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Home » Workout Routine Database

Workout Routine Database

The Lift Vault Workout Routine Database allows you to search through all free workout plans on Lift Vault using a variety of different filters.

It is the easiest way to find a workout routine on Lift Vault.

Example searches:

Here are two example searches to give you an idea of how to use the filters to find the workout plan you’re looking for.

You can click on the name of the search to see results.

  • Recommended Beginner Programs
    • Recommended by Lift Vault = Recommended
    • Experience Level = Beginner
  • 6 Day Intermediate Programs with 3x Bench Press 
    • Days per Week = 6
    • Experience Level = Intermediate
    • Bench Press Frequency = 3

Pro Tip: The URL in your browser updates as you add filters. Bookmark or copy the URL to reference later or share with friends

If you think something is mislabeled or have a suggestion, please let me know.

Thanks!

Filters

Results update automatically as you make selections.

Filter definitions are available below, beneath the filters.

  • Lift Vault Recommended

  • Program Types

  • Experience Level

  • Number of Weeks

  • Days per Week

  • Focus lift

  • Meet Preparation

  • Squat Frequency

  • Bench Press Frequency

  • Deadlift Frequency

  • OHP Frequency

  • Uses 1RM Percentage

  • Uses RPE

  • Periodization

  • Accessories Included

  • Program Goal

  • Creator

  • Search

Filter Definitions:

  • Lift Vault Recommended: This is meant to help the person that doesn’t really know what workout plan they’re looking for. I tried to select a variety of different routines  that had high quality spreadsheets from a reliable creator that have been run successfully by others. This will probably be most useful to beginner lifts. There are tons of great programs that don’t have this label. It is meant to be an easy to digest shortlist of reliable programs.
  • Program Types: Basic categorization of the workout plan. A program can have multiple types. This is probably the least specific of all the filters.
  • Days per Week: Training days per week in each workout routine.
  • Weeks: The length of the workout plan measured in weeks.
  • Experience Level: General experience level of the program. “Beginner” and “Intermediate” are the most useful distinctions. If you select “Intermediate” you should probably go ahead and select “Advanced” too. That line is blurrier.
  • Periodization: A subjective take on how the program uses periodization. I tried to reserve “linear” in a relatively strict way, but in reality most programs are a combination of “linear” and “undulating.” “Block” periodization was a bit clearer. (Please read Greg Nuckols article on periodization to understand how one program can use multiple periodization methods).
  • Program Goal: Specific goals of the program. These are pretty subjective so I wouldn’t rely very heavily on this filter.
  • Focus Lift: Which lift is the focus of the program, if any. “All” essentially means that all lifts are trained.
  • Squat/Bench/Deadlift/Overhead Press Frequency: The number of times each week that a given lift is trained. Near variations (e.g. front squat, incline bench, deficit deadlift) are counted.
  • Meet Preparation: Whether this program could be reasonably run in preparation for a competition. This is generally synonymous with a “peaking” program. Any program that builds toward a new 1RM usually got marked as “yes.”
  • Creator: The original creator of the workout program and/or spreadsheet.
  • Accessories Included: Whether accessories are programmed or not. “No” means that you’ll need to program accessories yourself.
  • RPE: Whether a significant portion of the program relies upon using RPE or similar auto-regulation methods.
  • 1RM Percentage: Whether a significant portion of the lifting routine relies upon using a percentage of the athlete’s one rep max (1RM).

Found 256 Results
Page 7 of 13
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KONG: Savage Size in 12 Weeks Program Spreadsheet

KONG: Savage Size in 12 Weeks is a hypertrophy program created by Alex Bromley of Empire Barbell. It’s a 5-day bodybuilding split that runs 12 weeks across three 4-week blocks, hitting each body part twice per week. It first appeared in Bromley’s book of the same name.

If you’re familiar with Bromley’s other work, like his Bullmastiff strength program, you know he programs in clear blocks and doesn’t waste your time. KONG takes a different angle: where Bullmastiff is strength-focused, KONG is built purely for size. Block 1 puts isolation exercises first, so you hit lagging body parts when you’re freshest. That’s backwards from how most people train, and it works.

