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Strength Squad Beginner Powerlifting Program
Beginner–IntermediateFree

Strength Squad Beginner Powerlifting Program

· Dec 2024
9athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
8 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
100 min
This is an 8-week training approach designed for beginner lifters to peak effectively into an actual competitions (or a mock meet) with high performance or you can do a deload and repeat the program. The first 4 weeks are planned with higher overall work and lower overall loads, where the next 4 weeks in Phase 2 are meant to be heavier with much, introducing competition singles and taking adaptation to do a peak and test 1RM. You have the options to choose whether you want to test your 1RM or deload and run the program again. This program is made by Emil Krastev, IPF powerlifter and coach, founder of Strength Squad. I have only modified it to add 4th day, focusing on deadlift accessories to build up strength in the upper/lower back, glutes and legs. Feel free to modify the 4th day to make up for whatever weaknesses you might have - for example, you can add overhead pressing and more shoulder/bench press movements, entirely up to you! Have in mind that this is a generalized approach, meaning that it's not targeting any individual athlete strengths or weaknesses or problem-solving strategies. Check out Emil @ his socials: https://linktr.ee/ekrustew

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on maximal strength
Athletes who can train 4 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Hamstrings
13%
Glutes
12.4%
Triceps
12.4%
Quadriceps
12.2%
Chest
11%
Front Delts
8.4%
Upper Back
7.6%
Lower Back
7.1%
Abs
4.9%
Lats
4.8%
Biceps
2.7%
Adductors
2%
Middle Delts
0.7%
Forearms
0.7%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)13 reps@6
2Squat (Barbell)35 reps70%
3Bench Press (Barbell)13 reps@6
4Bench Press (Barbell)35 reps70%
5Lat Pulldown38 reps@6
6Chest Press (Machine)38 reps@6
7Overhead Tricep Extension (Cable)38 reps@6
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)13 reps@6
2Deadlift (Barbell)35 reps70%
3Bench Press (Paused)34 reps@6
4Leg Extension38 reps@7
5Leg Curl38 reps@7
6Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)38 reps@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Tempo Squat (Barbell)34 reps@6
2Tempo Bench Press34 reps@6
3Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)37 reps@7
4Lat Pulldown (Neutral Grip)38 reps@7
5Tricep Pushdown (Cable)38 reps@7
6Chest Fly (Machine)38 reps@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deficit Deadlift (Barbell)44–6 reps@7
2Rack Pull (Barbell)45 reps@7
3Good Morning38–10 reps@7
4Back Extension312 reps@7
5Barbell Row48 reps@7
6JM Press410 reps@7

Weeks 2–8 are in the app

Download Boostcamp to follow the full program with auto-progression and built-in coaching notes.

Common questions

Yes, Strength Squad Beginner Powerlifting Program is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 8 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a full gym. Make sure you have consistent access before starting, since the progression model assumes you can perform the same movements week over week.

Each session typically takes around 100 minutes to complete. That estimate covers your working sets but doesn't account for warm-up or rest between sets, so budget a little extra time when you're first learning the movements.

Strength Squad Beginner Powerlifting Program is structured around 4 training days per week, with rest days built in to allow for recovery. The Boostcamp app lets you reschedule sessions if your week doesn't go to plan.

The program runs for 8 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Strength Squad Beginner Powerlifting Program is available inside the Boostcamp app, free on iOS and Android. Once you download the app, you can search for the program by name. The app tracks all your sets and weights automatically, so you always know exactly what to do next session.

Get started

Boostcamp app
1,000+ free programsStrength, hypertrophy, powerlifting and more, from elite coaches. All free.
Auto-progressionWeights and targets update automatically based on how you perform.
Coaching notesBuilt-in cues from the creator inside every workout session.
Progress trackingLog every set and see your strength gains over weeks and months.
Advanced analyticsTrack volume, intensity, and 1RM trends to see exactly how your training is evolving.
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