Lift Vault

Free Programs and Spreadsheets

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
  • Lift Vault Market
    • Buy Custom Programs
    • Buy Training Programs
  • Program Finder
  • Programs & Spreadsheets
    • Program Type
      • Powerlifting Programs
        • Peaking Programs
      • Bodybuilding Program
      • Strength Training Program
      • Powerbuilding Programs
      • Hypertrophy Programs
      • Bodyweight Workout Programs
        • Home Workouts
      • Lift Specific Program
        • Squat Programs
        • Bench Press Programs
        • Deadlift Programs
      • Olympic Weightlifting Programs
    • Number of Weeks
      • 3 to 9 Weeks
        • 3 Week Programs
        • 4 Week Programs
        • 5 Week Programs
        • 6 Week Programs
        • 8 Week Programs
        • 9 Week Programs
      • 10+ Weeks
        • 10 Week Programs
        • 11 Week Programs
        • 12 Week Programs
        • 13 Week Programs
        • 14 Week Programs
        • 15 Week Programs
        • 16 Week Programs
    • Workout Splits
      • 3 Day Workout Split
      • 4 Day Workout Split
      • 5 Day Workout Split
      • 6 Day Workout Split
      • Upper/Lower Split
      • 6 Day PPL Split
      • Full Body Workout Plan
      • Bro Split Workout
  • Reviews
    • Program Reviews
    • Equipment Reviews
      • IPF & USAPL Approved List of Gear
      • USPA Approved List of Gear
      • Best Deadlift Bars
    • Supplement Reviews
      • Pre Workout Reviews
        • Best Pre Workout 2023
        • Strongest Pre Workout
        • DMAA Pre Workout
        • DMHA Pre Workout
        • Best Stim Free Pre Workout
        • Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
        • The 8 Best Pre Workouts for Beginners [Tested]
        • Best Pre Workout for Women
        • Homemade Pre Workout
        • Best Thermogenic Pre Workout
        • Best Pre Workout for Teens
        • Best Natural Pre Workout
      • Muscle Building
        • Best Whey Protein Powder
        • Best Mass Gainers
        • The 5 Best Creatine Supplements for Bulking
        • Best Turkesterone
        • Best Tongkat Ali Supplements
        • Best Ecdysterone Supplements
        • Best Intra Workout Supplements
        • Best Creatine HCL
        • Best BCAA for Women
        • Best Creatine for Teens
      • Strongest Fat Burner
  • Learn
    • Resources
      • Powerlifting Meets Near Me
    • Exercises
      • Hammer Curl vs Bicep Curl
      • Bench Press vs Chest Press
      • Dumbbell vs Barbell Bench Press
      • Deadlift vs Romanian Deadlift
      • Long Head Bicep Exercises
      • Short Head Bicep Exercises
      • Cable Shoulder Exercises
  • Forum
  • Contact
    • About Lift Vault
    • Meet the Team
    • Submit a Program
Home » Programs » Powerlifting Training Programs

The 10 Best Powerlifting Programs for 2023

  1. Kizen 12 Week Powerlifting Peaking Program
  2. nSuns Programs
  3. Jim Wendler 5/3/1 Programs
  4. Calgary Barbell 16 and 8 Week Programs
  5. Sheiko Programs
  6. Candito 6 Week Program
  7. Juggernaut Method Base Template
  8. Greg Nuckols 28 Programs
  9. Beginner Powerlifting Programs
  10. Intermediate Powerlifting Programs
  11. Madcow 5x5 Program

 

Recommended Reading: Practical Programming for Strength Training by Mark Rippetoe (Amazon)

A powerlifting program is designed to improve an athlete's one rep max in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. The mark of a successful routine is an improvement in the athlete's powerlifting total.

Whether you're looking for a beginner program, intermediate program, or a peaking program, you'll find a great powerlifting workout routine to get stronger. All spreadsheets are mobile friendly and powered by Google Sheets (better than PDF) - and no website has more free programs than Lift Vault!

Prefer a Custom Powerlifting Program?

Lift Vault Market now offers custom powerlifting programs to help you exceed your powerlifting goals.

Want more? Search the Lift Vault Program Library!

Search the Lift Vault Program Library to find the exact program you're looking for based on many criteria (e.g. experience level, days per week, and much more).

The latest programs are also available below.

Related: Powerbuilding Programs, Bodybuilding Programs, Strength Training Programs, Hypertrophy Programs

The 5 Best 6-Day Workout Splits

By Heather Jacques
Last updated January 25, 2023


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

For most people, it’s not realistic to go to the gym six days per week, which is why most workout programs only prescribe training 3-5 days per week. Not to mention, training nearly every day of the week may not be ideal or even necessary for beginners and intermediate trainees. And if you have an extremely busy schedule, it’s not even worth considering.

With that said, a 6-day workout split may be the best option for advanced trainees wanting to continue gaining size and/or strength. Let’s face it, some people enjoy the gym so much that they want to be there every single day. So if you’re a gym rat or an advanced lifter looking to maximize results, a 6-day workout split is something you should consider.

