Lift Vault

Free Programs and Spreadsheets

Home » Programs » Powerlifting Training Programs » Page 3

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

Popular Programs via App


Boostcamp App


Boostcamp App


Free

Many of the most popular programs on Lift Vault are now available on a free app!

Boostcamp lets you track progress, calculate weight/sets/reps, and discover new programs - all for free!


Visit Boostcamp App

6 Week Russian Bench Press Peaking Program (3 Day)

By
Last updated

Experience level: ,
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal:

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

Hey TikTok! Welcome to Lift Vault.

Any questions, please drop it in the Russian Bench Press Program discussion thread or email me. Good luck increasing your bench press!

To your continued gains,

Kyle

Overview

This is a no nonsense 6 week bench press peaking program styled after the infamous Russian Squat Routine. It is a 3 day bench press program that accumulates volume around 80% to 85% of a lifter’s 1 rep max before tapering down volume and increasing intensity. It ends with completing two singles at 105% of the lifter’s beginning 1 rep max.

[Read more…]

10 Week Powerlifting Program (RPE, Meet Prep)

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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

Created and shared by /u/Kroamatik as a “generic 10 week program” structured around 4 days per week. It is designed to be started 10 weeks out from a competition or a max testing week (so the competition occurs during week 10). [Read more…]

Deep Water Program Spreadsheet (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

By
Last updated

Experience level: , ,
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal:

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

Deep Water is a 4 day (or 5 day if you do the recommended active recovery) strength program designed by Jon Andersen. It runs for 6 weeks and is infamous for its “100 reps in as few sets as possible” workouts for squat, deadlift, and push press. For this reason I have included this program in the squat program and deadlift program collections as well.

You could run this only for the squat, deadlift, or overhead press, though that was not the original intent of the program. [Read more…]

8 Week Hypertrophy Program Spreadsheet (BigCoachD)

By
Last updated

Experience level: ,
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal:

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 9/22/19: Fixed an issue with the inputs. Using a “.” (i.e. period, full stop) is now supported in the 1RM input fields.

This program is an 8 week hypertrophy training program inspired by Reddit user and strength coach /u/BigCoachD. Good for off-season powerlifting training, bodybuilding, or anyone looking to increase their work capacity and get bigger.

It is a 4 day program based on linear periodization. Week 1 starts at 5×12 @50% of 1RM and adds 5% each week, gradually working up to 5×8@67.5% in week 8. [Read more…]

The 6 Best 4 Day Workout Splits for 2023

By
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

Are you just looking for great 4 day workout split to run?

If so, check out these links for spreadsheets and additional info.

  1. GZCLP (4-day version)
  2. The Strength Athlete (4-day version)
  3. GZCL Jacked and Tan 2.0
  4. nSuns LP
  5. PHUL
  6. SPF Powerbuilding (4 day version)

The 4-day workout program is one of the best training splits for anyone with a busy schedule wanting to build muscle, burn fat, or gain strength. Many 4-day workout splits are organized so that you train each major muscle group twice per week, which is arguably the most optimal training frequency.

One of the best features of a 4-day workout split is three rest days, so you can still do all the other activities you enjoy outside of the gym. Not to mention, rest is extremely important for muscle growth, strength gains, and even losing fat.

When it comes to changing your body composition and improving your exercise performance, less is more. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced trainee, a 4-day workout routine is a great option for those looking to maximize their results without practically living in the gym.

Below you will find the six best 4-day workout programs and a link to their respective spreadsheets so you can download a copy for free!

[Read more…]

3 Day 20 Week Powerlifting Program by Powerlifting Academy

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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 20 week powerlifting program with 3 training days per week. It was originally published by Powerlifting Academy, a German coaching group. There is also a 16 week version available. [Read more…]

Sheikburn Program Spreadsheet (Sheiko x Hepburn Method)

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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

Sheikburn combines Hepburn Method style sets and rep structure (progressively adding more reps to the same weight OR adding more sets to the same rep range) Sheiko style periodization (alternating heavy days and light days).

Fans of “frankenprograms” like Megazord or GZCL / MagOrt / Deathbench will probably find this program interesting. [Read more…]

Drop Bear Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Program Spreadsheets

By
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

Here are three different versions of the Drop Bear program: junior (beginner), intermediate, and senior (advanced). The beginner version is a 12 week powerlifting program, the intermediate version is a 13 week powerlifting program, and the advanced version is a 19 week powerlifting program. The intermediate program could be used to peak for a powerlifting competition. [Read more…]

Inverted Juggernaut Method Spreadsheet (3 Versions, + 5/3/1)

By
Last updated

Recommended by Lift Vault:
Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization: ,
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,
Uses RPE:
Uses 1RM Percentage(%):

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

Background on the Juggernaut Method

The Inverted Juggernaut Method (aka Inverse Juggernaut Method) is a popular variation of the well known Juggernaut Method.

