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Undulating Periodization Powerlifting & Strength Programs

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

Greg Nuckols 28 Programs Spreadsheet

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Greg Nuckols released 28 free training programs through his site, Stronger by Science. The bundle covers squat, bench press, and deadlift individually, with templates for beginner, intermediate, and advanced lifters at 1, 2, or 3 training days per week for each lift. Every program runs on a 4-week cycle, and you test your 1RM at the end of each cycle. The math: 3 lifts x 3 skill levels x 3 frequencies = 27 programs, plus a 4th deadlift variation (low volume, medium volume, and high volume in addition to the standard beginner version) = 28 total.

The design comes from Nuckols’ data-driven approach to strength training. Instead of a single fixed program, the bundle gives you a modular system: pick your lift, your experience level, and how many days per week you can train that lift. You use the squat, bench, and deadlift programs together, each running at whatever frequency fits your schedule. Intermediate and advanced templates add lift variations (front squats alongside back squats, for example), while beginner programs focus on the competition lifts to build the movement pattern first.

These programs are a good fit for intermediate and advanced lifters who want a percentage-based, structured template they can customize by frequency. Beginners can run them too — the 1x per week beginner versions are the most approachable entry point. You’ll need a 1RM estimate for each lift to get started. If you’re brand new to powerlifting, you might get more mileage from a full-body novice program first. See also: Greg Nuckols High Frequency Program (free spreadsheet).

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

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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!

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Sheiko Program Spreadsheets & Templates

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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.

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GZCL Method Spreadsheets: General Gainz, UHF, Jacked and Tan 2.0, The Rippler & More [Complete]

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Updates:

  • May 18, 2020
  • I removed the spreadsheet previews for most of the spreadsheets because of negative impact to page load speed, especially for mobile users. All of the spreadsheets are still there, you will just need to click on the Google Sheets link with the green icon.
  • In depth post on GZCLP programs added to new post

Bred from the popular Reddit user /u/gzcl (also check out his blog and personal subreddit), these easy to use spreadsheets and calculators are based on the general “GZCL Method” for powerlifting.

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Russian Squat Program + Routine Spreadsheet (Original and Masters Versions)

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The Russian Squat Program (aka the Russian Squat Routine, or RSR) is a squat-focused peaking program that comes in two versions attached here. The original runs 6 weeks with 3 training sessions per week; the masters version runs 8 weeks with 2 sessions per week to bring the intensity down for older lifters. Every session is built around one main lift for lots of sets of low reps at 80% or more of your 1RM, and the loads climb toward a new max in the final week. Finish the 6-week cycle and you can typically expect a 5-10% bump on your 1RM.

It’s a classic Soviet-style squat cycle, run to peak your strength right before a meet. It comes out of the same tradition as the USSR 1974 and 1976 Yearbook Squat Routines and the Soviet 6 Week Peaking Program. You can run it for the squat, deadlift, bench, or all three at once. That combined version is the Extended Russian Power Routine.

This one is aimed at experienced lifters with a solid squat base who are peaking for a meet. The original version keeps you at or above 80% the whole way, so it’s demanding on recovery. Older lifters, or anyone who can’t recover from three heavy squat days a week, should run the masters version, which mixes in lighter 60% to 70% work to soften the average intensity. If you’re still building your base, start with a linear program first.

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PHAT Workout Routine + Program Spreadsheet

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PHAT (Power Hypertrophy Adaptive Training) is a 5-day powerbuilding program created by Dr. Layne Norton. It splits the week into two power days and three hypertrophy days, with each session built around a major compound movement.

The program blends heavy low-rep power work with higher-rep hypertrophy work. It’s a good fit for bodybuilders who want to add real strength to their size work, or lifters who want to look athletic and actually be strong.

PHAT is best for intermediate lifters who can commit to five days per week and recover from that kind of volume. If you’re newer to lifting, you’ll make faster progress on a simpler program like the Candito Linear Program before tackling PHAT’s demands.

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Mdisbrow Deathbench 10 Week Bench Press Program Spreadsheets (Original + Taper)

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Written and popularized by Redditor Matt Disbrow (aka /u/mdisbrow) – the Deathbench program is a disciple of the “if you want a bigger bench press, bench more” church.

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Smolov Program and Smolov Jr Bench and Squat Program Spreadsheets

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Smolov is a Russian squat specialization and peaking cycle created by Sergey Smolov, a Soviet-era weightlifting coach. The full program runs 13 weeks and is built around four phases: a 2-week Introductory Microcycle, a 4-week Base Mesocycle (4 days per week of squatting), a 2-week Switching phase, and a 5-week Intense Mesocycle that ends with a 1RM test. There’s also a separate 3-week version called Smolov Jr that you can run for squat or bench press.

The idea behind Smolov is extreme squat frequency and volume at high percentages. The Base Mesocycle alone has you squatting 4 days per week with loads between 70% and 85% of your 1RM. Your body adapts to a level of squat volume most programs don’t approach. You need to eat, sleep, and recover around the program, not alongside it.

Smolov is for intermediate to advanced lifters with a solid squat base and a specific reason to peak, like a meet or a record attempt. If you’re a beginner, running a caloric deficit, or short on recovery time, skip it. For a less aggressive squat-focused peaking option, check out the Russian Squat Routine or the Hatch Squat Program.

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Texas Method Program Tips and Spreadsheet Template

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Texas Method Routine Overview

The Texas Method is a strength program that focuses on training 3 days a week and hitting a new PR each week, making it ideal for intermediate lifters that can still progress on a weekly basis. Each training week represents one cycle: Monday is volume day, Wednesday is an active recovery day, and Friday is an intensity day where a new PR is set.

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