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The 11 Best Powerlifting Programs

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

What is a powerlifting program?

A powerlifting program is designed to improve an athlete's one rep max in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. The main goal of a powerlifting program is to increase an 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!

Custom Powerlifting Programs = More Gains

Lift Vault Market now offers custom powerlifting programs to help you exceed your powerlifting goals. Get a program designed to correct your weaknesses and build a massive total!

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.

Other program types: Powerbuilding Programs, Bodybuilding Programs, Strength Training Programs, Hypertrophy Programs

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GZCL P-Zero (GZCL 2.0) Spreadsheet

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GZCL P-Zero is the flexible, do-it-your-way framework from Cody Lefever, the coach behind the whole GZCL family. It keeps the GZCL pyramid of three tiers but drops the rigid week-by-week layout, so you can run it full-body or on any split you like.

Instead of fixed weeks, P-Zero moves through three stages. Each tier gets heavier and drops reps as you advance, and you move up a stage when your top set stops improving. It is autoregulated, which makes it run as long as you keep progressing.

If you are newer to the system, start with our GZCLP beginner program or browse the full GZCL method spreadsheets for the other templates.

[Read more…]

Askold Surovetsky 16-Week Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

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Askold Surovetsky’s 16-week powerlifting program is a percentage-based system that programs squat, deadlift, and bench press across 8 microcycles. It was designed by Surovetsky – an Honorary Coach of Russia, CMS in powerlifting, and European Powerlifting champion – and has been tested over 3 years with lifters at different levels. The program runs 3 days per week. Squat-focused and deadlift-focused weeks alternate, and bench press is trained every session using one of two bench systems.

What I like about this program is how structured and self-contained it is. You plug in your maxes, and every set, rep, and percentage is laid out for you across all 16 weeks. No guesswork. Intensities ramp from about 74% up to 88% on working sets, with max-out sessions built into weeks 7 and 8. It’s a style of programming you’ll see in other popular Russian systems like Sheiko, but the structure here is more rigid and less customizable.

One thing to know going in: this program doesn’t include any accessory work. It programs only the three competition lifts, and bench is trained at all three weekly sessions, so pressing volume is already high. If you’re someone who needs a lot of variety or accessory volume, this might feel limited. But if you want a focused, no-nonsense peaking program for the big three, it does the job well.

[Read more…]

70s Powerlifter Program Spreadsheet

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Alex Bromley’s 70s Powerlifter is an 18-week, 4-day per week strength program from his book Base Strength. It’s an upper/lower split built around one primary lift per session – bench, squat, overhead press, and deadlift – with two compound variations and bodybuilding accessories stacked on top.

The program draws heavy inspiration from the high-volume training style of 1970s powerlifters like Doug Young and Bill Kazmaier, who were known for piling on compound work and topping it off with plenty of bodybuilding movements. If you’ve already run Bromley’s Bullmastiff program, this is the natural next step from the same book. I’d recommend it for intermediate lifters who aren’t afraid of volume – and I mean real volume.

Sessions can run 90 minutes, and by week 3 of each wave you’re doing 5 working sets on your main lift plus 4 sets of two different variations. It’s a lot. But lifters who commit to it and pick conservative starting weights tend to put real weight on all four lifts. Fair warning, though: if you aren’t eating and sleeping enough to support this kind of workload, you’ll run into a wall fast.

[Read more…]

Rip & Tear Program Spreadsheet

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Rip and Tear is a 12-week high-intensity strength training program designed for experienced lifters, focusing on the Squat, Bench, and Deadlift (SBD) exercises. The program structure includes 3 bench days, 3 squat days, and 2 deadlift days per week, with optional accessory and hypertrophy work left to the user’s discretion.

The training regimen is divided into three 4-week blocks, with intensity incrementally increasing in each block, employing weights ranging from 70% to 90% of one’s 1RM. The program also incorporates AMRAP (as many reps as possible) sets for each of the three lifts during the week, providing an opportunity to push for personal records.