I’d recommend it for intermediate lifters coming off a strength block who want a dedicated hypertrophy phase. The time cost is real at 5 days a week and 75 minutes a session, and some lifters needed extra rest days beyond the two off days, so keep that in mind if your recovery is limited.

(more…)

KONG: Savage Size in 12 Weeks Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: 12 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Dan John Mass Made Simple Spreadsheet

Mass Made Simple is a focused 6-week mass program from Dan John. You run a one-week break-in, then five weeks of three rotating workouts, training three days a week.

There are only seven or eight movements in the whole program, and the back squat does the heavy lifting. The sets of 10 climb toward your bodyweight and past it as the weeks go on, which is where the size comes from.

It is a great fit if you want a short, no-nonsense block to add weight and you are willing to eat. If you would rather have a longer, more varied hypertrophy plan, our 7 Week Hypertrophy Program is worth a look.

(more…)

Dan John Mass Made Simple Spreadsheet

Program Type: 6 Week Programs, Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


GZCL P-Zero (GZCL 2.0) Spreadsheet

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.

(more…)

GZCL P-Zero (GZCL 2.0) Spreadsheet

Program Type: Powerlifting Program, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


AlphaDestiny Novice Program Spreadsheet

The AlphaDestiny Novice Program is a free full-body routine from Alex Leonidas (AlphaDestiny) built to add the most muscle and strength possible in your first year of lifting. It runs two workouts, A and B, three days a week.

You alternate the workouts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and add weight to the bar almost every session. The big lifts use a flexible 3-or-5 set scheme, so you can scale the volume to how well you recover.

It’s aimed at true beginners who can train the main barbell lifts with decent form. If you’d rather have a more guided linear-progression template, our GZCLP beginner program is a good alternative.

(more…)

AlphaDestiny Novice Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Caroline Girvan EPIC I & II Program Spreadsheet

EPIC is a pair of free 10-week, 5-day-a-week follow-along programs from Caroline Girvan: EPIC I and EPIC II. Every workout is a free video on her YouTube channel, built around dumbbells and bodyweight.

The sessions are timer-based rather than rep-based. Most exercises run 30 seconds of work then 30 seconds of rest, so you push at your own pace with good form for 30 to 60 minutes a session.

EPIC is aimed at intermediate to advanced trainees who are comfortable with squats, lunges, planks, push ups, dumbbells, and HIIT. If you want a more traditional gym hypertrophy plan instead, take a look at our HST program.

(more…)

Caroline Girvan EPIC I & II Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: 10 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


AlphaDestiny Novice-Intermediate Hybrid Program Spreadsheet

The AlphaDestiny Novice/Intermediate Hybrid Program is a free routine from Alex Leonidas (AlphaDestiny) for lifters caught in the middle: intermediate on some lifts but still novice on others. It bridges the gap between his beginner novice program and a full intermediate program like the Texas Method.

It runs three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) as an A/B/C week, and comes in two versions depending on where you’re ahead. Your stronger lifts progress weekly, your weaker lifts keep progressing every session like a novice.

This is the natural next step once your linear progress stalls on one end. If you’re earlier than that and want a simple beginner template, our GZCLP program is a good starting point.

(more…)

AlphaDestiny Novice-Intermediate Hybrid Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Alex Bromley SIMPLEST Beginner Program Spreadsheet

The SIMPLEST Beginner Program is a free, no-nonsense starting routine from Alex Bromley (Empire Barbell). It is a linear progression built on the big barbell lifts (squat, bench, deadlift, press, and the barbell row) plus a little direct arm work. You get stronger by adding a small amount of weight nearly every session, which is exactly what works best when you are new.

What makes it simple is the structure: just two progressions to learn and three easy stages to grow through. It keeps you focused on the lifts that actually drive progress instead of drowning you in options.

If you have already run a beginner program and stalled, you may be ready to graduate. Compare it with Starting Strength, StrongLifts 5×5, and GreySkull LP to see which fits you best.

(more…)

Alex Bromley SIMPLEST Beginner Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


8 Week Beginner Strongman Program Spreadsheet (Cerberus)

Strongman is one of the most fun ways to get strong, but most beginner plans either skip the events or assume you already own a full strongman gym. This one does neither. It’s a free 8 week beginner strongman program from Cerberus Strength, the brand built around 10x World’s Strongest Man competitor Laurence “Big Loz” Shahlaei.

