Free Programs and Spreadsheets
Below you'll find powerlifting and strength training programs that utilize undulating periodization.
If you don't find the undulating periodization program you're looking for, check out the Lift Vault Program Library, which lets you search based on periodization type, training goals, and much more.
Related: powerlifting programs, powerbuilding programs, bodybuilding programs, strength training programs
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate
Weeks: 6
Periodization: Undulating Periodization
Meet prep program: No
Program goal: Strength
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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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 10
Periodization: Undulating Periodization
Meet prep program: Yes
Program goal: Olympic Weightlifting, Peaking
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This is a 6 days per week, 10 week high frequency/volume squat peaking program designed by Greg Everett. While it was designed with Olympic weightlifters in mind, hence the high volume for front squats as well as back squats, it can be used by anyone looking for a high volume squat peaking program. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 12
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
This is a 12 week powerlifting peaking program designed by Fred Hatfield. It allows the athlete to input their current 1RM for the squat, bench press, and deadlift and programs every workout until meet day. It also includes a powerlifting meet attempt calculator. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 9
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
The 9 week Extended Russian Power Routine is an extended version of the Russian Squat Routine that is designed to peak all three competition lifts. It is extended from the 6 week Russian Squat Routine to allow for more recovery since the lifter will be lifting at high intensity for squat, bench press, and deadlift. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 7
Periodization: Undulating Periodization
Meet prep program: Yes
Program goal: Olympic Weightlifting, 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
Tim Swords is an olympic weightlifting coach and this is a 7 week squat program he employs. It can be used for the front squat or the back squat, though it is designed to peak the front squat.
These spreadsheets are based off of an interpretation of his work and are not officially endorsed or associated with him in any way.
[Read more…] By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 8
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
An 8 week deadlift specialty program that utilizes high block pulls, low block pulls, and competition style deadlifts to help build maximal deadlift strength. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 12
Periodization: Undulating Periodization
Meet prep program: Yes
Program goal: Peaking, 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
A 12 week deadlift program found on Strongman Ontario. Is it strictly a strongman program? Probably not – I’m sure it would benefit anyone looking for a ton of deadlift volume. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 6
Periodization: Undulating Periodization
Meet prep program: No
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 simple 5×5 method that was developed based on JV Askem’s 5×5 training principles. You can find those below, originally featured here.
The spreadsheet comes with [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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
Long program description and video overview are available below. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…] By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 9
Periodization: Undulating Periodization
Meet prep program: No
Program goal: 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
Reactive Training Systems (RTS) train some of the strongest powerlifters on the planet, so when Mike Tuchscherer published a general outline for a training program people took notice. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended
Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate
Weeks: Indefinite
Periodization: Linear 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
GZCLP is a linear progression strength program for beginners. It is a simpler variation of the GZCL program methodology with more rapid progression. The GZCLP program is available in three day and four day versions. It is highly customizable, allowing the individual to select a variety of lifts to perform over the course of the program.
[Read more…] By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended
Experience level: Advanced, 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
Released in 2016 by Jonnie Candito, this is a 9 week advanced squat program. Similar to his advanced deadlift program and advanced bench press program, this emphasizes progression on the squat and places significantly less emphasis on the bench and deadlift. This is geared toward lifters that have plateaued on their squat or are looking to focus on it for other reasons. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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.
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]