Since you’re training six days per week, following a well-structured workout program is essential because you can quickly overtrain. Two of the most popular 6-day workout splits include the upper/lower and push/pull/legs split. A 6-day workout split can be very effective for building muscle, gaining strength, and losing fat, as long as it’s programmed well.

To take the guesswork out of finding an excellent 6-day workout program and prevent wasted time or money, we’ve hand-selected 5 of the best ones that exist. Below you will find the five best 6-day workout programs and a link to their respective spreadsheets so you can download a copy for free!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerbuilding Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program




6 Week High-Frequency Conjugate Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated November 1, 2021

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 6

Periodization: Undulating Periodization


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 6 week conjugate powerlifting program. It trains a wide variety of compound and isolation movements to build strength and develop muscle mass.

This program is described as a high-frequency, full-body training program. It was designed by Parakonan Training for the “humble-hungry” lifter: humble enough to know when to take weight off the bar and hungry enough to take what’s there.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 6 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs




Full Year of Powerlifting Programming

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 13, 2022

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 6

Periodization: Block 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

David Woolson, strong and smart dude over at Brazos Valley Strength, has boldly declared that he intends to release free powerlifting programming over the next year.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 0

15 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program (2021 Update)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 13, 2022

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 15

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: No, Yes

Program goal: 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

This is a 15 week intermediate powerlifting program from PRs on the Platform. It utilizes block periodization and can be run repeatedly or used to peak for a powerlifting competition.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 15 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 0

10 Week Powerlifting Program [Brazos Valley Barbell]

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 13, 2022

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Block 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

Strength 2.0 is a 10 week powerlifting program created by David Woolson at Brazos Valley Barbell. The program utilizes 5 training days per week, calculates load based on RPE and percentage of one rep max, and ends with attempting to set a new one rep max.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs




The 6 Best Full Body Workout Routines

By Kyle Risley
Last updated December 7, 2022

Periodization: Linear Periodization


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

Full body workouts are one of the most effective training tools for anyone interested in getting stronger, gaining muscle, or losing weight.

That’s because not only has full body training been shown to be consistently effective, it’s also time efficient. Five of the six training routines highlighted in this article call for just three training days per week.

This makes getting stronger attainable for the average person that doesn’t want to spend their entire life in the gym.

Below you’ll find the six best full body workout routines along with a link to a spreadsheet where you can download a personal copy for free.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program




10 Week Beginner Powerlifting Program (PRs on the Platform)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 5, 2021

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Linear 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

This is a 10 week powerlifting program for beginners. It was designed to help increase strength in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. It was created by PRs on the Platform.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 2

15 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program (PRs on the Platform)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 13, 2022

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 15

Periodization: Block 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

This is a 15 week, 4 day intermediate powerlifting program by PRs On The Platform, a powerlifting coaching service.

Thanks to PRs on the Platform for sharing this program with Lift Vault through the program submission form.

Program Overview

This powerlifting program is comprised of three training blocks: a volume/hypertrophy block (weeks 1-5), a strength block (weeks 6-10), and a competition peaking block (weeks 11-15). As such, it can be used for meet preparation.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 15 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 1

Simple Jack’d v1.0 + v2.0 Strength Training Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 7, 2021

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: Indefinite

Periodization: Linear Periodization, Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: High Volume, 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

May 2020 Update: Added Simple Jack’d 2x spreadsheet. You should probably run v2.0, as the creator of the program considers it superior to v1.0.

Simple Jack’d is a modified blend of the Bulgarian Method and the Smolov base cycle. It’s essentially a flexible one week volume accumulation block that can be run indefinitely for powerlifting and general strength goals.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program

Squat frequency: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Bench press frequency: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

10 Week Off Season Deadlift Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated September 11, 2020

Experience level: Advanced

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Linear Periodization, Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Deadlift, High Volume, Off Season

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 10 week deadlift program designed for building up work capacity during the competitive off-season. It was shared by Alex Bromley (Empire Barbell) on his YouTube channel, where he shared his experience using this style of deadlift training to help prepare for a strongman competition.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Deadlift Programs, 10 Week Programs, Deadlift Workout Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs



Deadlift frequency: 1

Heavy, Light, Medium (HLM) Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated September 10, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Block Periodization, Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

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

Heavy, Light, Medium (HLM) programs are a simple and effective way to organize strength training. Each training session consists of either a heavy, medium, or light load for a given lift. The HLM training style is extremely flexible and can be used to accommodate many training goals.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program

Squat frequency: 2, 3
Bench press frequency: 1, 2, 3
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2, 3
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2, 3

Blest Beginner + Intermediate Powerlifting Programs

By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 8, 2020

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 3

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

Garrett Blevins is a strength training coach, powerlifter, and co-creator of the Juggernaut A.I. training system. Below are three different powerlifting programs that he shared for free: an early novice powerlifting program, a late novice powerlifting program, and an early intermediate powerlifting program. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 3 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs




Dietmar Wolf Norwegian Powerlifting Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated July 19, 2020