You train 3 days a week. Two gym days build your press, pull, and squat, and the third day is events, where you pick a couple of strongman movements and learn to handle them. The main lifts run on percentages of your one-rep max, so the weight climbs in a planned way across the 8 weeks.

We turned the free PDF into an interactive spreadsheet. Enter your maxes once and every working weight for all 8 weeks fills in for you, so you can skip the math and just lift.

(more…)

8 Week Beginner Strongman Program Spreadsheet (Cerberus)

Program Type: 8 Week Programs, Programs, Strongman Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Dan John 10,000 Swing Kettlebell Workout Spreadsheet

The 10,000 Swing Kettlebell Workout is Dan John’s famous 4-5 week challenge. You do 10,000 kettlebell swings split across 20 workouts, which works out to 500 swings a session. It’s brutally simple, and it’s one of the best ways to lean out and build work capacity without losing strength.

Each workout is 500 two-hand swings done as 5 rounds of 10, 15, 25, and 50 reps. Between the swing sets you do one strength exercise on a short rep ladder, so you build a little pressing or pulling strength while you grind out the swings.

We built a tracker that does the counting for you. Log each workout and the sheet keeps your running total, so you always know how many swings you have left to hit 10,000.

(more…)

Dan John 10,000 Swing Kettlebell Workout Spreadsheet

Program Type: 5 Week Programs, Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Simple & Sinister Kettlebell Program Spreadsheet (Pavel)

Simple & Sinister is Pavel Tsatsouline’s minimalist kettlebell program, and it might be the most popular kettlebell routine ever written. Two movements, about 15 to 20 minutes, done most days of the week. It builds real strength, a bulletproof back, and serious work capacity.

The session never changes: 100 one-arm swings and 10 Turkish get-ups, both done by the clock. You run it as an ongoing practice and chase two goals, called Simple and then Sinister, by slowly moving up in kettlebell size.

We built a session log plus a standards table so you can track your weights and your times and see exactly when you’ve earned the next bell.

(more…)

Simple & Sinister Kettlebell Program Spreadsheet (Pavel)

Program Type: Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Vince Gironda 10-8-6-15 Workout Spreadsheet

Vince Gironda built some of the best physiques of the golden era, and the 10-8-6-15 system is one of his classic muscle-and-definition methods. Every exercise runs the same four-set wave: a lighter primer, two heavier sets, then a high-rep burnout.

The scheme is named after the reps. Set 1 is 10 reps at 50% of your 6-rep max, Set 2 is 8 reps at 75%, Set 3 is 6 reps at your full 6RM, and Set 4 is 15 reps at 35%. Slow, strict tempo and short rest do the rest.

We built a calculator so you enter your 6-rep max for each exercise once and all four working sets fill in for you.

(more…)

Vince Gironda 10-8-6-15 Workout Spreadsheet

Program Type: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Wil Fleming 4-Week Stronger Than Ever Weightlifting Program Spreadsheet

The 4-Week Stronger Than Ever program is a short Olympic weightlifting cycle from coach Wil Fleming. It runs four days a week and works through the snatch, the clean and jerk, and heavy squatting, with the weights climbing and the reps dropping as you move through the month.

It fits lifters who already know the classic lifts and want a focused block to push their numbers up. Week 4 is the payoff, where you work to heavy doubles on the lifts and a back squat rep max.

We rebuilt Fleming’s program as a clean Lift Vault spreadsheet. Enter your maxes once and every working weight for all four weeks fills in for you, so you can just train and log what you hit.

(more…)

Wil Fleming 4-Week Stronger Than Ever Weightlifting Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: 4 Week Programs, Olympic Weightlifting Programs, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Mike Burgener 23-Day Bulgarian Weightlifting Program Spreadsheet

The 23-Day Bulgarian Program is a short, high-frequency Olympic weightlifting cycle from coach Mike Burgener (Coach B). You train five days a week and hit the snatch and the clean and jerk almost every day, with front and back squats rotating in. It runs about five weeks and 23 sessions in total.

It’s built for advanced lifters who are comfortable training the classic lifts often. The volume on the snatch and clean and jerk is heavy and constant, so it isn’t where you learn the lifts. If you want a longer build first, Burgener’s 12-week cycle is the slower option.

