Boostcamp logo
BoostcampPNG
Black Bear Barbell Beginner Powerlifter!
Beginner–IntermediateFree

Black Bear Barbell Beginner Powerlifter!

Jonah J.
Jonah J.· Jul 2024
58athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
Our 12-week introductory powerlifting program is specifically designed for beginner lifters in their first year of training. This program lays a solid foundation for those new to the sport, focusing on the three main lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. We also program a diverse but useful group of accessory movements to help build muscle and improve strength in the big three lifts, promoting long-term progress. In the first block of the program, lifters will experience a gradual increase in intensity while keeping the volume relatively high. The second block of the program brings the volume down in order to train in rep ranges closer to what will be needed in a powerlifting program. Finally, the "mini-peak" block will expose the lifter to doubles and singles at near max levels to test the lifters new maxes on the squat, bench, and deadlift. Weekly adjustments and deload weeks are strategically placed to optimize recovery and avoid overtraining. By the end of the 12 weeks, participants can expect to see significant improvements in their lifting numbers, confidence, and overall understanding of powerlifting principles. This program not only equips beginners with the skills and knowledge needed for effective training but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue their powerlifting journey.

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
Triceps
11.4%
Quadriceps
10.5%
Hamstrings
10.5%
Glutes
9.8%
Front Delts
9.4%
Upper Back
8.7%
Chest
6.9%
Abs
6.4%
Lats
6.3%
Biceps
5.4%
Rear Delts
4%
Middle Delts
3.6%
Lower Back
2.6%
Adductors
1.7%
Forearms
1.4%
Calves
1.2%
Abductors
0.3%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps70%
2Squat (Barbell)17 reps68%
17 reps65%
3Bench Press (Paused)34 reps@6
4Leg Press310 reps@7
Superset
5ABicep Curl (Cable)312 reps@7
5BTricep Extension (Cable)312 reps@7
6Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)315 reps@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)14 reps70%
2Deadlift (Barbell)26 reps65%
3Legs Up Bench Press (Barbell)38 reps@6
4Wide Grip Lat Pulldown38 reps@7
5Lying Leg Curl310 reps@7
6Dumbbell Row310 reps@7
7Rear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)130 reps@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Paused)35 reps60%
2Bench Press (Paused)36 reps70%
3Bent Over Row (Barbell)38 reps@7
4Seated Overhead Press (Dumbbell)110 reps@6
110 reps@7
110 reps@8
5Preacher Curl (EZ Bar)315 reps@7
6Leg Extension312 reps@7
7Plank20.5–1 min@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Paused)33 reps65%
2Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)38 reps@7
3Seated Row (Cable)310 reps@7
4Seated Overhead Extension (EZ Bar)312 reps@7
Superset
5ABand Pull Apart320 reps
5BFace Pull310 reps@7
6Standing Calf Raise215 reps

Weeks 2–12 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, Black Bear Barbell Beginner Powerlifter! is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 12 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 90 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.

Black Bear Barbell Beginner Powerlifter! 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 12 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Black Bear Barbell Beginner Powerlifter! 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
11,000+ 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.
Free on iOS & Android