weeks 9-12 (Power & Conditioning) Incline Bench Press (5x5) Pendlay Row (4x5) Front Squat (4x6) Push Press (4x5) Sled Push (4x20m) Active Recovery (Mobility work) Rest Day
  Chest Dips (3x8) Barbell Curl (3x8) Barbell Deadlift (4x5) Lateral Raises (3x10) Kettlebell Swings (4x12) Foam Rolling & Stretching  
  Dumbbell Chest Flys (3x12) Lat Pulldown (4x6) Leg Press (4x10) Arnold Press (4x8) Box Jumps (3x10) Light Cardio (Walking or Cycling)  
  Cable Tricep Pushdowns (3x12) Hammer Curls (3x10) Weighted Walking Lunges (4x12) Shrugs (3x10) Deadlift (4x5) Yoga or Light Swimming  
Weeks 13-16 (Cutting & Final Push) Flat Bench Press (4x6) Barbell Rows (4x6) Bulgarian Split Squat (3x10) Seated Shoulder Press (4x8) Metabolic Circuit (HIIT) (5 rounds) Active Recovery (Mobility work) Rest Day
  Dumbbell Chest Flys (3x12) T-Bar Row (3x8) Squats (4x10) Dumbbell Shrugs (3x10) Barbell Jump Squats (4x10) Foam Rolling & Stretching  
  Tricep Rope Extensions (3x12) EZ-Bar Bicep Curls (3x12) Romanian Deadlifts (4x8) Lateral Raises (3x12) Kettlebell Swings (4x12) Light Cardio (Walking or Cycling)  
  Triceps Dips (3x12) Barbell Curls (3x12) Leg Press (4x12) Military Press (3x10) Burpees (4x15) Yoga or Light Swimming  

Program Guidelines:

  • Rest Periods:

    • Strength phases (Weeks 1-4): 2-3 minutes between sets.
    • Hypertrophy phases (Weeks 5-8): 60-90 seconds between sets.
    • Power and conditioning phases (Weeks 9-12): 90-120 seconds between sets.
    • Cutting and final push (Weeks 13-16): 30-60 seconds between sets.
  • Progressive Overload: Aim to progressively increase weight each week, while maintaining good form. If you hit your target rep range with perfect form, increase the weight by 5-10% the following week.

  • Nutrition: Focus on a high-protein diet, with a slight calorie deficit during the cutting phase (Weeks 13-16). Include whole foods, lean meats, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates for maximum performance.

  • Supplements: Consider adding creatine, BCAAs, and protein powder to help with recovery and muscle building. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding supplements to your regimen.


This program is tailored for those who are serious about becoming a Viking warrior in both body and spirit. Follow through with dedication, and you’ll emerge with a physique forged in the fires of strength, power, and resilience.

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