We rebuilt Coach B’s program as a clean Lift Vault spreadsheet. Enter your maxes once and every working weight for all 23 days fills in for you, so you can just train and log what you hit.

(more…)

Mike Burgener 23-Day Bulgarian Weightlifting Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: 5 Week Programs, Olympic Weightlifting Programs, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Dan John Minimalist Training Program Spreadsheet

Dan John’s Minimalist Training is a 2-day-per-week, full-body strength template. You train both days as full sessions and rest the other five or so days. There’s no fixed length to the program, and it’s built to run during busy stretches when you can’t give the gym much time.

It’s a good fit for busy lifters who still want real strength work. Two sessions a week covers the deadlift, squat, and press, plus enough accessory work to keep things balanced.

We built Dan John’s program into a clean Lift Vault spreadsheet. Enter your 10-rep max for each accessory once and the sheet works out every set load for you, so you just train and log what you hit.

(more…)

Dan John Minimalist Training Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Mike Burgener 12-Week Olympic Weightlifting Program Spreadsheet

The Mike Burgener 12-Week Olympic Weightlifting Program is a longer build from coach Mike Burgener, known to most lifters as Coach B. It runs four days a week for three months and works through the snatch, the clean and jerk, and heavy squatting, with the intensity climbing and the volume dropping as the weeks go on.

It fits lifters who want a full three-month run rather than a quick peak. If you want something shorter, Coach B’s 23-day Bulgarian cycle is the faster option, but this one gives you the time to sharpen the lifts week by week. Week 12 day 4 is the payoff, where you work up to heavy singles at 85, 90, then 95 percent, or you go compete.

We rebuilt the program as a clean Lift Vault spreadsheet. Enter your maxes once and every working weight for all 12 weeks fills in for you, so you can just train and log what you hit.

(more…)

Mike Burgener 12-Week Olympic Weightlifting Program Spreadsheet

Program Type: 12 Week Programs, Olympic Weightlifting Programs, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 30, 2026


Coolcicada 6 Day PPL Spreadsheet

The CoolCicada PPL is a free 6-day Push/Pull/Legs program that started as a post on the BodyBuilding.com forums. You train each movement pattern twice a week: push days hit chest, shoulders, and triceps; pull days hit back and biceps (with an optional deadlift); leg days cover quads, hamstrings, and calves. Main compound lifts run at 3-5 sets of 5 reps, and accessory work fills in at 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps. There are two spreadsheet versions below: one with deadlifts on pull day, and one without.

The program runs on simple linear progression. Add weight every session when you hit the prescribed reps. There’s no AMRAP, no RPE, no percentage-based loading. You just show up, hit your sets, and add a small plate next time. High frequency is the other piece of it: by running push, pull, and legs twice per week, you’re getting each muscle group in the gym every 3-4 days instead of once.

It’s a good fit for intermediate lifters who can get to the gym 6 days a week and want to build both size and strength at the same time. If you’re newer to lifting, I’d start with a 3-day linear program first, like Starting Strength or StrongLifts 5×5, before jumping into 6-day training. If you can only train 3-4 days, you’ll get more out of something like the PPL collection that has 3-4 day variants. For more PPL options, check out Lift Vault’s collection of PPL programs.

(more…)

Coolcicada 6 Day PPL Spreadsheet

Program Type: Bodybuilding Program, Powerbuilding Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 29, 2026


Lyle McDonald Generic Bulking Routine Spreadsheet

Lyle McDonald’s Generic Bulking Routine (GBR) is a 4-day upper/lower split built for intermediate lifters who want to gain size. You train Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Each 6-8 week cycle ends with a 2-week deload, and Lyle targeted a weight gain of about 0.5 to 1 pound per week while running it. There are four spreadsheet variants below, from pure hypertrophy to strength focus.

The GBR originated on Lyle’s bodyrecomposition.com forum around 2008-2009. The core idea is moderate-volume compound and isolation work with built-in flexibility on set counts. You decide during each set whether to do the lower or upper end of the prescribed range based on how you feel. Lyle described this as intentional, not a gap in the program. The jcdfitness.com FAQ PDF is the best single reference for the full program details.

