logo
BoostcampPNG
program poster

TSA Beginner Approach

2,071 athletes joined

9 week beginner powerlifting program made by Bryce Lewis and The Strength Athlete

4.37
(62 ratings)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The TSA Beginner Approach is a popular powerlifting program tailored for novice lifters by Bryce Lewis and the coaching team at The Strength Athlete (TSA).

It focuses on the primary powerlifting lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. The program runs for 9 weeks, with training 3 days per week. Each day is dedicated to a main lift, followed by accessory exercises to reinforce strength and form. The intensity and volume are kept lower than in advanced programs, emphasizing progressive overload to safely increase strength over time. The final week is a tapering week for recovery or max testing.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

  • Level
    Beginner, Novice
  • Goal
    Powerlifting
  • Equipment
    Full Gym
  • Program Length
    9 weeks
  • Days Per Week
    4 days
  • Time Per Workout
    60 minutes

VARIATION

Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Male 9 Week
  • Program Length
    9 weeks
  • Days Per Week
    4 days
  • Recommended Days
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
  • Variation Description
    • Most of the time, use this 9-week approach and you'll keep making progress.
    • 3 Rep Max test in week 9.
BlogBannerPC
START THE PROGRAM
ON THE BOOSTCAMP APP FOR FREE
Scan QR Code to Download
AppleStore
GooglePlay
Star
Star
Star
Star
Star
4.8 Stars with 10, 000+ Ratings
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
WEEK 9
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
2
3
1 reps
7 reps
69%
64%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
3
1 reps
7 reps
74%
65%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
3
12 reps
RPE 6-7
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
3
12 reps
RPE 6-8
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
3
15 reps
RPE 6-8
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
7 reps
73%
68%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
7 reps
78%
69%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
4
11 reps
RPE 7-8.5
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
3
11 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
3
14 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
7 reps
76%
71%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
7 reps
81%
72%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
4
10 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
6-7 reps
79%
74%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
6-7 reps
83%
75%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
4
9 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
1
3
1 reps
5 reps
82%
70%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
5 reps
85%
70%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
2
12 reps
RPE 7
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
2
12 reps
RPE 7
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
2
15 reps
RPE 7
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
1
4
1 reps
5 reps
85%
74%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
5
1 reps
5 reps
87%
74%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
3
11 reps
RPE 7-8.5
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
3
11 reps
RPE 7-8.5
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
3
15 reps
RPE 7-8.5
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
1
4
1 reps
5 reps
88%
77%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
5
1 reps
5 reps
89%
77%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
3
15 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
1
4
1 reps
5 reps
91%
80%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
5
1 reps
5 reps
91%
80%
3
Bench Press (Dumbbell)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Decline Crunch (Weighted)
3
15 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 1
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
1
3
1 reps
4 reps
82%
78%
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
2
4
1 reps
4 reps
84%
78%
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
3
4 reps
65%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
2
4 reps
8 reps
75%
65%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 6-7.5
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
3
12 reps
RPE 6-8
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
3
12 reps
RPE 6-8
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
4
4 reps
67.5%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
3
4 reps
8 reps
78%
68%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
3
11 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
3
11 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
4
4 reps
70%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
3
4 reps
8 reps
80%
70%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
4
4 reps
72.5%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
3
4 reps
8 reps
82%
72%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
3
8 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
3
3 reps
71%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
2
3 reps
6 reps
77%
71%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
2
10 reps
RPE 7
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
2
12 reps
RPE 7
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
2
12 reps
RPE 7
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
3
3 reps
73%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
3
3 reps
6 reps
80%
74%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 7-8.5
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
3
11 reps
RPE 7-8.5
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
3
11 reps
RPE 7-8.5
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
3
3 reps
75%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
3
3 reps
6 reps
82%
76%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
4
2 reps
78%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
3
3 reps
6 reps
84%
78%
3
Hip Thrust (Barbell)
3
8 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Tricep Pushdown (Cable)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 2
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Paused)
4
1 reps
80%*
2
Bench Press (Barbell)
1
3 reps
RPE 10
* 1RM of Deadlift (Barbell)
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
3
5 reps
74%
2
Lat Pulldown
3
15 reps
RPE 6-7.5
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
3
12 reps
RPE 6-7.5
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
3
15 reps
RPE 6-7.5
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
3
15 reps
RPE 6-7.5
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
4
5 reps
77%
2
Lat Pulldown
3
14 reps
RPE 6.5-8.5
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
3
12 reps
RPE 6.5-8.5
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
3
14 reps
RPE 6.5-8.5
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
3
14 reps
RPE 6.5-8.5
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
4
5 reps
79%
2
Lat Pulldown
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
3
11 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
4
4-5 reps
81%
2
Lat Pulldown
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
3
3 reps
78%
2
Lat Pulldown
2
15 reps
RPE 7
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
2
12 reps
RPE 7
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
2
15 reps
RPE 7
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
2
15 reps
RPE 7
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
4
3 reps
82%
2
Lat Pulldown
3
14 reps
RPE 7-8.5
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
3
12 reps
RPE 7-8.5
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
3
14 reps
RPE 7-8.5
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
3
14 reps
RPE 7-8.5
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
3
3 reps
85%
2
Lat Pulldown
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
3
11 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
4
2 reps
87%
2
Lat Pulldown
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
3
Single Arm Shoulder Press
3
10 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
5
Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
Day 3
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Squat (Barbell)
1
3 reps
RPE 10
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
2
4 reps
4 reps
80%
75%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
3
4 reps
67%*
3
Leg Press
3
10 reps
RPE 6-7.5
4
Leg Extension
3
15 reps
RPE 6-7.5
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
2
4 reps
4 reps
82.5%
78%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
4
4+ reps
70%*
3
Leg Press
3
10 reps
RPE 6.5-8
4
Leg Extension
3
14 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
3
3 reps
3 reps
85%
81%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
4
4+ reps
72%*
3
Leg Press
3
9 reps
RPE 6.5-8
4
Leg Extension
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
4
2 reps
2 reps
87.5%
84%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
4
4+ reps
76%*
3
Leg Press
3
8 reps
RPE 6.5-8
4
Leg Extension
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
2
3 reps
3 reps
82.5%
78%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
4
3 reps
70%*
3
Leg Press
2
10 reps
RPE 7
4
Leg Extension
2
15 reps
RPE 7
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
3
3 reps
3 reps
86%
82%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
5
3+ reps
73%*
3
Leg Press
3
10 reps
RPE 7-8.5
4
Leg Extension
3
14 reps
RPE 7-8.5
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
4
2 reps
2 reps
87.5%
84%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
5
3 reps
75%*
3
Leg Press
3
9 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Leg Extension
3
13 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
3
1 reps
2 reps
91%
86%
2
Bench Press (Paused)
5
3+ reps
77%*
3
Leg Press
3
8 reps
RPE 8-9
4
Leg Extension
3
12 reps
RPE 8-9
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
Day 4
#
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Intensity
1
Deadlift (Barbell)
1
3 reps
RPE 10
2
Bench Press (Paused)
5
1 reps
77%*
* 1RM of Bench Press (Barbell)
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING(62 ratings)
Only ratings with written feedback are displayed here.
4.37 / 5
Bradley S.Man
a day ago
7 weeks complete
1 year of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
Marginal modifications
As a beginner program, this is solid. I believe the main lifts may be able to be pushed faster / more aggressively as beginners can likely handle larger jumps. Overall, great program to start with. Will be trying the TSA advanced method next.
Franco D.Age 23, Man
3 days ago
11 weeks complete
More than expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Significant modifications
NO EXPERIENCE AT ALL IN ANY GYM WORKOUTS, BUT MANAGE TO HAVE A PR OF THESE IN EVERY WORKOUT FOR POWERLIFTING (SQUAT - 130kg / BENCH - 72.5kg / DEADLIFT - 160kg). BW IS 68kg

