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Home » 1 Day Squat Programs » Page 3

Squat 1 Day per Week - Powerlifting & Strength Programs

These are squat programs that call for the athlete to squat 1 day per week.

To search through all programs based on lots of different criteria, check out the Lift Vault Program Library.

Shortcut to SIZE Reviews

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 23, 2020

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, Mass

Uses RPE: 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

Shortcut to Size is a 4 day body part split program by Jim Stoppani (who also created Shortcut to Shred). It is best suited for athletes with aesthetic or hypertrophy goals. It is a 12 week bodybuilding program broken down into three 4 week phases. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Bodybuilding Program, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

Thinner Leaner Stronger Workout Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: Indefinite

Periodization: Block Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Fat loss, Hypertrophy


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…]

Filed Under: Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 2
Overhead press frequency: 1

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

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

Periodization: Block Periodization, Wave Periodization

Meet prep program: No

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

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…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Fierce 5 Workout Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 27, 2021

Experience level: Beginner

Weeks: 7

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy


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 Fierce 5 workout is a great beginner bodybuilding program. It is a 2x weekly program that incorporates compound lifts and accessory movements to stimulate strength improvements and muscle growth.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 7 Week Programs, Bodybuilding Program, Programs

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

Brian Alsruhe Conjugate Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

Periodization: Conjugate Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Powerlifting, Strength, Strongman

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

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…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2
Bench press frequency: 1, 2
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2

16 Week Strongman Wave Program Spreadsheet

1 Comment By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

Periodization: Linear Periodization, Wave Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Strength, Strongman

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

Known simply as “wave program” via Strongman Ontario. It is a 16 week program, run 4 days per week.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Programs, Strongman Programs
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1

JV Askem Strongman Periodized Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 8

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Peaking, Powerlifting, Strength, Strongman

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 is a periodized program based on JV Askem’s article below. It aims for a 3% increase in strength over 8 weeks. Be sure to read the article below to help understand it better. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 8 Week Bench Press Programs, 8 Week Programs, 8 Week Squat Programs, Strongman Programs
Tagged With: 8 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Strength Power and Fortitude 4 Week Powerbuilding Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 21, 2021

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, 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

The Strength Power and Fortitude (SPF) 4 week powerbuilding program by Brogan Pratt is an off season program for powerlifters designed to help build base strength and work capacity. It can be run as a 3 day or 4 day program and resets every 4 weeks, using an AMRAP set on week 4 to gauge progress.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 4 Week Programs, Powerbuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan, 4 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1, 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1, 2

Brian Alsruhe 9 Week Powerbuilding Program (5/3/1 Variant)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 9

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Hypertrophy, 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

Check out the spreadsheet for Brian Alsruhe’s 5/3/1 variant program, which is excellent for those looking for a powerbuilding training style.

Please watch Brian’s video to understand how the program works. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 9 Week Programs, Powerbuilding Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Brian Alsruhe Programs (Dark Horse + 4 Horsemen)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated November 18, 2021

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 9

Periodization: Conjugate Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Off Season, Powerlifting, 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

Below you fill find two programs by Brian Alsruhe (check out his YouTube channel and website): Dark Horse and 4 Horsemen.

Dark Horse Program Overview

Notes directly from Brian:

  • Fill in your competition lifts and 1RMs in the spreadsheet
  • In each wave, for each of the first 4 days, set your conditioning workout
  • Pick a variation for each ME Wave
  • In each wave, for each of the first 4 days, set your antagonistic, core, and conditioning giant set exercise

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 4 Day Split, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

MEGAZORD Hybrid Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: Powerlifting, 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

If you’re a fan of Frankenstein-esque hybrid programs, then Megazord may be exactly what you’re looking for. Written (or maybe concocted is a better word…) by /u/BenchPauper on Reddit, this program combines the Coan/Phillipi Deadlift Program, Greg Nuckols’s 2x weekly Intermediate Bench Program for OHP from his 28 Program Collection, and Ben Gillingham’s Raw Bench Program.

The results? Well, see for yourself…. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

5 Blaine Sumner Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Linear Periodization

Meet prep program: Yes

Program goal: Equipped, High Volume, Off Season, 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 is the free program spreadsheet collection offered on Blaine Sumner’s site.

It contains:

  • linear progression program
  • high frequency program
  • off-season program
  • equipped lifting program
  • bench-only program

All of the above programs are 12 weeks in length and are programmed off of percentages of the lifter’s training max. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Bench Press Programs, 12 Week Programs, Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 12 Week Workout Plan, 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 4
Bench press frequency: 2
Deadlift frequency: 1
Overhead press frequency: 1

Weightrainer Peaking Programs #1 and #2 Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 1, 2019

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 11, 12

Periodization: Linear 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

Weightrainer.net published these two peaking programs: one designed especially for the bench press (#1) and another program (#2) for squat, bench, or deadlift.

The two programs are pretty similar, but here are some key differences: [Read more…]

Filed Under: 11 Week Programs, 12 Week Bench Press Programs, 12 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program

Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

Tom McCullough 14 Week Peaking Powerlifting Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 1, 2019

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 14

Periodization: Block 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

Edit: Updated to support lb or kg rounding.

