

By: MuscleSports.net
Under 24 months of training - YES you are still a beginning powerlifter!
Here’s a great 12-week workout program designed for a beginner powerlifter. The program focuses on building strength in the three main powerlifting movements: squat, bench press, and deadlift, while also incorporating accessory work to address weaknesses and improve overall performance.
The program assumes you have basic knowledge of proper form and technique for 3 power lifts (bench, squat, and deadlift) and a few more.
- Frequency: 3-4 days per week.
- Progression: Linear progression (adding weight weekly).
- Focus: Building strength, improving technique, and developing work capacity.
- Accessory Work: Targets muscle groups that support the main lifts.
- Day 1: Squat Focus + Accessories
- Day 2: Bench Press Focus + Accessories
- Day 3: Deadlift Focus + Accessories
- Day 4 (Optional): Active Recovery/Weakness Training
Goal: Maximize strength and prepare for testing your 1-rep max (1RM) at the end of the program.
- 1. Back Squat: 6 sets of 2 reps @ 80-85% of 1RM
- 2. Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 5 reps
- 3. Leg Press: 3 sets of 6 reps
- 4. Plank: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds
- 5. Calf Raises: 3 sets of 15 reps
- 1. Bench Press: 6 sets of 2 reps @ 80-85% of 1RM
- 2. Overhead Press: 3 sets of 5 reps
- 3. Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 6 reps (each arm)
- 4. Tricep Dips: 3 sets of 6-8 reps
- 5. Face Pulls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- 1. Deadlift: 6 sets of 1 rep @ 80-85% of 1RM
- 2. Front Squat: 3 sets of 4 reps
- 3. Lat Pulldown: 3 sets of 6 reps
- 4. Hyperextensions: 3 sets of 8 reps
- 5. Hanging Leg Raises: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
Light cardio or mobility work.
Address weak points (e.g., core, grip, mobility drills).
- Add 2.5-5 lbs (1-2.5 kg) to your lifts each week.
- Focus on perfect form and controlled movements.
- Record your lifts to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
- After Week 12, take a deload week to recover:
- Reduce intensity to 50-60% of your 1RM.
- Perform 2-3 sets of 5-8 reps for each lift.
- Focus on mobility and recovery.
- At the end of Week 12, you can test your 1-rep max for each lift:
- 1. Warm up thoroughly.
- 2. Gradually increase weight until you reach your max.
- 3. Rest 3-5 minutes between attempts.
- 1. Protein Intake: Aim for 0.8-1g of protein per pound of body weight daily.
- 2. Caloric Surplus: Consume 250-500 calories above maintenance to support muscle growth.
- 3. Sleep: Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- 4. Supplements: Consider multivitamin, whey protein, creatine, and EFAs to support recovery and performance.
- Day 1: Squat Focus
- Day 2: Rest
- Day 3: Bench Press Focus
- Day 4: Deadlift Focus
- Day 5: Rest
- Day 6: Auxiliary Work/Weakness Training
- Day 7: Rest
Conclusion: This program is designed to help you build a solid foundation in powerlifting while minimizing the risk of injury. Adjust weights and volume based on your individual recovery and progress. Good luck!
Tags: strength life strength programs bench press deadlift squats conditioning core
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