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 11, 12, 8

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: High Volume, 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

Dietmar Wolf is the head coach of the Norwegian powerlifting team. Below you’ll find some programs that are either attributed to him or have been released directly from the Norwegian Powerlifting Association. One program is from a Norwegian powerlifter named Frode Haugen; this program is labeled accordingly to reduce confusion. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 11 Week Programs, 12 Week Programs, 8 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 3
Overhead press frequency: 2

Prep10 10 Week Peaking Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated July 17, 2020

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Block 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

Prep10 is a 10 week powerlifting peaking program designed for beginners and intermediates. It uses block periodization to take the lifter through a 5 week hypertrophy mesocycle, followed by a 1 week transition mesocycle, a 3 week intensity mesocycle, and a 1 week deload. This program could be used to peak for a meet taking place on week 11 (assuming week 10 is the deload week). [Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Programs, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 2

Atlas Rising Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated July 13, 2020

Experience level: Advanced

Weeks: 7

Periodization: Linear Periodization, Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Peaking, 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

Atlas Rising is an advanced 7 week powerlifting program with 3 training days per week. It is formed from a combination of the Russian Squat Routine for squats, MagOrt for deadlifts, and Hepburn Method A for bench press and overhead press. I would expect this program to improve the squat and deadlift, but not the bench press or overhead press, which simply would be maintained.

This “frankenprogram” was created by /u/PaulTheMediocre, who used it to achieve the following results: [Read more…]

Filed Under: 7 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

The “Dad Bod” Bridge Workout Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated July 6, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 8

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Powerlifting, 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

The “Dad Bod” Bridge program is a workout routine submitted by a Lift Vault reader. It is designed for busy people (especially parents) that are looking for any easy to follow routine that will help them grow and maintain strength in a limited amount of time. As the name suggests, it was inspired by The Bridge, a late stage novice strength program created by Barbell Medicine. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 8 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program

Squat frequency: 3
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2

Lifting After A Long Break: ReTrain Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 20, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Powerlifting, Retraining

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

ReTrain is a 4 week powerlifting program designed to ramp up lifters that have taken a lengthy break from training. With COVID-19 shutting down gyms across the world for several months, many lifters will find themselves in the scenario of going back to the gym to start working out again. The goal of this program is to help those lifters safely and effectively ease themselves back into a regular training routine. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 4 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 2
Bench press frequency: 3
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 2

Connor Lutz 7 Week Beginner + Intermediate Powerlifting Programs

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 18, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 7

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

Connor Lutz is a powerlifting competitor and coach at Calgary Barbell. These are a few different powerlifting programs he shared several years back. There are three powerlifting programs in total: a beginner program, an updated intermediate program, and an old intermediate program. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 7 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 2, 3
Bench press frequency: 3, 4
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2

14 Week Block Periodization Powerlifting Program (Empire Barbell)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 14, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: High Volume, Peaking, 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 powerlifting program designed by Empire Barbell that utilizes block periodization. Training is broken into three distinct blocks: intensification #1, volume, and intensification #2. These blocks can be run in order straight through, or can be repeated with some limitations (explained more below). Running each block once would represent 14 weeks of training in total. [Read more…]

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

Overhead press frequency: 2

12 Week Mass Building Hypertrophy Workout for Powerlifters (Mathias Method)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 1, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Mass, 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 mass building workout focuses on stimulating muscular hypertrophy and developing raw strength. It is a 12 week powerlifting program built on 4 high volume training sessions per week and was developed by Ryan Mathias at Mathias Method. It is a peaking program that is designed to build your one rep max in the squat, bench press, and deadlift for meet day. [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: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 2

What is a powerlifting program?

A powerlifting program is any program designed to improve the performance of an athlete in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

How long do powerlifting programs last?

Powerlifting programs typically last between 4 weeks and 16 weeks. Lift Vault has programs grouped by week count for your convenience.

Popular options are 12 week powerlifting programs, 10 week powerlifting programs, 8 week powerlifting programs, and 6 week powerlifting programs, but we have everything from 3 weeks to 20 weeks.

Can beginners do powerlifting?

Absolutely. Anyone that can safely perform the squat, bench press, and deadlift can use a powerlifting program. There are no special qualifications. Plus, running a beginner powerlifting program can actually help you improve coordination and motor recruitment.

What are the different kinds of powerlifting programs?

The primary variables manipulated in a powerlifting program are frequency, intensity, and volume.

“Volume programs” tend to have higher volume & frequency paired with lower intensity and are best for off season training or as the beginning of a meet preparation.

A “peaking program” is any program that ends with tapering down volume and significantly increasing intensity in preparation for a powerlifting meet.

What is a beginner powerlifting program?

A beginner powerlifting program is any powerlifting program that takes advantage of the novice lifter’s ability to recover rapidly. As such, it tends to have shorter mesocycles than other programs. These usually range from 1 training session in length to 2 weeks.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »

Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved · Lift Vault · Privacy Policy · Medical Disclaimer