Greg Nuckols Strength & Powerlifting Programs

Here are strength and powerlifting programs created by Greg Nuckols.

To explore the rest of the Lift Vault program collection, check out the Lift Vault Program Library.

To learn more about Greg Nuckols, visit Stronger by Science.

IRON GIANT – 5 Day, 12 Week Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 12
Periodization: Undulating 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

Make way, here comes another hybrid program from /u/benchpauper, the mad scientist that brought you MegaZord, Starscream, and other programs. [Read more…]

Greg Nuckols High Frequency Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet (2 Versions)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 3
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

In October 2015, Greg Nuckols published a very popular article titled “Your Drug Free Muscle and Strength Potential: Part 2.” In it he laid out the foundations for a high frequency training method.

It’s a pretty cool article because it includes a strength potential calculator that tries to estimate what percentage of a person’s maximum potential they’ve currently achieved per lift. If an individual is below 80% of their potential, they generally respond well to high frequency training. [Read more…]

MEGAZORD Hybrid Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 12
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

If you’re a fan of Frankenstein-esque hybrid programs, then Megazord may be exactly what you’re looking for. Written (or maybe concocted is a better word…) by /u/BenchPauper on Reddit, this program combines the Coan/Phillipi Deadlift Program, Greg Nuckols’s 2x weekly Intermediate Bench Program for OHP from his 28 Program Collection, and Ben Gillingham’s Raw Bench Program.

The results? Well, see for yourself…. [Read more…]

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.

Bulgarian Method Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 14, 2022

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 5, 7, Indefinite
Periodization: Autoregulated, Linear Periodization
Meet prep program: Yes
Program goal: High Volume, 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

Renowned for its specificity, frequency, and intensity, the Bulgarian Method has long been a curiosity in the weightlifting and powerlifting world.

It is an advanced form of training and is not recommended for beginners or early intermediates. It requires a solid understanding of knowing your capabilities and autoregulating your lift intensity.

Traditionally structured as 2 to 3 workouts per day, this particular spreadsheet is based on Greg Nuckols’ Bulgarian Manual, which thankfully only calls for no more than one workout per day.

[Read more…]