Workout Summary
- Main GoalIncrease Strength
- Workout TypeSplit
- Training LevelBeginner
- Program Duration8 weeks
- Days Per Week4
- Time Per Workout60 minutes
- Equipment RequiredBarbell, Cables, Dumbbells, Machines
- Target Gender Male & Female
- Recommended Supps
- Workout PDF Download Workout
Workout Description
There are many people who follow a bodybuilding style of training that also have other aspirations. One of those is getting stronger like those in the powerlifting community. They want to add on those plates and lift those heavier weights, but they still want to have that impressive physique to go along with it.
Well, that is certainly possible and this eight-week program can be the start of that journey if you’re interested. If you’re reading this, then my guess you would be.
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The New Big 3
In powerlifting, lifters focus on the squat, flat bench press, and the deadlift. For this program, we’re going to focus on three different versions of those exercises while working on the same goal – getting stronger.
Instead of the back squat, this program will focus on the front squat. This exercise places more direct emphasis on the quadriceps which is what will help you develop those larger legs. If for some reason, you simply can’t do the front squat, then do traditional squats with a pause at the bottom.
We will also trade the flat bench press for the incline version. The incline angle works more of the upper chest and front delts, which is what will make that upper body look bigger and more powerful because it will be.
Finally, instead of the deadlift, we need something for that upper back. So the choice here is Pendlay rows. Doing bent-over rows off of the floor will not only help you get stronger but fill out that top half of your back nicely. For those of you who really like deadlifts, stand by. You’ll get them in this program too.
When to Use Lifting Accessories
Let’s address this before moving on with the training. If you need sleeves, wrist wraps, a belt, and straps for this program, go for it. You’re likely not training for a serious meet on this program and the risk of injury isn’t worth going without them if you feel they help you. Just save them for your biggest lifts of the session. You shouldn’t need straps while warming up.
Related: 6 Common Warm Up Mistakes You're Still Making
Determine Your Starting Point
So you have to know where you’re starting at in order to set a challenging, yet realistic goal. So for three days this week, you’re going to max out on the new big three. One lift a day. After warming up, get a spotter and partner and start working your way up to a top weight.
Use proper form on each exercise. That means going down to parallel on the front squat, pausing on the chest for the incline bench, and successfully rowing the bar on the Pendlay row without having to stand up.
The last successful attempt you complete is the number you go with on the next step. Don’t rationalize why you missed one and count it anyway or go down five pounds and call it a day. The more accurate your number is, the more likely you will be to improve.
Keep those numbers handy because they will be the foundation of this program. Every major set you do on those exercises will be a percentage of that max. You may know this as periodization. We will gradually adjust the weights you use on a weekly basis with the end goal being at the end of Week 8, you will make those first numbers look light.
Weekly Training Schedule and Percentages
The workout will focus on four days of training. Day 1 will focus around the front squat, Day 3 will be for the incline, and Day 5 will be for the Pendlay row. Yes, you take the days in between off. Day 6 is for abs and calves. This is about the physique looking better and those are important for those reasons. So Day 2, 4, and 7 are complete rest days. The recovery is as important as the training so make those workouts count so you don’t get tempted to do “a little extra”.
Weekly Schedule
- Monday: Front Squat
- Tuesday: Rest
- Wednesday: Incline Bench
- Thursday: Rest
- Friday: Pendlay Row
- Saturday: Abs & Calves
- Sunday: Rest
The percentages for all three lifts will be the same. So when you see “Week 1” and you see that formula next to the lifts, refer to this portion to know what you’re doing. When you see a number like “70%”, that means you will be using 70 percent of your current max.
So let’s say you front squatted 200 pounds. You would take 200 pounds and multiply that by 70 percent or .7. That answer is 140 so you would use 140 pounds for those sets. Got it?
Weekly Percentages
- Week 1 – 3 sets of 4 with 70% of your max
- Week 2 – 3 sets of 3 with 80% of your max
- Week 3 – 3 sets of 2 with 85% of your max
- Week 4 – 3 sets of 1 with 90% of your max
- Week 5 – 3 sets of 4 with 75% of your max
- Week 6 – 3 sets of 3 with 85% of your max
- Week 7 – 3 sets of 2 with 90% of your max
- Week 8 – New Max Week
There will be different exercises that serve as accessories for the main lifts of the day. You don’t need to max out on these, but your goal should be to get stronger on those as well. So track what weights you use and try to improve by either five pounds or 1 rep when possible.
