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Home » 3 Day Bench Press Programs » Page 2

Bench Press 3 Days per Week - Powerlifting Programs

These are bench press programs that call for the athlete to bench 3 days per week.

To search through all programs based on lots of different criteria, check out the Lift Vault Program Library.

Starscream: 12 Week Hypertrophy Program (5 Day)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 22, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

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

Starscream is the brainchild of /u/benchpauper, who concocted such popular spreadsheets as the MEGAZORD hybrid strength program. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Powerbuilding Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 5 Day Bodybuilding Program, 5 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 1

10 Week Powerlifting Program (RPE, Meet Prep)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting


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

Created and shared by /u/Kroamatik as a “generic 10 week program” structured around 4 days per week. It is designed to be started 10 weeks out from a competition or a max testing week (so the competition occurs during week 10). [Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 10 Week Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2

3 Day 20 Week Powerlifting Program by Powerlifting Academy

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 20

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Powerlifting, 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 a 20 week powerlifting program with 3 training days per week. It was originally published by Powerlifting Academy, a German coaching group. There is also a 16 week version available. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2

Brendan Tietz 7 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 7

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Powerlifting


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 spreadsheet derived from Brendan Tietz’s YouTube video on intermediate powerlifting and bodybuilding programming. If you’re a beginner lifter, please see Brendan Tietz Beginner Powerlifting Program. As this blends a significant amount of hypertrophy work with strength development, this could also be considered a powerbuilding program. This program utilizes a blend of percentage programming and RPE. If you’re unfamiliar with RPE, you can learn more about it here: RPE Calculator. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 7 Week Programs, Powerbuilding Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 5 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 1

Robert Frederick 4 Day Hypertrophy Program Spreadsheet (Modified Sheiko)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 4, 5, 6

Periodization: Undulating 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

This is a modified version of the 4 day advanced medium load Sheiko program with more reps in the 70-80% 1RM range and a greater focus on hypertrophy. There is a little more volume overall as well. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2

Brendan Tietz Submax DUP 12 Week Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 13, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Block 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

A daily undulating periodization program from Brendan Tietz for powerlifters. As this is a submaximal powerlifting program, this is best suited for off season work, not peaking for a meet. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 1

All Pro Simple Beginner Routine Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 5

Periodization: Linear 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

The All Pro Simple Beginner Routine (ASBR) is a classic strength and hypertrophy workout routine for novices. It supposedly originated on BodyBuilding.com and this particular version was modified a bit by tr3pid.

There is an extensive FAQ section that is copied from the spreadsheet below. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 5 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Powerbuilding Program
Tagged With: 3 Day Bodybuilding Program, 3 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 3
Overhead press frequency: 3

Frozenkilt 8 Week Overhead Press Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 8

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: 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 Frozenkilt’s pressing program, which is an 8 week, 4 days per week program that focuses on bench press, overhead press (aka military press), and dumbbell press. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 8 Week Bench Press Programs, 8 Week Programs, Strongman Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan, 8 Week Workout Plan

Bench press frequency: 3

Overhead press frequency: 1

Brazos Valley Barbell 8 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 8

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: 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

Brazos Valley Barbell Intermediate Powerlifting Program Overview

  • Written by David Woolson with Brazos Valley Barbell
  • 8 week powerlifting program
  • 1 deload week
  • 5 days per week
  • 3x weekly squat
  • 3-4x weekly bench press (if counting bench variations like CGBP)
  • 2x weekly deadlift

Long program description and video overview are available below. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 8 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 5 Day Workout Plan, 8 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3, 4
Deadlift frequency: 2

TSA 9 Week Beginner Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 4, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 13, 9

Periodization: Undulating 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

The Strength Athlete (TSA) released their 9 week beginner powerlifting program (aka general beginner approach) as a follow up to their successful 9 week intermediate powerlifting program. Like the intermediate program before it, the beginner program is structured as a 4 day, 9 week program, but also includes a 4 week peak if preparing for a meet. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 9 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2

3 Peaking Template Spreadsheets by Barbell Medicine

By Kyle Risley
Last updated March 24, 2024

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 3

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

Following up on the popular Bridge Program, the crew at Barbell Medicine introduced a free peaking program for athletes preparing for a powerlifting or strengthlifting meet. [Read more…]

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

Powerlifting Academy 3 Day 16 Week Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: 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

This is the Powerlifting Academy 16 week program spreadsheet, 3x weekly training version. There is also a 20 week version available.

