OK, before I start, this is a powerlifting program, not a bodybuilding program. Of all the programs I've tried, this boosted my strength the most. I did this in preparation for when I used to compete in powerlifting contests. It is a 14-week cycle. Yeah, yeah, I know, "just shut up and tell me the program." Alright, here it is: First, you need to figure out what you ultimately want for your one rep maximum (ORM) for bench press, squat and deadlift. Write all three lifts down on a sheet of paper.
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$6.99/month- 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
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What comes with BodyFit?
- Instructional Videos
Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.
- How-to Images
View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.
- Step-by-Step Instructions
Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.
BodyFit
$6.99/month- 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
- 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
- Detailed workout instruction
- Step-by-step workout tips
- Training at gym or at home
- Access to Workout Plans
- Access to Bodyfit App
- Store Discounts
Already have a Bodybuilding.com account with BodyFit? Sign In
What comes with BodyFit?
- Instructional Videos
Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.
- How-to Images
View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.
- Step-by-Step Instructions
Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.
BodyFit
$6.99/month- 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
- 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
- Detailed workout instruction
- Step-by-step workout tips
- Training at gym or at home
- Access to Workout Plans
- Access to Bodyfit App
- Store Discounts
Already have a Bodybuilding.com account with BodyFit? Sign In
What comes with BodyFit?
- Instructional Videos
Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.
- How-to Images
View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.
- Step-by-Step Instructions
Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.
Now, you've just completed the first half of the 14-week cycle. You're ready for the second half. The only difference is the percentages on your three major lifts, all other exercises, sets and reps all remain the same.
second half percentages:
- Week 1: 70% of ORM for 3 sets of 8 reps
- Week 2: 75% of ORM for 3 sets of 6 reps
- Week 3: 80% of ORM for 3 sets of 5 reps
- Week 4: 85% of ORM for 3 sets of 4 reps
- Week 5: 90% of ORM for 3 sets of 3 reps
- Week 6: 95% of ORM for 2 sets of 2 reps
- Week 7: 100% of ORM for 1 set of 1 rep
The days in which you train:
- Sunday is squat day.
- Tuesday is Bench #1 (heavy) day.
- Thursday is Deadlift day.
- Friday is Bench #2 (light) day.
The cycle starts over on Sunday.
Before starting the whole 14-week training cycle, you will need to take about 3-to-4 weeks in which you condition your muscles. To do this, train on the days which I have specified, and only do four exercises from each workout. The major lifts must be included in the four selected exercises.
What you select is up to you, however I recommend doing exercises that work as many muscles as possible. For example, on a bench day, you would not want to just do all chest work, choose exercises that will work the chest, shoulders and triceps.
Once you have started the 14-week cycle, you need to pyramid up in weight with every exercise except your major lifts once you reach the specified percentage. The first couple of weeks will feel like you can do more weight on your major lifts. This is natural, but do not increase the percentage for a given week even if you can go heavier.
As far as rest goes, rest about 5-8 minutes for your major lifts. Any other assistance work, you can rest however long you want. These are really long workouts, but remember, the workouts are powerlifting specific.
Powerlifting implies the avoidance cardio, and eating whatever you want.