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Home » Programs » 12 Week Powerlifting & Strength Programs » Page 2

12 Week Powerlifting & Strength Program Spreadsheets

Here is a filtered list of 12 week powerlifting and strength programs.

Don't see the program spreadsheet you're looking for?

Check out all powerlifting programs or all strength programs.

Lift Specific 12 Week Programs

  • 12 Week Squat Programs
  • 12 Week Bench Press Programs
  • 12 Week Deadlift Programs

12 Week Strongman Deadlift Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 17, 2020

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…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Deadlift Programs, 12 Week Programs, Deadlift Program, Strongman Programs
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan


Deadlift frequency: 1

GZCLP Program Spreadsheets, Progression Tips, and Accessories

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 29, 2026

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…]

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

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

GZCL Jacked and Tactical (Bench + Squat Only)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 6

Periodization: Block 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 variation of Tactical Barbell programming combined with the GZCL program framework. It only programs the bench press and squat movements. Deadlifts are not included. This is ideal for athletes that are either unable to deadlift or looking to focus primarily on improving their bench press and squat. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Bench Press Programs, 12 Week Programs, 12 Week Squat Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Lift Specific Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 3 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 2

Overhead press frequency: 3

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…]

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

12 Week Peaking Program by Cast Iron Strength

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

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

This program, billed “the best fucking 12 weeks of powerlifting you’ll have all year” is a powerlifting peaking program best suited for meet preparation. This is not designed for running back to back, as it accumulates a significant amount of fatigue throughout the duration of the program.  [Read more…]

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

5 Blaine Sumner Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Equipped, High Volume, Off Season, 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 the free program spreadsheet collection offered on Blaine Sumner’s site.

It contains:

  • linear progression program
  • high frequency program
  • off-season program
  • equipped lifting program
  • bench-only program

All of the above programs are 12 weeks in length and are programmed off of percentages of the lifter’s training max. [Read more…]

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

Hatch Squat Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated July 18, 2026

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Olympic Weightlifting, 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 Hatch Squat Program is a 12-week squat block from weightlifting coach Gayle Hatch. You train the squat twice a week, and every session pairs front squats with back squats. Each lift runs a descending-pyramid percentage scheme that climbs week over week, building to a 103% of 1RM attempt in week 11.

It’s a high-frequency, high-volume way to peak the squat. Hatch keeps front and back squats at roughly a 1:1 rep ratio, which is why it leans toward weightlifters who need both lifts strong rather than powerlifters who only compete the back squat. The percentages do the work for you: you start moderate, grind through heavy mid-cycle weeks, then ramp into that above-bodyweight attempt at the end.

This one is built for intermediate and advanced lifters trying to break a squat plateau, and it fits weightlifters best because of the front squat volume. Powerlifters can still run it in the off-season to add squat strength. If you’re newer to lifting, you’ll get more out of a simpler linear program like Starting Strength or GZCLP before taking on this much squat volume.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, 12 Week Squat Programs, Lift Specific Program, Programs, Squat Program
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan
Squat 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

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

Gene Bell Jr.’s 12 Week Squat Peaking Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 2, 2019

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12

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

Used by Gene Bell Jr. to prepare for a powerlifting meet, this program consists of one weekly squat workout over the course of 12 weeks to increase the 1 rep max by over 6%.

Format:

  • Squat 1x weekly
  • 12 weeks in length
  • Most work is done in 60-80% range, with final 4 weeks starting at 92.5% and working up

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, 12 Week Squat Programs, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Programs, Squat Program

Squat frequency: 1


12 Week Bench Press Peaking Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 2, 2019

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12

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 another old school bench press peaking program spreadsheet. It attempts to add 20 pounds onto the lifter’s 1 rep max by the end of the cycle, which is pretty ambitious. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Bench Press Programs, 12 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Programs


Bench press frequency: 1

Brad Gillingham 12 Week Bench Press Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated July 15, 2021

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: 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

Update: Rounded off weight values to the nearest 5 to clean the spreadsheet up.

Brad Gillingham’s 12 week raw bench program is a no frills bench-only program that incorporates a heavy day and a volume day into a 2x weekly program. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Bench Press Programs, 12 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Lift Specific Program, Programs


Bench press frequency: 2

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

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

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 29, 2026

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 11, 12, 13, 15, 5

Periodization: Linear Periodization, Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

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

Updates:

  • May 18, 2020
    • Added a section for “Key GZCL Concepts & Program Differences” which is a great overview of the different GZCL program options.
  • 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.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 11 Week Programs, 12 Week Programs, 13 Week Programs, 15 Week Programs, 5 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan, 6 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 2, 3
Bench press frequency: 2, 4
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2

Strong Curves Spreadsheets + PDF: Beginner and Advanced Workouts

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 26, 2026

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Glute hypertrophy, Hypertrophy, Strength

Uses RPE: Yes

Uses 1RM Percentage(%): 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

Strong Curves is a system of separate 12-week programs created by Bret Contreras and Kellie Davis. You pick the program that matches your experience and equipment, run it for the full 12 weeks, then move up to the next one when you’re ready. Each program opens sessions with hip thrusts and glute bridges as the primary work, then moves into legs, upper body, and core. Bootyful Beginnings, the beginner program, runs 3 days per week.

The training idea is glute-focused hypertrophy with progressive overload. You start with bodyweight and band work, then add barbells as you get more experienced. Rep ranges shift each program so the weight goes up and the reps come down as you progress. It’s not a powerlifting program and it won’t build your squat and deadlift the way a strength-focused template would.

Strong Curves is a good fit for women and anyone focused on glute development at the novice to intermediate level. If you want a program built around the big-four lifts with linear progression, you’d get more out of something like Starting Strength first. Come back to Strong Curves when glute and lower body hypertrophy is the goal.

[Read more…]

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

Mag Ort Deadlift Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated July 24, 2026

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 11, 12

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

The Magnusson Ortmayer (Mag/Ort) deadlift program is a brutal deadlift-only program that has helped tons of lifters add serious weight to their deadlift. If you’re looking to build out your work capacity for deadlifts, this is a great option. This is either an 11 or 12 week deadlift program depending upon if you desire to test your maxes on week 12.

Mag Ort packs the week’s deadlift work into one heavy session instead of spreading it across multiple days. Each week runs 4 sets of 4 at 70%, two heavy doubles at 80% and 90%, then a back-off set at 70% for 8 or more reps. Hit that rep target and you add 10 lbs to your working numbers the following week. Miss it and you repeat the week instead of moving on.

This program is built for lifters who already have solid deadlift technique and want to specialize on the pull for 11 to 12 weeks. It works best if you can recover from frequent near-max doubles, since the 80% and 90% work shows up every week. If you’re newer to lifting or your squat and bench need attention too, a program with more balanced volume across all three lifts, like GZCLP, will serve you better than a deadlift-only block.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Deadlift Programs, 12 Week Programs, Lift Specific Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs



Deadlift frequency: 1

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