Load cycling. Powerlifting Program Best Powerlifting Programs
The key difference between powerlifting and other strength sports is the unconditional priority of strength over other functions of the human body. This raises questions: how to specialize your training to achieve maximum results in strength indicators? What kind of training program is needed for a powerlifter? What diet and rest regime do you need? How to protect yourself from injury and what sports nutrition does it work and really help you achieve good strength performance? This will be discussed in this article.
What is powerlifting
Powerlifting is a sport in which the main goal of the competitors is to lift maximum weights in three exercises, in accordance with established rules. Lifters have no need to develop endurance like CrossFit athletes. Unlike bodybuilding, where an athlete tries to show maximum muscle volume and proportions, powerlifters try to increase strength and at the same time stay in their weight category.
Basic Principles of Strength Training
In powerlifting, training is of a strength nature. This means that the athlete must gradually increase the intensity of the training and increase the tonnage of weights lifted. As for the work regime, unlike bodybuilding, where an athlete tries to work one or several muscle groups during a workout and performs 3-4 working approaches in 10-12 repetitions, a lifter trains one or two competitive movements in 4-5 approaches in each lesson 3-6 repetitions each.
Daily and nutritional regimen in powerlifting
Since training with heavy weights takes a lot of strength and energy, the athlete should take care of adequate nutrition and rest. The basis of a powerlifter’s diet should be “complex” carbohydrates, which replenish the body’s energy reserves and serve as fuel to repair those damaged during training muscle fibers. There are enough such carbohydrates in cereals, starchy vegetables, and baked goods. Unlike bodybuilders, lifters should not be afraid of “simple” carbohydrates, which abound in sweets and baked goods, as they serve as a good source for quickly replenishing energy immediately after a workout.
In second place in the diet of a strongman are proteins, which are used as building material for damaged muscle fibers. Protein-rich foods include poultry and fish, eggs, and dairy products.
Fats come in third place in nutrition. They are necessary to maintain immunity, for the normal functioning of ligaments and joints, etc. Monounsaturated fats, which are rich in seafood, nuts, and seeds, are especially useful.
The ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in a powerlifter's daily diet should be approximately 50/35/15%, respectively.
Sleep is also an integral part of a lifter's recovery. Security forces must sleep at least 8-10 hours a day, and it is advisable to allocate at least one hour for daytime sleep. After all, muscles do not grow during training, but during rest from them.
Creating a powerlifting training program
Frequency of classes
Specifics strength training requires more rest time, both between approaches and between classes.
If a bodybuilder needs 30-60 seconds to repeat the exercise, then a lifter needs from 2 to 4 minutes.
And before execution next exercise It will take up to 5 minutes of rest. As for the number of visits to the gym per week, the optimal number will be 3 or 4.
Selection of exercises
The three pillars of powerlifting are the squat, bench press and deadlift. They are also called basic exercises. Without them, it is impossible to obtain monstrous strength and impressive muscle volumes. A powerlifter's arsenal should also include auxiliary exercises that are designed to eliminate weaknesses when performing competitive movements. These include hyperextensions, leg presses, barbell bends, pull-ups, dips, etc.
Periodization of loads
In powerlifting, you cannot linearly increase the weight on the bar from workout to workout; this method will certainly lead to a state of overtraining and can discourage any desire to train further. It is worth using the technique of load periodization. The method consists of alternating loads, that is, heavy workouts are replaced by light ones, and those in turn are replaced by medium ones. This periodization can be used both in weekly plan, and in menstruation. For example, in the first week an athlete squats 100 kg in five sets of 6 repetitions, in the second - 60 kg in three sets of 8 repetitions, in the third 80 kg in four sets of 5 repetitions.