As a refresher, here is the basic breakdown of the 4 weekly phases of the Juggernaut Method: [Read more…]

16 Week Wave Loading Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

By
Last updated

Experience level: ,
Weeks:
Periodization: ,
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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

Wave loading is a loading progression where the volume and intensity of a lift changes rapidly from set to set, rising and falling and rising and falling. This is designed to help stimulate strength adaptation more rapidly, increase an athlete’s explosiveness, and grow work capacity. [Read more…]

Vince Anello 14 Week Deadlift Program Spreadsheet

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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:

  • February 23, 2020 – Fixed mix up between pin squats and partial deadlifts. Thanks to a reader for pointing out the misinterpretation via the contact form.
  • July 29, 2019 – Fixed permissions for the spreadsheet. You should be able to make a copy of it now. Apologies for any inconvenience.

This is a spreadsheet for Vince Anello’s 14 week deadlift program. [Read more…]

Fred Hatfield (Dr. Squat) 12 Week Peaking Program Spreadsheet

By
Last updated

Experience level: ,
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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 12 week powerlifting peaking program designed by Fred Hatfield. It allows the athlete to input their current 1RM for the squat, bench press, and deadlift and programs every workout until meet day. It also includes a powerlifting meet attempt calculator. [Read more…]

Brendan Tietz 7 Week Intermediate Powerlifting Program

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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 spreadsheet derived from Brendan Tietz’s YouTube video on intermediate powerlifting and bodybuilding programming. If you’re a beginner lifter, please see Brendan Tietz Beginner Powerlifting Program. As this blends a significant amount of hypertrophy work with strength development, this could also be considered a powerbuilding program. This program utilizes a blend of percentage programming and RPE. If you’re unfamiliar with RPE, you can learn more about it here: RPE Calculator. [Read more…]

Alan Thrall Program Spreadsheet – Untamed Method

By
Last updated

Experience level: ,
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,

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 13 week program created by Barbell Medicine for Alan Thrall of Untamed Strength. Below you will find a video overview of the program, which is very important for understanding how the program works. [Read more…]

Extended Russian Power Routine Spreadsheet

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,
Uses RPE:
Uses 1RM Percentage(%):

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 9 week Extended Russian Power Routine is an extended version of the Russian Squat Routine that is designed to peak all three competition lifts. It is extended from the 6 week Russian Squat Routine to allow for more recovery since the lifter will be lifting at high intensity for squat, bench press, and deadlift. [Read more…]

Robert Frederick 4 Day Hypertrophy Program Spreadsheet (Modified Sheiko)

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks: , ,
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: ,
Uses RPE:
Uses 1RM Percentage(%):

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 modified version of the 4 day advanced medium load Sheiko program with more reps in the 70-80% 1RM range and a greater focus on hypertrophy. There is a little more volume overall as well. [Read more…]

Brendan Tietz Beginner Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization: ,
Program goal: ,
Uses RPE:
Uses 1RM Percentage(%):

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

August 6, 2019 Update: The spreadsheet is now available for copying and sharing. Apologies for the mix up.

A beginner powerlifting program released by Brendan Tietz. A video overview and full program details are below. [Read more…]

Brendan Tietz Submax DUP 12 Week Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: , ,
Uses RPE:
Uses 1RM Percentage(%):

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 daily undulating periodization program from Brendan Tietz for powerlifters. As this is a submaximal powerlifting program, this is best suited for off season work, not peaking for a meet. [Read more…]

Greg Nuckols High Frequency Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet (2 Versions)

By
Last updated

Experience level: ,
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: , ,
Uses RPE:
Uses 1RM Percentage(%):

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

In October 2015, Greg Nuckols published a very popular article titled “Your Drug Free Muscle and Strength Potential: Part 2.” In it he laid out the foundations for a high frequency training method.

It’s a pretty cool article because it includes a strength potential calculator that tries to estimate what percentage of a person’s maximum potential they’ve currently achieved per lift. If an individual is below 80% of their potential, they generally respond well to high frequency training. [Read more…]

Brian Alsruhe Conjugate Program

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
Periodization:
Meet prep program:
Program goal: , ,
Uses RPE:
Uses 1RM Percentage(%):

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

Brian Alsruhe’s conjugate program is a 16 week, 4 day per week strength program that utilizes conjugate methods (dynamic effort, max effort) to stimulate strength gains. It makes heavy use of resistance bands and chains so it is recommended that these are used when following the program.

Max effort days [Read more…]