212 reviews for TSA 9 Week Intermediate Approach

The TSA 9-Week Approach is a popular intermediatel-level powerlifting program designed by Bryce Lewis and the coaching team at The Strength Athlete (TSA). It's a periodized plan focusing on strength gains in three core lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift.

The program comprises 4 training days per week, each targeting specific muscle groups and lifts. The intensity and volume gradually increase over 9 weeks, preparing the athlete for a peak in performance. The final week, Week 9, is designed as a deload week to prepare for a competition or 1RM testing.

Read more about the program below.

4.28 / 5

Man, 18
a day ago

7 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Intense program but great results

Lars-Andreas M.

Man, 25
6 days ago

3 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

First 8 weeks: Squat 170->185, Bench 130->135, Deadlift 220->240 (kg)

Shaun Church

Man, 30
18 days ago

9 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

Less than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Kind of disappointed with this first 9 week cycle, it's a very general purpose program with minimal exercises to target weaknesses in the big 3 lifts. I will rerun the program again so I can give it a fair chance but this time around I will probably be putting in some squat variation such as paused or tempo, and more bench variations like 3 sec pause, spoto press etc. Deadlifting was fine the paused variation.

Elliot S.

Man
a month ago

5 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

My first powerlifting program, been doing ppl for the longest time but holy shit this has been crazy, i think my bench has increased like 15kg and im not kidding. Mostly gotten better technique for deadlift and squats. Really dont know how much ive improved but i’d assume a lot there as well

kris H.

Man, 34
a month ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

No modifications

just finished week 4 day 1 and ive noticed crazy improvement on my bench and squat technique ad well as size in my upper body and glutes. first time running this program 10/10 would recommend

Aaron E.

Man, 22
a month ago

5 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

No modifications

Great intermediate plan builds a strong foundation

Man, 24
a month ago

5 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

Less than expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Squat went back , deadlift probably went up a bit , bench press is same

Thor Seier

Man, 31
2 months ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Bench press 3 times a week and you hit the hold body every training.

Khtab K.

Man, 21
2 months ago

7 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Good program

Man, 19
3 months ago

5 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Great program for beginner/ intermediate. Gained good strength and built muscle and lost some fat. Good frequency for less than 2 year experience powerlifters.