Lift Vault

Free Programs and Spreadsheets

Home » Programs » Strength Training Program » Page 2

The 10 Best Strength Training Programs

  1. 3 Day Maximal Strength by Sheiko
  2. GreySkull LP (novice)
  3. nSuns (novice/intermediate)
  4. Madcow 5x5  (intermediate/advanced)
  5. Building the Monolith (intermediate/advanced)
  6. GZCL (intermediate)
  7. Wendler 5/3/1  (intermediate)
  8. GZCLP (novice/intermediate)
  9. Ivysaur 4-4-8 (novice)
  10. Strong Lifts 5x5 (novice)

Want a Custom Strength Program?

Lift Vault Market is now offering custom strength programs designed to help you crush your goals.

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

Strength training programs are designed to increase the maximal force of the athlete's musculature. While the routines emphasize growing the strength of the athlete, they generally will also induce hypertrophy and trigger muscle growth. This is part of what helps the athlete get stronger. If hypertrophy is the primary goal, a powerbuilding or bodybuilding program is a better fit.

Strength routines differ from powerlifting programs in that they are not specifically designed to maximize the single rep max of the competition power lifts. However, many strength programs can be reasonably used as off season work for powerlifters as long as the program is followed by a powerlifting peaking program before a meet.

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 strength training programs are available below.

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

Sling Shot Bench Press Program Spreadsheet – 5 Week

By
Last updated

Experience level:
Weeks:
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 Mark Bell’s 5 week Sling Shot bench press program, also known as the “Stronger in 30 Days” program. It’s a relatively straightforward bench-only program that gradually decreases volume while increasing intensity before attempting a new PR on week 5. Pretty classic linear periodization leading into a peak. [Read more…]

The 5 Best Upper/Lower Split Programs

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 upper/lower split workout programs to run?

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

  1. nSuns 4 Day LP
  2. SPF Powerbuilding
  3. Brogains Powerbuilding
  4. 5/3/1 365
  5. PHUL

What’s the best workout split for building muscle and gaining strength?

This question is a commonly asked question by many lifters. While several splits are effective, such as the bro split, push/pull split, full body workout split, and push/pull/legs, the upper/lower split is arguably the most popular.

An upper/lower workout split can be used whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced trainee. If you have at least 3-4 days per week to train, you can effectively hit each major muscle group twice per week, which is often considered to be the optimal training frequency for muscle growth.

The increased training frequency also improves your skill and technique in the big three (squat, bench press, and deadlift). An upper/lower split can also be utilized if you prefer training 5 or even 6 days per week.

Better yet, an upper/lower split benefits anyone wanting to lose fat, build muscle, and gain strength without living in the gym. Since this split is so popular, numerous upper/lower split workout programs are available!

Below you will find the five best upper/lower split workout programs and a link to their respective spreadsheets so you can download a copy for free!

[Read more…]

“Next Level” Linear Progression Strength Program (Brian Alsruhe)

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 linear progression strength program from Brian Alsruhe. It is the “next level” continuation of the linear progression programming video that he originally published in 2016 (video below). [Read more…]

Tactical Barbell Program Templates (Operator, Zulu, Mass, and More)

By
Last updated

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

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 collection of templates for the Tactical Barbell program. Included are the operator, zulu, fighter, gladiator, mass, and grey man programs – all in the same spreadsheet.

[Read more…]

14 Week Advanced Strength & Peaking Program – Squats & Science

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 14 week strength and peaking block for advanced powerlifters. It contains four training blocks and can be used to peak for a powerlifting meet. It was written by the highly accomplished folks at Squats & Science. [Read more…]

8 Week Intermediate Strength Block – Squats & Science

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

This program is an 8 week intermediate level strength block from the smart folks at Squats & Science. It’s a 4 day per week training program that calls for squatting, benching, and deadlifting twice per week (counting near variations). [Read more…]

Best 3 Day Workout Splits

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

Many gym goers believe you need to train five or six times a week to see strength gains and build muscle mass. 

But if you’re too busy to make it to the gym more than three times a week, don’t fret.

Three high-quality workout sessions are better than dragging yourself to the gym every day to do subpar workouts with no energy or focus.

We’ll explore how to achieve your fitness and aesthetic goals with just three weekly gym sessions. 

You’ll learn how to plan a 3-day workout split to strengthen your upper body and lower body muscle groups and promote muscle growth.

We’ve also provided links to the six best 3-day training split programs, where you’ll find free, downloadable spreadsheets to help you reach your goals. 

[Read more…]

Best 5 Day Workout Splits

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

Finding the optimal training split for your schedule, training style, goals, and experience level takes some trial and error. 

Since everyone responds differently to varying amounts of training volume, frequency, and intensities, what is ideal for one lifter may be unfeasible for another

For many lifters, a 5-day workout split strikes the perfect balance between giving each muscle group sufficient volume and enough rest and recovery to grow and build strength.

A 5-day workout split targets your muscle groups more often, providing enough training volume to stimulate significant muscle growth and strength gains. 

Here, we’ll cover some of the best five-day workout splits for the optimal amount of total weekly training volume for each muscle group to yield the best strength and hypertrophy gains.

You’ll also find free, downloadable links to the five best 5-day workout split programs, complete with a customizable spreadsheet to track your progress over time.

[Read more…]

The Famous Reddit PPL Program Spreadsheet (Improved)

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

The 6 day PPL program known as the “Reddit PPL” or “Metallicadpa PPL” is a great workout routine for those looking to increase strength and gain size. Several different spreadsheets have been created for this program, which I go into a bit below. I’m bringing forth a new and improved version here after being frustrated by the shortcomings of past efforts.

[Read more…]

Starscream: 12 Week Hypertrophy Program (5 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

Starscream is the brainchild of /u/benchpauper, who concocted such popular spreadsheets as the MEGAZORD hybrid strength program. [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…]

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…]

Thinner Leaner Stronger Workout Program Spreadsheets

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

Thinner Leaner Stronger is a workout program focused on developing aesthetics for women. In other words: lose weight, build muscle, look better naked, etc.  It was written by Michael Matthews, a trainer who has written extensively on nutrition and aesthetics for both men and women. [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…]

Coolcicada 6 Day PPL 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

The Coolcicada PPL is a popular 6 day PPL  that originated from a BodyBuilding.com forum member. The original thread is here. It has since gained great notoriety as an effective program for building strength and muscular development in many lifters.

[Read more…]

6 Day PPL Split Workout Routines (7 PPL Programs)

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 6 day PPL workout programs to run?

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

What is a PPL Split?

A PPL split is a method for organizing resistance training based on the type of exercise movements. PPL stands for push, pull, legs. Common exercises include the bench press for push days, barbell rows for pull days, and squats for leg days.

About 6 Day Push Pull Legs Routines

Push Pull Legs (PPL) programs are a popular way to structure bodybuilding, strength training, or powerbuilding style programming. This workout split allows for recovery from a certain set of movements while still training other movements.

For example, by grouping push movements (e.g. overhead press, bench press, dumbbell press, etc.) together in a single training session, it allows for those muscles to recover while pull movements are trained the next day. This lets an athlete train with greater frequency while still allowing for adequate recovery.

These programs are often used to stimulate hypertrophy, though mixing heavy days with lighter days appropriately can also help achieve significant strength gains as well.

[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…]