Programming for Powerlifting
Programs are often thought of as the make or break of progress. Getting just the right amount of volume, using the perfect accessory movements to focus on your weaknesses, and tweaking intensities until they are *just so*.
While these are all important – I don’t think any of them make or break a training cycle. Think about it. There are a tonne of strong people, all over the world, all doing whatever works for them. Powerlifters, strongman, bodybuilders – they all have a variety of programs achieving success.
There are hundreds of programs available (if not thousands – including from that guy on Instagram who wants you to DM him for coaching), some similar some extremely different. Every single one of them has a following for whom that program has been the absolute shit, and those for whom it did nothing.
Many of the old school programs from the USA focus on having one squat day, one bench day and one deadlift day. A modern example would be Jim Wendlers 5/3/1. Many programs focus on higher frequency – two squat, three bench, one or two deadlift days – an example of this would be Sheiko programs. Some people love to use higher intensities, whereas others prefer to accumulate huge volumes with lower intensities. All of these different programs have success stories, champions, and records associated with them / their principles.
The common theme across everyone I’ve seen make technical and strength progress is that they #1, give a shit and #2, put in the effort / believe in what they’re doing. If you want a #3, it’s that they enjoy it.
You could have a terrible program on paper – but if you attack it every session, and have a good time doing it, I would all but guarantee you will make progress. Sometimes you just have to rock out with your cock out because it feels right.
