Ok, before I start, this is a powerlifting program, not a bodybuilding program. Of all the programs I've tried, this has boosted my strength the most. Here is my full 14-week cycle!

before I start, this is a powerlifting program, not a bodybuilding program. Of all the programs I've tried, this has boosted my strength the most. I did this in preparation for when I use to compete in powerlifting contests. It is a fourteen 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.


The Workouts


Squat Workout

Squats
Week 1: 60% of ORM for 3 sets of 8 reps
Week 2: 65% of ORM for 3 sets of 6 reps
Week 3: 70% of ORM for 3 sets of 5 reps
Week 4: 75% of ORM for 3 sets of 4 reps
Week 5: 80% of ORM for 3 sets of 3 reps
Week 6: 85% of ORM for 2 sets of 2 reps
Week 7: 90% of ORM for 1 set of 1 rep
Barbell shrugs - 4 sets 10 reps
Leg Press - 4 sets 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
Wide stance smith squat - 3 sets 6 reps
Leg extension - 3 sets 10 reps
Leg curl - 3 sets 10 reps



Deadlift Workout

Squat - (light) 12 reps, 10 reps, 8 reps (pyramid up with weight)
Deadlift
Week 1: 60% of ORM for 3 sets of 8 reps
Week 2: 65% of ORM for 3 sets of 6 reps
Week 3: 70% of ORM for 3 sets of 5 reps
Week 4: 75% of ORM for 3 sets of 4 reps
Week 5: 80% of ORM for 3 sets of 3 reps
Week 6: 85% of ORM for 2 sets of 2 reps
Week 7: 90% of ORM for 1 set of 1 rep
Barbell shrugs - 4 sets 10 reps
Bent over rows - 4 sets 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
Seated rows - 3 sets 8 reps
Pulldowns in front - 3 sets 8 reps
One arm dumbbell rows - 3 sets 8 reps



Bench workout #1 (Heavy chest)

Bench Press
Week 1: 60% of ORM for 3 sets of 8 reps
Week 2: 65% of ORM for 3 sets of 6 reps
Week 3: 70% of ORM for 3 sets of 5 reps
Week 4: 75% of ORM for 3 sets of 4 reps
Week 5: 80% of ORM for 3 sets of 3 reps
Week 6: 85% of ORM for 2 sets of 2 reps
Week 7: 90% of ORM for 1 set of 1 rep
Close-grip bench press - 4 sets 10 reps
Incline Bench Press - 4 sets 6 reps
Dips - 3 sets 10 reps
Dumbbell shoulder press - 4 sets 8 reps
Triceps Pushdown - 4 sets 8 reps



Bench Workout #2 (Light chest)

Bench Press - 3 sets 10 reps
Incline Bench Press - 3 sets 10 reps
Barbell shoulder press - 3 sets 8 reps (Behind neck); 3 sets 8 reps (In front)
Side lateral raises - 3 sets 8 reps
Nose breakers - 4 sets 8 reps
Pushdowns - 4 sets 8 reps

Now, you've just completed the first half of the fourteen 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.

Here is the 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
So, here is how you should break down 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 three or four weeks in which you condition your muscles. To do this, train on the days in 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.