Front Squat (Or Pause Squat) Day
Perform 5-10 minutes of warming up and stretching before each workout. Do whatever it takes for you to feel like you can go after the main lift with maximum focus and ability. After that, get to the squat rack.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest Between Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Squat (Warm-up) | 3 | 4 (light weight) | 2 minutes |
| Front Squat Work Sets | 3 | Refer to Chart | 3 minutes |
| Deadlift | 3 | 5 | 2 minutes |
| Hack Squat or Leg Press | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Single Lying Leg Curl | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Reverse Hyper | 3 | 10 | 2 minutes |
Incline Bench Press Day
Pay extra attention to your shoulders and rotator cuffs when preparing for this session. The shoulders will be heavily involved throughout this entire program so the more effort you give in preparing that area, the better off you will be.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest Between Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incline Bench Press (Warm-up) | 3 | 4 (light weight) | 2 minutes |
| Incline Bench Press Work Sets | 3 | Refer to Chart | 3 minutes |
| Flat Dumbbell Press | 3 | 5 | 2 minutes |
| Lateral Raise | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Overhead Dumbbell Extension | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Triceps Rope Pressdown | 3 | 10 | 2 minutes |
Pendlay Row Day
Include reverse hypers or a low back exercise in your warm-up period on this day. Also, stretch out the lats before starting this workout. Don’t forget about your elbows. Some light machine curls could be of help here.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest Between Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pendlay Row (Warm-up) | 3 | 4 (light weight) | 2 minutes |
| Pendlay Row Work Sets | 3 | Refer to Chart | 3 minutes |
| Dumbbell Pullover | 3 | 5 | 2 minutes |
| Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Rear Delt Flyes with Pause | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Dumbbell Preacher Curl | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Standing Cable Curl | 3 | 10 | 2 minutes |
| Smith Machine Shrugs | 3 | 10 | 2 minutes |
Abs and Calves Day
Remember, all you’re doing is abs, calves, and cardio if you prefer. Keep this day simple and get out of the gym so you can eat and recover.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps | Rest Between Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging Leg Raise | 2 | 10 | 2 minutes |
| Weighted Crunch | 3 | 10 | 2 minutes |
| Oblique Crunch | 3 | 10 per side | 2 minutes |
| Seated Calf Raise | 3 | 8 | 2 minutes |
| Calf Press | 3 | 10 | 2 minutes |
The Final Week
The 8th week is your max out week. When you attempt your new maxes, that is all you do in the gym that day. Once you set your new PR (because I’m confident you will), you’re done. Save that energy for the other two lifts so you can be at your best when you go for new highs on those lifts too. Don’t forget to take photos to see how your physique looks while on this program. You should notice a little extra size to go with that strength.
22 Comments
When it says “refer to chart” where is the chart
Weekly Percentages
Week 1 – 3 sets of 4 with 70% of your max
Week 2 – 3 sets of 3 with 80% of your max
Week 3 – 3 sets of 2 with 85% of your max
Week 4 – 3 sets of 1 with 90% of your max
Week 5 – 3 sets of 4 with 75% of your max
Week 6 – 3 sets of 3 with 85% of your max
Week 7 – 3 sets of 2 with 90% of your max
Week 8 – New Max Week
Hey Roger, quick question. Can i throw some MMA training in between this training on my rest days which is also 3 days a week? If not, what program would you recommend to still help me develop more power and strength while not getting burned out from both?
I would say two days a week would be ok, David, but you definitely that one full day for recovery. If two days isn't enough for you, then you may need a different program, and we have plenty here.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-choose-your-next-train...
Hello Vic, just finished one year workout on this program now i do not see any improvement can you please suggest something else that can pop up my muscle.
i'm lean i train 4 days a week thank in advance for your advises.
Hi. Give this a read, and I think you can find your next training program here.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/how-to-choose-your-next-train...
I’m about to start this program and I would like to ask if the laying leg curl and seated leg curl will have the same effect?
There is a small difference. The seated leg curl can be more effective at isolating the hamstring because the hips are bent. The lying leg curl is still great, but the glutes can help more. At the end of the day, it's about preference and availability. If you can only do one, you'll be fine.
Hi, can you confirm the max weight you find at the first session is a 1 rep weight? Ie the most you can lift on 1 rep?
The last successful weight you complete is the weight you work with. It should be a weight you can lift for one rep.
Two questions one what does it mean refer to chart on the workout and two can I do incline dumbbell press inside of bench because my shoulders bother me more on bench
It means refer to the weekly percentages based on the week you're at on the program. For example, if you're in the first week, perform the sets and reps next to Week 1.
Hello , i'm in my third week for this program and i just added the creatine as a supp to my whey protein that i use to take for one year, but i feel some palpitations especially on the rest day and it makes me scared because i never had this before, FYI i only take the recommended dose (one scope) so actually i stopped taking it can anyone help with this ?
Our suggestion would be to speak to a doctor, Raba. No advice from a fitness site would be better than a doctor who can help you directly in person.
Another question I have is it ok to train chest only once a week? I read a lot that you need to train muscle group twice a week for maximum growth. Chest is also a weak point for me.
If your chest is the weakest/least developed part of your body, then one option is to train it twice a week to help bring it up. So, if you were to train chest a second time, pair it with another day in the week. Just make sure you have 3 days in between the workouts so you can recover. Also, don't do this with any other bodypart while you're doing it with chest. Once the chest comes up like you want it to, then apply that principle to another muscle group.
can i replace dumbbell bench press for barbell bench press?
You can, Josh, but why? Not heavy enough dumbbells?
Yeah, that would be a good reason why. Go for it with the barbells.
Yes the dumbbells at my gym are simply too light I can do 3 sets of 12 but I can’t progressively overload on the dumbbells
Hey Roger thanks for the program I've been doing it for a week but my gym doesn't have machines for single leg curl and reverse hypers. I can do sitting double leg curl but no reverse hypers. Are there any alternatives for reverse hypers?
What's good, Josh? Glad you like the program. Double leg curl is fine, and if your gym has a low back extension station or machine, use that instead. If not, then go with rack pulls with the bar at or below the knee.