Examples of Powerlifting Training Programs
An example of a training program with periodization in a weekly cycle, with three workouts per week:
Monday
1. Squats with a barbell on the shoulders 20 kg * 10 times, 40 kg * 10 times, 60 kg * 8 times, 80 kg * 3 reps * 8 times.
2. Bench press narrow grip 20 kg * 10 r., 40 kg * 10 r., 50 kg * 3 p. * 10 r.
3. Bend-overs with a barbell on the shoulders 50 kg * 3 p. * 8 r.
4. Hyperextension without weights 4 p. * 15 r.
Wednesday
1. Deadlift 20 kg * 10 r., 40 kg * 10 r., 60 kg * 8 r., 80 kg * 8 r., 100 kg * 3 p. * 8 r.
2. Barbell row on straight legs 60 kg * 3 p. * 8 r.
3. Pull-ups 50 reps in any number of sets
4. Roman chair crunches 50 reps
Friday
1. Bench press 20 kg * 10 r., 40 kg * 10 r., 60 kg * 8 r., 80 kg * 3 p. * 8 r.
2. Dips without weights 50 reps
3. Squats with a barbell on the front 20 kg * 10 rub., 40 kg * 10 rub., 55 kg * 8 rub., 75 kg * 3 p. * 8 rub.
4. Hyperextension without weights 4p. * 15 rub.
Injury Prevention in Powerlifting
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To avoid injuries, you should not try to master the technique of a new exercise on your own, but ask for help from a coach or an experienced athlete in the gym. If the technique is followed, the risk of injury is very small. You shouldn’t try to increase the weight on the barbell too quickly; everything needs to be done correctly and in a timely manner. To protect your lower back, you should use a weightlifting or powerlifting belt. To protect your knees, you can use special or medical knee pads. To protect the hands, there are hand bandages.
TOP 5 nutritional supplements for powerlifting
In fourth place were protein complexes. They should be used depending on the type of protein used in them. It can be casein, whey, soy isolate or concentrate. But in any case, protein is a building material for your muscles.
The third place is occupied by complex amino acids (BCAA). Unlike protein, they directly enter the bloodstream, thereby protecting your muscles from destruction after hard training. Amino acids should be consumed immediately after exercise and before bed, in the form of capsules or powder.
Second place belongs to gainers. Due to the combination of complex carbohydrates and protein, this food supplement will give the athlete energy for training and maintain a reserve of strength until its end. The gainer is also indispensable for athletes who cannot gain weight or want to move up to a higher weight category.
And creatine deservedly takes first place among the most used supplements by powerlifters. With the help of creatine, an athlete can significantly increase their strength performance. It is advisable to consume creatine after training in an amount of 5 grams, dissolving it in juice or water with the addition of honey.
And remember, the most important thing in any sport is willpower! Set yourself a goal and steadily move towards achieving it!
Training principles from one of the most titled strongmen:
The training process in powerlifting consists of cycles. Learn about training optimization and the secrets of creating ideal program you can by learning cycling techniques.
To achieve maximum results, athletes use cycling training in powerlifting. The average duration of one cycle is six months. When planning your training, it is best to set yourself strategic goals. Anyone can have breakdowns and tactical planning is best done according to the circumstances. Training program should be designed in such a way as to minimize possible losses in case of failure.
There is no need to set maximum goals. If they cannot be fulfilled, then disappointment cannot be avoided.
Any strategic plan begins with setting a goal, but often they contradict each other and cannot be solved simultaneously. For this reason, it is recommended to break the entire training cycle into stages. Most often, there are three main stages.
Powerlifting Cycling Stage #1
The duration of the first phase is about six weeks. The main objectives of the first stage are:
- Gaining muscle mass;
- Increased speed and strength;
- Work on the technique of performing exercises;
- Elimination of “weak” points;
- Increased mobility of ligaments and joints.
Gaining muscle mass in powerlifting
To achieve this goal, it is necessary to create certain processes in muscle tissue that promote their growth. The intensity of the training is from 50 to 70 percent of the maximum maximum, and the number of repetitions is 6-10. In addition, speed is also necessary. This determines which type of fiber will receive the maximum impact.
You should also make changes to the nutrition program, increasing its calorie content and the amount of protein compounds.
Working on technique for performing powerlifting exercises
Their effectiveness depends on the correctness of the exercises. There are several principles that should be followed in order for cycling training in powerlifting to bring maximum effect.
When squatting, your back should always remain straight and not deviate from the vertical. The pelvis should not protrude too far back, and the knees, in turn, should not protrude forward. To ensure the minimum range of motion in the bench press, you need to bend your lower back as much as possible. Also, due to the reduction of the shoulder blades, the amplitude will decrease and the rigidity of the reception will increase. sports equipment on the chest. The back should be straight even when performing deadlifts. At the initial stage of the movement, only the legs should work.