[Read more…]

The 5 Best 6-Day Workout Splits

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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…]

6 Week High-Frequency Conjugate Powerlifting Program

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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…]

Full Year of Powerlifting Programming

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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…]

15 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program (2021 Update)

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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…]

10 Week Powerlifting Program [Brazos Valley Barbell]

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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…]

The 6 Best Full Body Workout Routines

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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…]

10 Week PRS Beginner Powerlifting Program

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The PRS 10-Week Beginner Powerlifting Program is a free percentage-based program from Progressive Resistance Systems (PRS). It’s built to give a newer lifter a structured run at the squat, bench, and deadlift without guesswork.

Rather than locking your percentages in for the whole block, the program adjusts your training maxes every couple of weeks based on how you actually perform on AMRAP and plus sets. That keeps the weights honest as you get stronger.

It’s a good fit for beginners who know their rough 1-rep maxes and want a real powerlifting structure. If you’d prefer a rep-based linear progression instead of percentages, our GZCLP program is another solid beginner option.

PRS 10-Week Beginner Program Spreadsheet

PRS shares the program as a free, editable Google Sheet. The embedded copy below is the full program. Enter your training maxes and the sheet lays out your weights, sets, and reps for every session.

To use it yourself, open it and make your own copy (File then Make a Copy), then plug in your numbers. The accessory work is RPE-based, and your training maxes update at the built-in retest points.

Program via Progressive Resistance Systems (PRS) free programs.

PRS 10-Week Beginner Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet | LiftVault.com

About Progressive Resistance Systems

Progressive Resistance Systems is a powerlifting coaching team that puts out several free, well-built program spreadsheets alongside their paid coaching. Their free templates are popular for being clearly laid out and genuinely auto-adjusting rather than static.

How the 10-Week Beginner Program Works

The program is percentage-based and runs for 10 weeks. You start by entering your training maxes, and the sheet adjusts them every two to three weeks based on your performance, so the weights track your real progress instead of a fixed plan.

Retests happen through plus sets and AMRAPs at weeks 2, 3, 4, and 7, and the deadlift training max gets reset in week 4 based on how the set rated on RPE. Accessory work is prescribed by RPE so you can match it to how you feel that day.

Other Free PRS Programs

Once you outgrow the beginner program, PRS also publishes a free 15-week intermediate program and a 2022 15-week program with multiple versions for 3x or 4x weekly bench frequency and conventional or sumo deadlift. You’ll find all of them on the PRS free programs page linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PRS 10-Week Beginner Powerlifting Program?

It’s a free 10-week percentage-based powerlifting program from Progressive Resistance Systems. It trains the squat, bench, and deadlift off your training maxes and adjusts those maxes every few weeks based on your AMRAP and plus-set performance.

Is the PRS program free?

Yes. PRS shares it as a free, editable Google Sheet. The version embedded here is a Lift Vault copy of their sheet so the link stays stable. Make your own copy before entering your numbers.

Do I need to know my 1-rep maxes?

Yes, you’ll want at least rough 1-rep maxes to set your starting training maxes. From there the program retests you with plus sets and AMRAPs and adjusts the maxes for you, so the starting numbers don’t have to be perfect.

How does the program progress?

It’s autoregulated through your training maxes. At built-in retest points in weeks 2, 3, 4, and 7 the program reads your AMRAP performance and updates your maxes, with the deadlift max specifically reset in week 4 based on RPE.

Is it good for a complete beginner?

It suits a beginner who can already perform the three lifts and knows roughly how strong they are. If you’ve never tested a max or are brand new to the barbell, a simpler rep-based program like GZCLP may be an easier first step.

What comes after the 10-week beginner program?

PRS offers a free 15-week intermediate program and a 2022 15-week program with several bench-frequency and deadlift-stance versions. Those are the natural next steps once linear-style progress on the beginner program slows down.

15 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program (PRs on the Platform)

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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…]

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

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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…]

10 Week Off Season Deadlift Program Spreadsheet

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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…]

Heavy, Light, Medium (HLM) Program Spreadsheet

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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.

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Blest Beginner + Intermediate Powerlifting Programs

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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…]

Dietmar Wolf Norwegian Powerlifting Program Spreadsheets

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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…]

Prep10 10 Week Peaking Program Spreadsheet

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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…]

Atlas Rising Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

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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…]

The “Dad Bod” Bridge Workout Program Spreadsheet

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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…]

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.