This is a 9-week training approach for beginner athletes designed to overcome many shortcomings of common programs that beginner powerlifters run. It’s the starting program we wish we had before powerlifting, designed to bridge into either repeat of the same approach as long as you keep making progress, or into more advanced training approaches as seamlessly as possible.

Toward the end, athletes handle heavier and heavier loads as they work toward new 3-rep maxes before rinsing and repeating. Most athletes should find this is a balanced amount of training volume, training stress, and loading to see great progress.

We think you’ll really like it. For squat, we’ve included two training days of squatting so that athletes have enough frequency to practice the movement and build training volume to progress, but not so much that this program classifies as an intermediate or advanced approach. We’ve included light to moderate single repetitions from the very start to give athletes exposure to walking out and executing single reps. In later weeks, there may be some post-activation potentiation (PAP) from performing heavier single repetitions as well.

We utilize multiple rep ranges to ensure maximum strength and hypertrophy. We’ve also included plenty of lower body training volume to allow for leg size increases, as well as strength. For bench press, we include three movements per week because bench press especially can tolerate (and often need) more training volume and practice.

To this end, we give new athletes a chance to practice pausing the bench on Day 4, practice with heavier loading as the program progresses, and plenty of training volume per week. In addition, we include lots of upper body training volume to grow.

For deadlift, we work on technique with the inclusion of paused work for much of the training approach. Training volume is lower here than squat or bench press by design, and the approach balances fatigue while allowing athletes to crush progress and set new PRs.Over the whole approach, we use autoregulation to make sure athletes can change loads were needed to keep the program at the appropriate difficulty level.

Beginner athletes especially progress at different rates, and we decided to give both percentage and RPE for athletes to choose from. We’ve made this program with a four-week addition that you can use to run this program directly into a competition! The peak is also designed for first competitions, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish.