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GZCL Weak Link Protocol (5 week deload)
IntermediateFree

GZCL Weak Link Protocol (5 week deload)

Daven L.
Daven L.· Mar 2025
1athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
5 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
60 min
Focusing on weak point variations while maintaining the GZCL framework. if the target weight is acheived : add 10 lbs for squat/deadlift every week & 5 lbs bench/ohp. If you fail 5x3: Switch to 6x2 & then 10x1. Deload every 5 weeks T2 Progression Plan (No Overload): Week 1: 65% (Base Weight) Week 2: 67.5% (Small Increase If Needed) Week 3: 70% (Max, Only If Bar Speed Stays Good) Week 4: Deload @ 60% (Speed & Recovery Focus) Every cycle: Increase Week 1 by ~2.5% for continued progress. T2 percentages are based on your main lift & bands tension included (T1) Variation Plan for Each T2 Lift: OHP (Weak Point: Starting Position) Paused OHP (1-2 sec at Bottom) → 7x3 @ 65% Band-Resisted OHP (Light Tension, No Overload) → 7x3 @ 65% Seated OHP (No Back Support, Strict Form) → 7x3 @ 65% Speed OHP (Deload Week) → 7x3 @ 60% Deadlift (Weak Point: Lockout - Soft Knees) Deficit Deadlifts (1-2” Deficit) → 7x3 @ 65% Trap Bar Deadlifts (Normal Stance, No Overload) → 7x3 @ 65% Banded Deadlifts (Light Band Tension for Technique) → 7x3 @ 65% Speed Deadlifts (Deload Week) → 7x3 @ 60% Bench Press (Weak Point: Mid-Range Strength) Spoto Press (Paused 1-2” Off Chest) → 7x3 @ 70% Band-Resisted Bench (Light Band, No Overload) → 7x3 @ 70% Chain Bench Press (Minimal Chain Weight, Focus on Speed) → 7x3 @ 70% + Chains Speed Bench (Deload Week) → 7x3 @ 65% Squat (Weak Point: Maintaining Tightness) Tempo Squats (3-0-1 Count) → 7x3 @ 65% Paused Squats (2-3 sec in Hole) → 7x3 @ 65% SSB Squats (Core & Upper Back Tightness, No Extra Load) → 7x3 @ 65% Speed Squats (Deload Week) → 7x3 @ 60%

Who it's for

Intermediate athletes ready for a structured program
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 3 days per week
Athletes who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Hamstrings
13.5%
Quadriceps
12.5%
Glutes
12.5%
Front Delts
8.5%
Triceps
8.4%
Upper Back
7.3%
Lats
6.7%
Biceps
6%
Middle Delts
6%
Abs
5.8%
Chest
5.7%
Adductors
2.7%
Lower Back
2%
Forearms
1.3%
Rear Delts
1.2%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)53 reps85%
2Spoto Press73 reps70%
3Pull-Up (Weighted)48 reps@8
4Belt Squat48 reps@8
5Chest Fly (Dumbbell)310 reps@8
6Preacher Curl (Dumbbell)310 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Overhead Press (Barbell)53 reps85%
2Deadlift (Deficit)73 reps65%
3Bent Over Row (Barbell)48 reps@8
4Lateral Raise (Cable)310 reps@8
5Overhead Tricep Extension (Cable)310 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)53 reps85%
2Tempo Squat (Barbell)73 reps65%
3Pull-Up (Weighted)48 reps@8
4Pec Fly (Dumbbell)310 reps@8
5Belt Squat310 reps@8
6Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)310 reps@8

Weeks 2–5 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, GZCL Weak Link Protocol (5 week deload) is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 5 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a garage 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 60 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.

GZCL Weak Link Protocol (5 week deload) is structured around 3 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 5 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

GZCL Weak Link Protocol (5 week deload) 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

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