Strength Forge

8 weeks
Split: Powerlifting
Goal: Powerbuilding

Program Description

An 8-week powerbuilding program focused on maximizing strength gains in the squat, bench press, and deadlift through high-intensity, low-rep training, while supporting muscle growth with strategic accessory work. Designed for intermediate lifters, the plan emphasizes progressive overload, dedicated weekly lift focus, and minimal volume in accessories to prioritize strength development. No deloads are included, allowing continuous progression with careful tracking.

Weeks

Week 1

This initial week emphasizes establishing a solid strength foundation with moderate volume and high intensity on main lifts. Focus is on perfecting form, controlled progression, and supporting weak points through accessory work. The main lifts (squat, bench, deadlift) are performed with low reps and increasing load, while accessory exercises target muscle balance and weak areas to promote muscle growth and strength. The program prepares the body for progressive overload in subsequent weeks, balancing intensity and recovery.

Week 2

This week focuses on increasing intensity on main lifts with low reps, emphasizing progressive overload to build maximal strength. Accessory work is maintained to support weak points and muscle growth, with slight volume increases to reinforce gains. The goal is to push closer to maximal loads while ensuring proper recovery and technique refinement, setting a solid foundation for peak performance in upcoming weeks.

Week 3

This week emphasizes pushing intensity on main lifts with incremental load increases, aiming to build maximal strength while supporting muscle growth. Volume remains low in accessory work to prevent fatigue and facilitate recovery, allowing for consistent progression. Focus is on perfecting form, increasing load, and addressing weak points, especially in the bench, deadlift, and squat. Accessories are selected to reinforce weak areas and promote balanced development, with a high-intensity approach to stimulate strength gains.

Week 4

This week focuses on pushing intensity closer to maximum efforts on main lifts to stimulate strength gains, while maintaining strategic accessory work to support muscle balance and recovery. Volume remains low to prioritize recovery and form refinement, with incremental load increases to promote progressive overload. The goal is to push strength boundaries while supporting muscle growth and addressing weak points, especially in the squat, bench, and deadlift movements.

Week 5

This week focuses on pushing main lifts closer to 90-95% intensity, emphasizing maximal strength development while maintaining targeted accessory work to support weak points. Volume remains low to facilitate recovery and adaptation, with incremental load increases. The goal is to continue progressive overload, refine technique, and build muscle mass supporting strength gains, especially in deadlift, squat, and bench press. Accessories are chosen to reinforce weak points and promote balanced development, with a slight reduction in volume to prevent overtraining as intensity peaks.

Week 6

This week emphasizes maintaining high intensity on main lifts while slightly reducing accessory volume to facilitate recovery and technique refinement. The focus remains on pushing near-max loads in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, with targeted accessory work to strengthen weak points and support overall strength gains. The program encourages progressive overload through incremental weight increases, ensuring continuous strength development while minimizing fatigue. Accessories are chosen to reinforce muscle balance and address weak points, with a strategic reduction in volume to optimize recovery for peak performance.

Week 7

This week focuses on pushing intensity closer to maximum on main lifts to stimulate strength gains, with minimal accessory volume to prioritize recovery and peak performance. The goal is to set new personal bests or near-max efforts on squat, bench, and deadlift, while supporting weak points with targeted accessory work. Volume remains low but intensity is high, aligning with the program's progression strategy to maximize strength development without overtraining.

Week 8

This final week emphasizes maximal strength testing and peak performance. Main lifts are pushed to near-max loads with low reps, focusing on incremental load increases to maximize strength gains. Accessories are minimal and targeted to support weak points and muscle balance, with a focus on recovery and maintaining form. The goal is to push your limits safely while consolidating strength gains achieved over the program.