Eliminating Weaknesses
While performing exercises, you should simultaneously look for “bottlenecks” and then select exercises to eliminate them. For example, if an athlete has certain problems with lifting the projectile from the floor when deadlifting, then you can additionally perform bends with a barbell or squats on a low bench.
Increasing the mobility of ligaments and joints in a powerlifter
To solve this problem, you should combine classic exercises to develop flexibility with special ones used by powerlifters.
It is worth noting that the first stage can be called “rest”, since this is what light training is for an athlete.
The second stage of cycling training in powerlifting
The duration of the second phase is usually eight weeks. During this period, the athlete should face the following tasks:
- Increased strength indicators;
- Elimination of bottlenecks;
- Increasing speed and strength indicators;
- Promotion strength endurance;
- Increased joint mobility.
To increase strength endurance, it is necessary to increase the number of approaches, as well as the frequency training sessions. So, for example, some athletes perform bench presses 3-4 times during the week, squats 2-3 times, and work on deadlifts twice.
The second stage is transitional. During this period, the athlete needs to prepare himself for the final phase.
Powerlifting Cycling Stage #3
The duration of the final stage is about ten weeks. The athlete must be given the following tasks:
- Reaching the peak of your strength;
- Increased strength indicators;
- Elimination of bottlenecks;
- Increasing the mobility of ligaments and joints, as well as speed and strength indicators.
- The training intensity should be more than 90% of the maximum load.
- Introduce into the training program exercises to develop explosive strength, for example, jumping with weights.
- Electro-muscular stimulation.
- Include isokinetic training in your training program.
The main goal that is set for every athlete involved in powerlifting is to lift maximum weight in one of the basic exercises - bench press, squat with a barbell, deadlift. Previously, this list consisted of four exercises. The large number of injuries that athletes received led to the exclusion of the standing barbell press from competitions. To lift weights in powerlifting, an athlete needs to develop strength.
Drawing up a training program for a powerlifter can only be done by an experienced athlete who fully understands the essence and ultimate goal of the entire process. Particular attention is paid to the individual abilities of the athlete, which include: strength, experience, anatomical and physical indicators. Beginners are recommended to start training on their own after visiting any powerlifting section. At the initial stage, you should find a mentor who can help with understanding the basics of powerlifting and the technique of performing basic exercises.
The term “lift” refers to the maximum possible weight that an athlete can lift. It is a must for anyone who wants to practice this discipline. This is due to the peculiarity of the program, which consists in drawing up a training process based on a certain percentage of the weight lifted by the athlete. There are three types of training - light, medium, heavy. The first is to lift weights from 50, the second - from 65, and the third - from 90% of the weight that the athlete lifts.
In one day you can perform drilling on all muscle groups at once. The main thing is to take a long break between approaches. You can do a squat first, then a bench press, and then a deadlift. Of course, before each difficult approach you need to warm up and warm up well. It is best to work on the penetration with someone in pairs. This is necessary to correctly find the maximum liftable weight. The projectile in the final approach should be so heavy that it cannot be lifted. At the moment of failure, you will need the help of a partner who will back up the athlete. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury when pressing or squatting. The passage is carried out according to the principle from largest to smallest. At first, the step between approaches should vary from 10 to 20, and in the last attempts - from 2 to 3 kilograms.
The training program is developed by an experienced specialist who takes into account the results obtained during the excavation and individual capabilities. The total duration of each training plan is a maximum of three months. This limitation is due to the body getting used to it and the lack of any progress. After 90 days, you need to perform the excavation again and change the program.
Most of the training developed to increase strength in powerlifting involves training three times a week. The training process is designed in such a way that between the day of performing squats and deadlifts, there is always a bench press session in the schedule. This step is explained by the high load on the legs when performing deadlifts and squats. Therefore, this muscle group needs more time to recover, which is what makes a bench press day possible. When two basic exercises are performed at once in one workout, then one is performed with light weight, and the other with heavy weight.
All of these principles together make up a powerlifting training program.
First day:
- Heavy Press
- Light squats
- If you still have strength left, you can do it French press, or push-ups.
Second day:
- Deadlift
- If there is strength left, then we do hyperextensions and biceps curls + hammers.
