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Powerlifting Essentials
IntermediateFree

Powerlifting Essentials

Powerlifting Maximizing 1RM Fatigue Management Muscle Balance Peak Performance

Danilo Sandoval
Danilo Sandoval· Apr 2026
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Strength, Bodyweight Fitness, Muscle
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
80 min
Powerlifting Essentials is a 12-week strength system meticulously designed to maximize your Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift. The program utilizes a modern periodization framework divided into three critical phases: Hypertrophy (Weeks 1-4): Building a muscular foundation and strengthening connective tissues through accumulated volume. General Strength (Weeks 5-8): Transitioning to heavy loads and improving neuromuscular efficiency. Peaking (Weeks 9-12): Maximum specificity and tapering to hit new Personal Records (PRs) or step onto the platform. The plan integrates RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) to allow for smart auto-regulation, ensuring steady progress while effectively managing central nervous system fatigue. Perfect for intermediate lifters seeking a balanced approach between targeted accessory work and competition-style movements.

Who it's for

Intermediate athletes ready for a structured program
Athletes focused on gaining both size and 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
12.6%
Glutes
11.7%
Quadriceps
11.5%
Triceps
10.4%
Front Delts
9.7%
Upper Back
9.2%
Lats
7.9%
Chest
7.5%
Abs
6%
Biceps
3.4%
Middle Delts
2.6%
Adductors
2.5%
Lower Back
2.4%
Rear Delts
1.1%
Abductors
0.9%
Stretching
0.6%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)110 reps@7
110 reps@7
110 reps@7
2Bench Press (Paused)110 reps@7
110 reps@7
110 reps@7
3Leg Press (45 Degrees)112 reps@8
112 reps@8
112 reps@8
4Tricep Pushdown (Cable)115 reps@8
115 reps@8
115 reps@8
115 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)18 reps@7
18 reps@7
18 reps@7
18 reps@7
2Seated Row (Cable)110 reps@8
110 reps@8
110 reps@8
110 reps@8
3Seated Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)112 reps@8
112 reps@8
112 reps@8
4Face Pull115 reps@8
115 reps@8
115 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)18 reps@7
18 reps@7
18 reps@7
2Squat (Paused)16 reps@7
16 reps@7
16 reps@7
3Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)110 reps@8
110 reps@8
110 reps@8
4Lat Pulldown112 reps@8
112 reps@8
112 reps@8
112 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Paused)18 reps@7
18 reps@7
18 reps@7
2Single Leg Press112 reps@8
112 reps@8
112 reps@8
3Seated Row (Cable)112 reps@8
112 reps@8
112 reps@8
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)115 reps@9
115 reps@9
115 reps@9

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, Powerlifting Essentials 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 80 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.

Powerlifting Essentials 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.

Powerlifting Essentials 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.
Free on iOS & Android