This 14 week peaking powerlifting program is similar to many other old school peaking programs on Lift Vault: 1x weekly session per lift, descending reps, increase intensity and a 5-10% 1 rep max increase at the end of the cycle. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 14 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program

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

Classic 9 and 12 Week Powerlifting Peaking Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 1, 2019

Weeks: 12, 9

Periodization: Linear 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

As old as time itself, these peaking programs can be run for squat, bench, and deadlift when preparing for a powerlifting meet. Both seek to improve your 1 rep max by 5% after the end of the cycle.

The differences between the 9 week and 12 week peaking cycles can be seen below: [Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, 9 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program

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

Ed Coan Program: 12 and 14 Week Peaking Program Spreadsheets

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 29, 2026

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12, 14

Periodization: Linear 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

Ed Coan, arguably the GOAT of powerlifting, has a few popular programs floating around, including the Coan Phillipi Deadlift Routine. Here are two popular powerlifting programs in 12 and 14 week versions. Rep schemes for each program are included below the spreadsheets. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 10 Week Programs, 14 Week Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program
Tagged With: 10 Week Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

Gene Bell Jr.’s 12 Week Squat Peaking Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 2, 2019

Experience level: Advanced, Intermediate

Weeks: 12

Periodization: Undulating 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

Used by Gene Bell Jr. to prepare for a powerlifting meet, this program consists of one weekly squat workout over the course of 12 weeks to increase the 1 rep max by over 6%.

Format:

  • Squat 1x weekly
  • 12 weeks in length
  • Most work is done in 60-80% range, with final 4 weeks starting at 92.5% and working up

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 12 Week Programs, 12 Week Squat Programs, Lift Specific Program, Peaking Program, Programs, Squat Program

Squat frequency: 1


Brad Gillingham 16 Week Squat + Deadlift Program

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 3, 2019

Experience level: Intermediate

Weeks: 16

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

Similar to his 12 week bench program, the 16 week squat and deadlift program has the athlete using a no-frills approach.

Each lift is trained 1x weekly, leaving plenty of room for complementary assistance exercises based upon the individual weaknesses of the lifter. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 16 Week Deadlift Programs, 16 Week Programs, 16 Week Squat Programs, Lift Specific Program, Programs

Squat frequency: 1

Deadlift frequency: 1

Greg Nuckols 28 Programs Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 29, 2026

Recommended by Lift Vault: Recommended

Experience level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weeks: 4

Periodization: Undulating Periodization

Meet prep program: No

Program goal: High Volume, 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

Greg Nuckols released 28 free training programs through his site, Stronger by Science. The bundle covers squat, bench press, and deadlift individually, with templates for beginner, intermediate, and advanced lifters at 1, 2, or 3 training days per week for each lift. Every program runs on a 4-week cycle, and you test your 1RM at the end of each cycle. The math: 3 lifts x 3 skill levels x 3 frequencies = 27 programs, plus a 4th deadlift variation (low volume, medium volume, and high volume in addition to the standard beginner version) = 28 total.

The design comes from Nuckols’ data-driven approach to strength training. Instead of a single fixed program, the bundle gives you a modular system: pick your lift, your experience level, and how many days per week you can train that lift. You use the squat, bench, and deadlift programs together, each running at whatever frequency fits your schedule. Intermediate and advanced templates add lift variations (front squats alongside back squats, for example), while beginner programs focus on the competition lifts to build the movement pattern first.

These programs are a good fit for intermediate and advanced lifters who want a percentage-based, structured template they can customize by frequency. Beginners can run them too — the 1x per week beginner versions are the most approachable entry point. You’ll need a 1RM estimate for each lift to get started. If you’re brand new to powerlifting, you might get more mileage from a full-body novice program first. See also: Greg Nuckols High Frequency Program (free spreadsheet).

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 4 Week Bench Press Programs, 4 Week Deadlift Programs, 4 Week Programs, 4 Week Squat Programs, Bench Press Workout Program, Deadlift Program, Lift Specific Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Squat Program
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan, 4 Day Workout Plan, 4 Week Workout Plan, 5 Day Workout Plan, 6 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1, 2, 3
Bench press frequency: 1, 2, 3
Deadlift frequency: 1, 2, 3

Brandon Lilly’s Cube Method Program Spreadsheet

By Kyle Risley
Last updated April 18, 2020

Weeks: 10

Periodization: Wave 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

Brandon Lilly, one of the greatest powerlifters (raw and geared) still competing, published the Cube Method “out of my absolute frustration with my training, myself, and the sport of powerlifting.”

The Cube Method utilizes a “back to basics” architecture that programs periods of heavy, explosive, rep-based, and body work on the big three lifts to form each cycle.

Here is an excerpt from the book that outlines the basic philosophy of the program (NOTE: these should say “Wave 1,” “Wave 2,” etc.): [Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerlifting Program, Programs
Tagged With: 3 Day Workout Plan
Squat frequency: 1
Bench press frequency: 1
Deadlift frequency: 1

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