345 reviews for 70s Powerlifter
The 70s Powerlifter Program, by Alex Bromley, is designed with a heavy influence of the prototypical 70’s powerlifter here (hence the name). Many of the accounts of some of the monsters that populated meets at that time, such as Doug Young and Bill Kazmaier, cited high volume approaches with many compound variations and plenty of bodybuilding movements to top it off.
Read more about the program below for an overview and progression guidance.
val P.
Man, 223 weeks complete
2 years of prior experience
More than expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Amazing program. Very easy to follow and gains are super.
Joe R.
Man, 601 week complete
4 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
I’m an older lifter so I need to approach any “powerlifting” program with a bit of caution. That said, I do really love this program’s approach … higher reps, focus on total volume, steady increases. Be forewarned: do NOT overrate your max levels during program setup. Be modest. The jump from week 1 to 2 is significant (especially the leg stuff) and will leave you totally spent if you’re not realistic about the shape you’re in! Great program. Thanks.
Man, 25
5 weeks complete
8 years of prior experience
More than expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
This program was fire. I’ve been working out all my life and I’ve never lifted more than what I’ve done from this program.
Charles I.
Man, 303 weeks complete
2 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Growing like crazy so far. I'm on week 4, so still in the hypertrophy phase.
Tyler J.
Man, 323 weeks complete
8 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
The rising volume each week was brutal but pretty effective for base building.
[email protected]
Man, 5918 weeks complete
8 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Very good program design, but had much better bodybuilding results than strength gains. To be fair I ran this program while a little beat up in the beginning from another high volume program. I only went up 10 lbs on presses and squats, but did add 20 lbs to deadlift. It probably could have been higher but I was drained by the end of program. I will run again but will be recovered and not nursing nagging injuries while running. Made terrific mass gains though and would encourage anyone looking for size to try this program.
RS
Man, 2515 weeks complete
8 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Savage volume especially in the first block. If you have a decent chunk of time to train the gains are excellent. While I have yet to determine if the strength gains are excellent they have been notable. I did add some extra volume in the second half of the program. I enjoyed the progression and would recommend for most people with time to train.
Cecil C.
Man, 133 weeks complete
2 years of prior experience
More than expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Pretty good so far.
Ratthabol S.
Man, 403 weeks complete
1 year of prior experience
As expected strength gains
Less than expected muscle gains
Great exercises. Just what I want to do, but didn’t know how to program.
Alan T.
Man, 2818 weeks complete
2 years of prior experience
More than expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
This is my first time doing a structured program, and after doing it, I won’t train without a proper plan again. I started this program weighing ~255 lbs with a 295 bench, 405 squat, 455 deadlift, and a completely untrained 145 lb max on overhead press. I finished weighing 251 lbs with a 315 max on bench (+20 lbs), 435 squat (+30 lbs), 505 deadlift (+50 lbs), and 195 overhead press (+50 lbs). The variety of exercises hammered out so many weaknesses that I didn’t know I had. My hamstrings were in a constant state of soreness in the first half of the program from lack of serious training in the past. This was my first time feeling sick from training, and I finished the program with a better understanding of my body’s limits and how to read when I’m pushing too hard. Great program and I definitely recommend it.