This program is for intermediate lifters who have moved past their beginner gains and want a structured split to build mass. You need to eat in a caloric surplus and be comfortable self-regulating volume. If you’re still new to lifting, a more prescriptive program like Starting Strength or the Ripped Body Intermediate Bodybuilding Program will serve you better before you tackle the GBR.

(more…)

Program Type: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 29, 2026


Smolov Program and Smolov Jr Bench and Squat Program Spreadsheets

Smolov is a Russian squat specialization and peaking cycle created by Sergey Smolov, a Soviet-era weightlifting coach. The full program runs 13 weeks and is built around four phases: a 2-week Introductory Microcycle, a 4-week Base Mesocycle (4 days per week of squatting), a 2-week Switching phase, and a 5-week Intense Mesocycle that ends with a 1RM test. There’s also a separate 3-week version called Smolov Jr that you can run for squat or bench press.

The idea behind Smolov is extreme squat frequency and volume at high percentages. The Base Mesocycle alone has you squatting 4 days per week with loads between 70% and 85% of your 1RM. Your body adapts to a level of squat volume most programs don’t approach. You need to eat, sleep, and recover around the program, not alongside it.

Smolov is for intermediate to advanced lifters with a solid squat base and a specific reason to peak, like a meet or a record attempt. If you’re a beginner, running a caloric deficit, or short on recovery time, skip it. For a less aggressive squat-focused peaking option, check out the Russian Squat Routine or the Hatch Squat Program.

(more…)

Smolov and Smolov Jr Bench and Squat Programs

Program Type: 13 Week Programs, 3 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 28, 2026


PHUL Workout Routine Tips + Program Spreadsheet (Updated 2023)

PHUL stands for Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower. It’s a 4-day program that splits training into two upper body days and two lower body days. Two of those days are power-focused (3-5 reps, heavy compounds) and two are hypertrophy-focused (8-15 reps, higher volume with isolation work). There’s no fixed end date; you run it until progress stalls. PHUL was created by Brandon Campbell, a YouTube fitness coach who published the original program write-up at Muscle & Strength.

The idea behind PHUL is that you can train for strength and size at the same time if you structure your week correctly. Power days anchor the week with low-rep compound work, then the hypertrophy days pile on volume and isolation exercises for muscle growth. It’s a powerbuilding approach, similar in concept to PHAT, but PHAT is a 5-day split and programs roughly 90% more weekly volume. PHUL keeps it at 4 days.

PHUL is best for intermediate lifters who have 6+ months of consistent training and want to develop both strength and size simultaneously. If you’re newer to lifting, you’d get more out of a simpler linear progression program like Starting Strength first. The 4-day schedule is also manageable for most people, though the hypertrophy days include supersets and a decent amount of accessory work, so expect sessions to run 60-75 minutes.

(more…)

Program Type: Bodybuilding Program, Powerbuilding Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 27, 2026


Strong Curves Spreadsheets + PDF: Beginner and Advanced Workouts

Strong Curves is a system of separate 12-week programs created by Bret Contreras and Kellie Davis. You pick the program that matches your experience and equipment, run it for the full 12 weeks, then move up to the next one when you’re ready. Each program opens sessions with hip thrusts and glute bridges as the primary work, then moves into legs, upper body, and core. Bootyful Beginnings, the beginner program, runs 3 days per week.

The training idea is glute-focused hypertrophy with progressive overload. You start with bodyweight and band work, then add barbells as you get more experienced. Rep ranges shift each program so the weight goes up and the reps come down as you progress. It’s not a powerlifting program and it won’t build your squat and deadlift the way a strength-focused template would.

Strong Curves is a good fit for women and anyone focused on glute development at the novice to intermediate level. If you want a program built around the big-four lifts with linear progression, you’d get more out of something like Starting Strength first. Come back to Strong Curves when glute and lower body hypertrophy is the goal.

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Strong Curves Program

Program Type: 12 Week Programs, Programs, Strength Training Program
Experience level:
Days per Week:
Weeks:
Squat Frequency: ; Bench Frequency: ; Deadlift Frequency ; OHP Frequency
Periodization:
Progression Rate:
Useful for Powerlifting Meet Prep:
Focus lift:
Creator:
Last Modified: June 26, 2026


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