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Home » 1 Day Bench Press Programs » Page 2

Bench Press 1 Day per Week

Below you'll find powerlifting and strength programs that include bench pressing 1 day per training week.

Some of these are bench press specialty programs, while others program for all lifts.

Search the Lift Vault Program Library for more program ideas.

Sling Shot Bench Press Program Spreadsheet – 5 Week

By Kyle Risley
Last updated December 18, 2019

Experience level: Advanced

Weeks: 5

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is Mark Bell’s 5 week Sling Shot bench press program, also known as the “Stronger in 30 Days” program. It’s a relatively straightforward bench-only program that gradually decreases volume while increasing intensity before attempting a new PR on week 5. Pretty classic linear periodization leading into a peak. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 5 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program


Bench press frequency: 1

“Next Level” Linear Progression Strength Program (Brian Alsruhe)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Strength

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is a linear progression strength program from Brian Alsruhe. It is the “next level” continuation of the linear progression programming video that he originally published in 2016 (video below). [Read more…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Deep Water Program Spreadsheet (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 6

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Strength


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Deep Water is a 4 day (or 5 day if you do the recommended active recovery) strength program designed by Jon Andersen. It runs for 6 weeks and is infamous for its “100 reps in as few sets as possible” workouts for squat, deadlift, and push press. For this reason I have included this program in the squat program and deadlift program collections as well.

You could run this only for the squat, deadlift, or overhead press, though that was not the original intent of the program. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 6 Week Programs, Deadlift Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan, 6 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Shortcut to Shred Reviews

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 21, 2020

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 6

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Fat loss, Hypertrophy


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Here are reviews of Jim Stoppani’s Shortcut to Shred strength building and weight loss program from people that have run the program. Overall, Shortcut to Shred reviews are positive and show that the program can be effective for building muscle and leaning out. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 6 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 6 Day Bodybuilding Program, 6 Day Workout Plan, 6 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

Shortcut to SIZE Reviews

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 23, 2020

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Mass

Uses RPE: No


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Shortcut to Size is a 4 day body part split program by Jim Stoppani (who also created Shortcut to Shred). It is best suited for athletes with aesthetic or hypertrophy goals. It is a 12 week bodybuilding program broken down into three 4 week phases. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

Thinner Leaner Stronger Workout Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: Indefinite

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Fat loss, Hypertrophy


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Thinner Leaner Stronger is a workout program focused on developing aesthetics for women. In other words: lose weight, build muscle, look better naked, etc.  It was written by Michael Matthews, a trainer who has written extensively on nutrition and aesthetics for both men and women. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 1

8 Week Powerbuilding Program (Seba Kot)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 8

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Strength


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is an 8 week powerbuilding program designed by Seba Kot, Polish lifter (YouTube channel). This is a lightly translated version. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 8 Week Programs, Powerbuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan, 8 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

10 Week Powerbuilding Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 21, 2021

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Strength


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This 10 week powerbuilding program is modeled off of basic 5/3/1 with inspiration from GZCL and BBB for accessories. On this program you’ll hit a major compound movement (for powerlifters, likely your competition movement plus one additional) for one top set of an AMRAP before moving on to accessory exercises.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Programs, Powerbuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 10 Week Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Inverted Juggernaut Method Spreadsheet (3 Versions, + 5/3/1)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

Periodization: Block Periodization, Wave Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Powerlifting, Strength

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Background on the Juggernaut Method

The Inverted Juggernaut Method (aka Inverse Juggernaut Method) is a popular variation of the well known Juggernaut Method.

As a refresher, here is the basic breakdown of the 4 weekly phases of the Juggernaut Method: [Read more…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Fierce 5 Workout Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 27, 2021

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 7

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The Fierce 5 workout is a great beginner bodybuilding program. It is a 2x weekly program that incorporates compound lifts and accessory movements to stimulate strength improvements and muscle growth.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 7 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Brian Alsruhe Conjugate Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

Periodization: Conjugate Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Powerlifting, Strength, Strongman

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Brian Alsruhe’s conjugate program is a 16 week, 4 day per week strength program that utilizes conjugate methods (dynamic effort, max effort) to stimulate strength gains. It makes heavy use of resistance bands and chains so it is recommended that these are used when following the program.