The third day:
- Light press
- Squats are heavy
- If there is strength left, then we work on the deltas - swings in an incline, to the sides, in front of us.
Training weights will depend on the results of your progress, that is, on the maximum performance. The number of repetitions and method of execution will depend on the cycle you use (the Russian and Verkhoshansky cycles are very famous in powerlifting). Professionals know how to use these cycles, but for beginners, we recommend contacting a trainer who will guide you in the right direction.
Day 1 – chest:
- Light squats - 5 sets of 5 reps with 60% of the maximum weight;
- Bench press – 5×5 with 70-100%;
- Army press– 5×10.
Day 2 – back:
- Deadlift – 5×5 with 70-100%;
- Shrugs – 5×20;
- Close-grip triceps press – 5X10.
Day 3 – legs:
- Squat – 5×5 with 70-100%;
- Calf raises – 4×20;
- Barbell row to the chin – 4×10.
The duration of this training cycle should not exceed 3 months. Train 3 times a week, in the first 7 days work with 75% of your maximum, which you set on the tunnel. Next week work with 80%, and then increase the working weight by 2.5% each week. After the end of the program, it needs to be replaced, or started over again, doing the penetration again.
No. 3 Training program
Day 1:
- Heavy squat - 5x5 - 75-85%;
- Light bench press – 5×5 – 65-70%.
Day 2:
- Deadlift – 3×5 – 75-80%;
- Bent-over barbell row – 3×6-8.
Day 3:
- Light squat 3×5 – 55-70%;
- Press heavy 5×5 – 75-85%;
- Close grip press 3x8-10.
Classes 3 times a week. The use of this powerlifting training program is recommended for beginner athletes. If you have the desire and strength, then basic exercises you can add a couple of isolated ones for individual muscle groups, but practice shows that this set is enough for a beginner.
Video “Pavel Badyrov’s training program”
Video “Educational program on training programs”
Powerlifting program is training plan, in which there are cycles of strength, endurance, speed and peak strength, thanks to which it is possible to avoid over-re-tre-ni-ro-van-nos-ty and imbalance in the development of certain body systems. One way or another, the goal of any training program for power-lifting is to achieve maximum strength results in one-time repetition in each competitive movement, so it is important to understand that the athlete trains not abstract muscle strength, but specific competitive movements -va-tel-ny movements. In this regard, since every person has a unique structure of the skeleton, muscles, tendons, joints and everything else, Everyone needs training differently!
The basis of the powerlifting program, of course, is the same for all athletes, absolutely all athletes must work on technical skills, work on hypertrophy of the mi-o-fib-rill-lyar-no-go ap-pa-ra-ta, explosive force, psychological preparation, strengthen ligaments and eliminate weak points. The latter is the subject that makes a difference in the tre-ni-ro-voch-ny process of pa-uer-leaf-te-rov. Athletes with long limbs should use one method, and athletes with a long body should use different ones! There are different types of techniques for performing co-revolutionary movements and choosing special controls when under -go-tov-ke. You should also not forget about the diet, since its opt-ti-mi-za-tion determines how much the athlete predicts-res-si-ru-et, and how much k-te-go-ryu he will enter on the roar-but-va-ni-yah.
Genetics and methodological guidelines
Predisposition: most race-friendly to power types sports are those people who have many fast motor units, short muscles, long ligaments, as well as short limbs. To determine the number of muscle fibers, you need to do a biopsy, which, of course, is impossible, but, in general, it becomes quite quickly clear in terms of muscle density and responsiveness for training, how many fast-twitch muscle fibers the athlete has. As for the length of the muscles, ligaments and limbs, they can be determined immediately, so you can say whether you will become something of the world or not, already in the first year of classes. Unfortunately, it is impossible to change any of these factors, but it is possible to control the consequences.
Long limbs: Athletes with such genetics have problems in bench presses and squat-da-ni-yahs, which in the bench press they can level out with push-ups and presses with chains, and in squat-da-ni-yahs: front -tal-ny-mi with-se-da-ni-ya-mi and squats with ropes. Learn more about how become stronger , You can read it by following the link, but keep in mind that long ends also require correction and execution technique. roaring movements. For example, squats should be performed in a wider position of the legs, and during the press, the elbows should be pressed closer to the body. It should also be noted that the technique for performing management should not ensure maximization of the current result, but maximization of ten-ci-al-no-tion th re-zul-ta-ta in this or that management.
