12 Week Beginning Powerlifting Program

Complete 12 week program for the beginning powerlifter!

12 Week Beginning Powerlifting Program
Author Writter Image 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.

Program Overview

  • 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.

Weekly Structure

  • Day 1: Squat Focus + Accessories
  • Day 2: Bench Press Focus + Accessories
  • Day 3: Deadlift Focus + Accessories
  • Day 4 (Optional): Active Recovery/Weakness Training

Week 1-4: Foundation Phase

Goal: Build a base of strength, improve technique, and prepare your body for heavier loads.

Young girl deadlifting

Day 1: Squat Focus

  • 1. Back Squat: 4 sets of 5 reps @ 70-75% of 1RM
  • 2. Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 8 reps
  • 3. Leg Press: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • 4. Plank: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds
  • 5. Calf Raises: 3 sets of 15 reps

Day 2: Bench Press Focus

  • 1. Bench Press: 4 sets of 5 reps @ 70-75% of 1RM
  • 2. Overhead Press: 3 sets of 8 reps
  • 3. Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 10 reps (each arm)
  • 4. Tricep Dips: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • 5. Face Pulls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Day 3: Deadlift Focus

  • 1. Deadlift: 4 sets of 3 reps @ 70-75% of 1RM
  • 2. Front Squat: 3 sets of 6 reps
  • 3. Lat Pulldown: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • 4. Hyperextensions: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • 5. Hanging Leg Raises: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Day 4 (Optional): Active Recovery/Weakness Training

  • Focus Red Dot Light cardio (e.g., walking, cycling) or mobility work.
  • Focus Red Dot Focus on weak points (e.g., core, grip, mobility drills).

Week 5-8: Strength Building Phase

Goal: Increase intensity and volume to build strength.

Day 1: Squat Focus

  • 1. Back Squat: 5 sets of 3 reps @ 75-80% of 1RM
  • 2. Romanian Deadlift: 4 sets of 6 reps
  • 3. Leg Press: 4 sets of 8 reps
  • 4. Plank: 4 sets of 30-60 seconds
  • 5. Calf Raises: 4 sets of 15 reps
Young powerlifter squatting in meet

Day 2: Bench Press Focus

  • 1. Bench Press: 5 sets of 3 reps @ 75-80% of 1RM
  • 2. Overhead Press: 4 sets of 6 reps
  • 3. Dumbbell Rows: 4 sets of 8 reps (each arm)
  • 4. Tricep Dips: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
  • 5. Face Pulls: 4 sets of 12-15 reps

Day 3: Deadlift Focus

  • 1. Deadlift: 5 sets of 2 reps @ 75-80% of 1RM
  • 2. Front Squat: 4 sets of 5 reps
  • 3. Lat Pulldown: 4 sets of 8 reps
  • 4. Hyperextensions: 4 sets of 10 reps
  • 5. Hanging Leg Raises: 4 sets of 10-12 reps

Day 4 (Optional): Active Recovery/Weakness Training

  • Focus Red Dot Light cardio or mobility work.
  • Focus Red Dot Address weak points (e.g., core, grip, mobility drills).

Week 9-12: Peak Phase

Goal: Maximize strength and prepare for testing your 1-rep max (1RM) at the end of the program.

Day 1: Squat Focus

  • 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

Day 2: Bench Press Focus

  • 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

Day 3: Deadlift Focus

  • 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

Day 4 (Optional): Active Recovery/Weakness Training

  • Focus Red Dot Light cardio or mobility work.
  • Focus Red Dot Address weak points (e.g., core, grip, mobility drills).

Progression Tips

  • 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.

Deload Week (Optional)

  • 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.

Testing Your 1RM

  • 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.

Recovery and Nutrition

  • 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.

Weekly Training Split

  • 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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