Powerlifting Academy 16 Week Program Overview

  • 3x weekly training
  • Competition lifts are the primary focus, but the following variations are also used:
    • Squat
      • Pause squats
    • Bench Press
      • Bench press, closer grip
      • Bench press, close grip (what is often called CGBP)
    • Deadlift
      • Deficit deadlifts (3-6cm deficit)
      • Deadlift from boxes (8-12cm raised from floor, i.e. rack pulls)

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2

TSA 9 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program (v1.0 + v2.0)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 4, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 9

Periodization: Undulating 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

September 21, 2019 Edit: Added v2.0 of the 9 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program.

Description from The Strength Athlete:

We wrote this program as a nine-week program for an intermediate level powerlifter, with the goal of strength and proficiency in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. You will work using progressively heavier loads week by week toward a

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 9 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2

Greg Nuckols 28 Programs Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 26, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: High Volume, 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

Greg Nuckols released 28 program variations through his site, Stronger by Science.

In addition to these programs, I strongly recommend you check out The Art & Science of Lifting and the free lifting guides he authored. He also co-authors the best monthly round-up of cutting edge research on strength, hypertrophy, and related subjects. It’s called MASS and it’s absolutely worth a look. He even has a free issue available as a preview.

See also: Greg Nuckols High Frequency Program (free spreadsheet) [Read more…]

Filed Under: 4 Week Bench Press Programs, 4 Week Deadlift Programs, 4 Week Programs, 4 Week Squat Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan, 4 Week Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan, 6 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2, 3
Bench press frequency: 1, 2, 3
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2, 3

8 Week Hypertrophy Specific Training Program Spreadsheet (HST)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 3, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 8

Periodization: Wave Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: High Volume, Hypertrophy

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

Popularized by Bryan Haycock, hypertrophy specific training (HST) is a training routine based upon the principles of mechanical load, chronic stimuli, progressive load, and strategic deconditioning.

This training style is best utilized by bodybuilders, though it can be used by powerlifters and other athletes to spark muscle growth and work capacity in the off-season. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 8 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Bodybuilding Program, 3 Day Workout Plan, 8 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 3
Overhead press frequency: 3

Ivysaur 4-4-8 Beginner Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated November 12, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: Indefinite

Periodization: Linear 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

Ivysuar 4-4-8 Program Overview

Initially shared on Reddit’s /r/fitness community by /u/ivysaur, the Ivysaur 4-4-8 Beginner Program was designed to improve upon the foundation laid out by popular “sets of 5” novice lifting programs like Starting Strength and Strong Lifts. [Read more…]

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

Kizen 16 Week Powerbuilding Program (4 Week Preview + PDF)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated September 6, 2021

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Undulating 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

Hot on the heels of the immensely popular Kizen 6 Week Bench Peaking Program spreadsheet, Silent Mikke, Bart Kwan, and Omar Isuf have teamed up yet again to release the first 4 weeks of their 16 week Powerbuilding Program for free, including a PDF that explains the theory behind the program!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, 4 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Powerbuilding Program, Powerlifting Program
Tagged With: 4 Week Workout Plan, 6 Day Bodybuilding Program, 6 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 2

nSuns 5/3/1 Complete Program Collection (4 Day, 5 Day, Cap3, and More)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 3, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: Indefinite

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: High Volume, 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

nSuns 5/3/1 is a linear progression powerlifting program that was inspired by Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 strength program. It progresses on a weekly basis, making it well suited for late stage novice and early intermediate lifters. It is known for its challenging amount of volume. Those who stick with it tend to find great results from the additional work capacity.

Redditor /u/nsuns assembled a 5/3/1/ LP spreadsheet complete with 4, 5, and 6 day variants in addition to deadlift and squat specific workloads to help everyone get stronger.

Use the table of contents to jump to your desired spreadsheet or read on below to learn about which nSuns program you should run.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan, 6 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 2, 3
Deadlift frequency: 2, 3
Overhead press frequency: 1

Sheiko Program Spreadsheets & Templates

By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 4, 2023

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 12, 13, 4, 8

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No, 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

To best understand Sheiko’s training methodology, Lift Vault highly recommends you read or listen to his interview with Omar Isuf.

Sheiko programs are powerlifting programs attributed to Boris Sheiko, renowned Russian powerlifting coach. His programs are known for their high volume and great results for those who can complete them.

More of a loose working template than a strict program, many different variations of Sheiko powerlifting programs have been circulating Internet forums for years.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, 13 Week Programs, 4 Week Programs, 8 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Week Workout Plan, 8 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 1

3 Day, 7 Week Raw Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 7

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

Originally hosted by Mass-Lift, the 3 Day Raw Powerlifting Program is a no frills powerlifting program that has the athlete squatting 3 days per week, benching 3 days per week, and deadlifting 2 days per week (counting Romanian deadlifts).

After the competition lifts, a rotating set of assistance exercises are prescribed to develop strength in key movements and introduce hypertrophy. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 7 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 1

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