Max effort days [Read more…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2
Bench press frequency: 1, 2
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2

JV Askem Strongman Periodized Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 8

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting, Strength, Strongman

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is a periodized program based on JV Askem’s article below. It aims for a 3% increase in strength over 8 weeks. Be sure to read the article below to help understand it better. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 8 Week Bench Press Programs, 8 Week Programs, 8 Week Squat Programs, Strongman Programs
Tagged With: 8 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Strength Power and Fortitude 4 Week Powerbuilding Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 21, 2021

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Powerlifting, Strength

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The Strength Power and Fortitude (SPF) 4 week powerbuilding program by Brogan Pratt is an off season program for powerlifters designed to help build base strength and work capacity. It can be run as a 3 day or 4 day program and resets every 4 weeks, using an AMRAP set on week 4 to gauge progress.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 4 Week Programs, Powerbuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan, 4 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1, 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2

Brian Alsruhe 9 Week Powerbuilding Program (5/3/1 Variant)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 9

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Strength

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Check out the spreadsheet for Brian Alsruhe’s 5/3/1 variant program, which is excellent for those looking for a powerbuilding training style.

Please watch Brian’s video to understand how the program works. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 9 Week Programs, Powerbuilding Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Brian Alsruhe Programs (Dark Horse + 4 Horsemen)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated November 18, 2021

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 9

Periodization: Conjugate Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Off Season, Powerlifting, Strength

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Below you fill find two programs by Brian Alsruhe (check out his YouTube channel and website): Dark Horse and 4 Horsemen.

Dark Horse Program Overview

Notes directly from Brian:

  • Fill in your competition lifts and 1RMs in the spreadsheet
  • In each wave, for each of the first 4 days, set your conditioning workout
  • Pick a variation for each ME Wave
  • In each wave, for each of the first 4 days, set your antagonistic, core, and conditioning giant set exercise

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Building the Monolith Program Spreadsheet (kg + lb)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 3, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 6

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: High Volume, Mass, Strength

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Building the Monolith was created by Jim Wendler, who wrote the 5/3/1 programs and inspired other programs like GZCL and NSuns, Building the Monolith is designed for advanced athletes looking to break through plateaus, not novice or intermediate lifters. For a bench-focused variation of this program, check out Benching the Monolith.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 6 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 6 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 2

Weightrainer Peaking Programs #1 and #2 Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 1, 2019

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 11, 12

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Weightrainer.net published these two peaking programs: one designed especially for the bench press (#1) and another program (#2) for squat, bench, or deadlift.

The two programs are pretty similar, but here are some key differences: [Read more…]

Filed Under: 11 Week Programs, 12 Week Bench Press Programs, 12 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program

Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

Tom McCullough 14 Week Peaking Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 1, 2019

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 14

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Edit: Updated to support lb or kg rounding.

This 14 week peaking powerlifting program is similar to many other old school peaking programs on Lift Vault: 1x weekly session per lift, descending reps, increase intensity and a 5-10% 1 rep max increase at the end of the cycle. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 14 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program

Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Classic 9 and 12 Week Powerlifting Peaking Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 1, 2019

Weeks: 12, 9

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

As old as time itself, these peaking programs can be run for squat, bench, and deadlift when preparing for a powerlifting meet. Both seek to improve your 1 rep max by 5% after the end of the cycle.

The differences between the 9 week and 12 week peaking cycles can be seen below: [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, 9 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program

Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Scott Warman 10 Week Bench Press Peaking Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 17, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting

Uses RPE: No

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): Yes


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Scott Warman’s 10 week bench press peaking program is a bit different than many bench peaking programs in that it focuses on improving the 2RM by 10 lbs. 1RM improvements are saved for meet day. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Bench Press Programs, 10 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 10 Week Workout Plan

Bench press frequency: 1

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