Free Programs and Spreadsheets
These are the most recently added workout program spreadsheets on Lift Vault.
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 10
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
10/1/19 Edit: Fixed the rounding and added support for lbs and kgs! 🙂
Dan Alexander’s 10 week Powerlifting Peaking Program is designed to improve the 1RM of the squat, bench, and deadlift by 5%. Spread across the three lifts, this can result in a sizeable boost to a lifter’s total on the competition platform.
This program is a hybrid of Korte’s 3×3 program and Verhoshansky’s Soviet peaking routine. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 14
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
Edit:Â Updated to support lb or kg rounding.
This 14 week peaking powerlifting program is similar to many other old school peaking programs on Lift Vault: 1x weekly session per lift, descending reps, increase intensity and a 5-10% 1 rep max increase at the end of the cycle. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 10
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
Scott Warman’s 10 week bench press peaking program is a bit different than many bench peaking programs in that it focuses on improving the 2RM by 10 lbs. 1RM improvements are saved for meet day. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 10
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 Original Matrix and Modified Matrix bench programs were designed by Ken Lain to help peak his bench press.
While both versions calls for a heavy and light bench day, the original version is much more aggressive in its programming, especially on heavy days.
For this reason, most athletes are recommended to start with the “modified matrix” version. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended
Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 9
Periodization: Linear 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
Update: KG and LB rounding now supported.
Developed by Fred Hatfield (aka Dr. Squat), this 9 week peaking program is based on two workouts per week: one heavy, one light.
It can be run for a specific lift or all three lifts.
The 1RM increase is 10%, making it an ambitious peaking program, although it does allow for a deload period half way through the program for recovery. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 11
Periodization: Block 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
This is truly a no-frills 11 week peaking program for the deadlift. Since it does not program in any accessory work, it will be up to the individual lifter to program in accessories to compensate for their individual weaknesses.
Format:
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 12, 14
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
Ed Coan, arguably the GOAT of powerlifting, has a few popular programs floating around, including the Coan Phillipi Deadlift Routine. Here are two popular powerlifting programs in 12 and 14 week versions. Rep schemes for each program are included below the spreadsheets. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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:
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended
Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate
Weeks: 6
Periodization: Linear 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
Update:Â Spreadsheet now rounds weights to the nearest 5 (lb) or 2.5 (kg).
This 6 week program is designed to help peak the bench press, squat, or deadlift. It is based on training twice each week: once heavy, once light. After 6 weeks, it aims to increase your 1 rep max by 5%.
It was designed by Soviet coach Yuri Verkhoshansky and described to John Abdo, who brought it back to the USA. It has been described as “intense.” [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 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
Written by John Robbins and published by Dennis B. Beis in an early 1990’s issue of Natural Bodybuilding, the 6 week power bench press program is a peaking program designed to end the 6 week cycle with a new 1 rep max. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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
There are so many powerlifting programs available that it can be confusing for a novice lifter to determine which program is right for them.
Here are some of the most popular powerlifting programs for beginners. The following programs are chosen for their intelligent exercise choice, flexibility for the novice athlete to incorporate accessory exercises they enjoy, and perfecting the basics for later powerlifting programs.
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 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
Brandon Lilly’s Cube Predator program is a successor to the Cube Method, which is a 4x weekly powerlifting program with a “back to basics” approach to training.
Instead, Cube Predator focuses primarily on the bench press and bench accessories, allowing it to be “plugged in” to other programs. It focuses on additional volume and frequency for more advanced lifters. It is a 6 week program.
[Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 16
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
Similar to his 12 week bench program, the 16 week squat and deadlift program has the athlete using a no-frills approach.
Each lift is trained 1x weekly, leaving plenty of room for complementary assistance exercises based upon the individual weaknesses of the lifter. [Read more…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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
Brad Gillingham’s 12 week raw bench program is a no frills, bench-only program that runs on two bench sessions a week, a heavy day and a lighter volume day. On the heavy day you work up to a top single, then drop down for back-off sets of 3 to 5 reps. The light day is higher-volume work in the 60 to 77.5% range.
The whole plan is built around one number, your current raw bench max. Working weights climb from 90% of your 1RM up to 102.5% over the 12 weeks, so you’re pressing supramaximal singles by the back end of the program. It’s simple and repeatable, and it packs plenty of quality bench work into two sessions a week.
It’s aimed at intermediate and advanced lifters who want to bring up their raw bench. Since it only trains the bench press, you’ll need to slot in your own squat and deadlift work around it. If you’re newer to lifting, you’ll get more out of a full linear program first. For other options, see our 12 week bench press programs.
[Read more…] By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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 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).
[Read more…] By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Weeks: 10
Periodization: Wave 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 Cube Method is a 10-week powerlifting program from Brandon Lilly, built around the squat, bench, and deadlift. You train four days a week: one day each for the big three, plus a fourth bodybuilding day for your weak points. Each main lift gets worked once a week, and week to week it rotates through a heavy day, an explosive day, and a rep day so you’re never grinding the same style twice in a row.
The cycle runs as three 3-week waves and finishes with a meet week where you test new maxes. Every load is figured as a percentage of your 1RM, and the loads climb wave over wave while the reps drop.
Lilly wrote the program, in his words, “out of my absolute frustration with my training, myself, and the sport of powerlifting.” It’s a back-to-basics answer to overcomplicated programming. Instead of chasing one quality at a time, the Cube develops heavy strength, bar speed, and rep volume together and rotates them so each lift sees all three. If you’ve run Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 or the Juggernaut Method, the wave idea will feel familiar. The Cube just spreads the three styles across your lifts each week instead of moving every lift through the same block together.
It’s built for intermediate and advanced lifters who already have a solid 1RM and a meet or a test day on the calendar. The percentages run high, so you need real numbers to work from. If you’re newer and still adding weight to the bar most weeks, you’ll get more out of a linear program like GZCLP first, then come back to the Cube once that stalls.
[Read more…] By Kyle Risley
Last updated
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…]
By Kyle Risley
Last updated
Experience level: Intermediate
Weeks: 14
Periodization: Wave 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
While the Texas Method has long been a popular intermediate program for graduates of Rippetoe’s Starting Strength or other novice programs like Strong Lifts, a popular Texas Method variation to emerge has been the Cowboy Method.
Included here are the Original Cowboy Method and a Modified Cowboy Method. [Read more…]