200 reviews for TSA 9 Week Intermediate Approach

The TSA 9-Week Approach is a popular intermediatel-level powerlifting program designed by Bryce Lewis and the coaching team at The Strength Athlete (TSA). It's a periodized plan focusing on strength gains in three core lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift.

The program comprises 4 training days per week, each targeting specific muscle groups and lifts. The intensity and volume gradually increase over 9 weeks, preparing the athlete for a peak in performance. The final week, Week 9, is designed as a deload week to prepare for a competition or 1RM testing.

Read more about the program below.

4.28 / 5

Siddarth Garasangi

Man, 28
3 days ago

3 weeks complete

2 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Good

Lucas N.

Man, 16
5 days ago

9 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Program blew up my squat from a 315-355 lbs at 132 lbs. deadlift benefited greatly, but bench stayed the same after the program.

Jun Y.

Man, 22
11 days ago

3 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Cancel set

Ronan P.

Man, 31
a month ago

7 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

No modifications

Very good, strong programme. Good volume to build into final phase

Laszlo M.

Man, 38
2 months ago

9 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

Less than expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

No modifications

This program was definitely not for me, sorta disliked it since week 1. Exercise selection did not really change, not a fan of band pull aparts, no focus on arms, shoulders, abs; paused deadlift tonnage very close to normal deadlifts and the sets and reps made little sense to me. Towards the end I just wanted the grind to end, I was bored and felt not ready to set new PRs, actually got weaker. The things I liked were the bench frequency and the focus on back exercises, but sadly by the time you get to them you are too fatigued.

Sumit Munda

Man, 35
2 months ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

The program is good but it could have been better

Zaden C.

Man, 19
2 months ago

5 weeks complete

4 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

I like that it has simple accessories that don’t cause too much fatigue.

남제

Man, 37
2 months ago

7 weeks complete

7 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

No modifications

PERFECT.

Dominion S.

Man, 15
2 months ago

6 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

The strength gain was impressive, Hit PRs on week 6 added 20kg on deadlifts (200-220) 20kg on Bench (80-100) and 10kg on squats (130-140). The Bench was pretty surprising cause I didn’t maximize it i was more of a Deadlift person. Now hoping to hit {S150kg, B110kg, D230kg} within the next 3 weeks

Pablo Cabrales

Man, 25
2 months ago

5 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

Too much volume of the main compound lifts, not enough rest between them. Other than that, solid, hard program.