Short limbs: This is precisely the genetics that provide the highest aptitude for powerlifting, but such athletes have difficulty in deadlifting. At-le-you lungs weight categories they solve this problem by performing a sumo-style stand-up, but athletes of heavier weight categories have to pay more attention to this exercise. Difficulties, as a rule, arise during the “breakdown” of the barbell, which is why it is necessary to use such common exercises as bending and extensions, as well as use special exercises in the form of rows from the pit, rows to the knees, and so on.
Powerlifting program: power cycle
Workout #1: squats and press
Barbell Squats – 5 sets of 6 reps
Power press – 4 sets of 4 reps
Dumbbell Flyes – 4 sets of 4 reps
Workout #2: foot rest
Front Squats – 6 sets of 6 reps
Romanian Deadlift – 4 sets of 6 reps
Rope/Box Squats – 4 sets of 8 reps
Workout #3: chest and delts
Military Press – 6 sets of 6 reps
Dips – 4 sets of 6 reps
Incline Press – 6 sets of 6 reps
Bench barbell row – 3 sets of 8 reps
Workout #4: deadlift
Reverse hyperextension – 3 sets of 8 reps
Deadlift – 6 sets of 6 reps
Bent-overs with a barbell – 3 sets of 8 reps
Workout #5: cardio
Workout #6: chest and back
Power press – 6 sets of 6 reps
Bent-over barbell rows – 6 sets of 6 reps
Superset
:
Biceps curls – 6 sets of 6 reps
Cable extensions – 6 sets of 6 reps
Day No. 7 – rest
Notes* cycle duration 12-15 weeks; rest between sets for 2-3 minutes; the principle of the pyramid and “failure” repetitions is used in the last repetition of the ice-not-go-yes; squatting with ropes or on a box must be alternated; after the ok-on-cha-niya cycle, no-about-ho-di-mo can’t-de-li-breathe.
Functional cycle of a powerlifter
Workout #1:
legs
Squats with ropes – 10 sets of 3 reps
Front Squats – 5 sets of 5 reps
Box squats – 10 sets of 3 reps
Barbell Squats – 5 sets of 5 reps
Workout #2:
breast
Press with chains – 10 sets of 3 reps
Bar press – 10 sets of 3 reps
Power press – 5 sets of 5 reps
Workout #3:
back
Deadlifts from plates – 10 sets of 3 reps
Deadlift – 5 sets of 5 reps
Notes* cycle duration 9 weeks; rest between sets 2 minutes; refusal is not allowed; training 6 times a week; There is no need to rest at the end of the cycle.
Peak Strength Cycle
Workout #1:
main
Squats
Power press
Workout #2:
utility room
Dips – 4 sets of 5 reps
Bar press – 8 sets of 3 reps
Lying dumbbell flyes – 4 sets of 4 reps
Workout #3:
main
Deadlift
Workout #4:
utility room
Front Squats – 6 sets of 4 reps
Romanian Deadlift – 4 sets of 4 reps
Workout #5:
main
Barbell Squats (50%)
Power press
Workout #6:
utility room
Bent-over barbell rows – 4 sets of 4 reps
Deadlifts from plates - 4 sets of 2 reps
The duration of the cycle is 6 weeks, in which the load is cycled in accordance with the following table:
Basic training p/p | Percentage of PM |
workout 1 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
workout 2 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x3 |
workout 3 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
workout 4 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x4 |
workout 5 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
workout 6 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x5 |
workout 7 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
workout 8 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x6 |
workout 9 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
workout 10 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 85%x5x5 |
workout 11 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
workout 12 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 90%x4x4 |
workout 13 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
training 14 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 90%x3x3 |
workout 15 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
training 16 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 100%x2x2 |
training 17 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 80%x6x2 |
training 18 | 70%x1x2 75%x1x2 105%x2x1 |
Note* 70%x1x2 - means that a person must perform 1 set of 2 repetitions with 70% of the personal maximum in this exercise; in the table for-pi-sa-ny only working moves, times-min-ka is not taken into account, but it also needs to be done; for exercises where 50% is indicated, it is necessary to perform all moves with 50% of the RM during the current training.