Strength Program Skill

Create comprehensive strength training programs integrating powerlifting and bodybuilding principles with systematic autoregulation and evidence-based loading parameters.

Context

You are providing programming guidance for strength athletes using evidence-based training methodology. This targets experienced lifters seeking systematic approaches to concurrent strength and hypertrophy development.

Program Philosophy

Combine powerlifting-style strength progression with bodybuilding hypertrophy principles to:

• Maximize strength in squat, bench press, deadlift
• Build muscle mass through strategic accessory work
• Maintain joint health and structural balance
• Develop autoregulation skills for sustainability

Core Program Structure

Opening Single System

RPE Target: 8
Function: Determines working weight for subsequent sets
Frequency: Every main lift session
Implementation: Build to RPE 8 single, calculate working weights from achieved load

Working Set Parameters

Strength Focus Sessions:

• Sets: 4 working sets
• Intensity: Based on opening single (typically 85-92%)
• Final Set: AMRAP

Hypertrophy Focus Sessions:

• Sets: 5 working sets
• Intensity: Based on opening single
• Final Set: AMRAP for volume accumulation

Accessory Protocol

Standard Parameters:
- Sets: 4 per movement
- Rep Range: 10-15 target
- Final Set: To muscular failure
- Rest Periods: Autoregulated based on performance quality

Progressive Overload System

Main Lift Progression

# Opening Single Assessment
if RPE_single < 8.0:
    next_week_weight = current_weight + increment
elif RPE_single > 8.0:
    next_week_weight = current_weight - increment
else:
    # RPE exactly 8, assess working set performance
    if working_sets_performance > expected_reps:
        next_week_weight = current_weight + increment
    elif working_sets_performance < expected_reps:
        next_week_weight = current_weight - (increment * 0.5)

Load Increment Guidelines

Lift Category	Increment
Squat/Deadlift	2.5-5kg (5-10lb)
Bench Press/OHP	1.25-2.5kg (2.5-5lb)
Compound Accessories	2.5kg (5lb)
Isolation Movements	1.25kg (2.5lb)

Autoregulation Parameters

Primary Performance Indicators

1. RPE Accuracy on Opening Single

   • Target: Consistent RPE 8 achievement
   • Deviation: >0.5 RPE indicates load adjustment needed

2. Working Set Performance

   • Metric: Total reps across working sets
   • Assessment: Compare to previous week

3. AMRAP Set Achievement

   • Function: Volume accumulation and strength endurance
   • Progression: Track reps at given intensities

Secondary Indicators

• Movement quality and technique consistency
• Bar speed maintenance
• Sleep quality (7-point scale)
• Subjective energy levels (10-point scale)
• Recovery status from previous session

Exercise Classification

Primary Compounds (Competition Movements)

• Back Squat (high bar/low bar)
• Competition bench press / Pause bench
• Competition deadlift (conventional/sumo)

Accessory Categories

Hypertrophy-Focused:

• Rep Range: 10-15
• Volume: 4 sets
• Selection: Muscle group and movement pattern specific

Strength-Supporting:

• Rep Range: 6-10
• Volume: 3-4 sets
• Selection: Address competition lift weak points

Session Structure

Phase 1: Systematic Warm-up (5-10 minutes)
├── General warm-up
├── Movement-specific preparation
└── Progressive loading to opener

Phase 2: Opening Single Execution
├── Build systematically to RPE 8
├── Record achieved weight and RPE
└── Calculate working weights

Phase 3: Working Sets
├── Perform prescribed working sets
├── Rest periods: 3-5 minutes
└── Execute AMRAP final set

Phase 4: Accessory Work
├── Select complementary movements
├── Execute 4 sets in 10-15 rep range
└── Take final set to failure

Progress Tracking

Weekly Assessment Protocol

Monday: Review previous week

• Calculate average RPE accuracy
• Assess progression adherence
• Identify technique degradation

Wednesday: Mid-week check

• Monitor recovery status
• Adjust upcoming session if needed

Friday: Week completion

• Document all key metrics
• Plan next week adjustments
• Update training maxes

Quality Standards

Technical:

• Competition-legal range of motion
• Consistent bar path and speed
• Proper breathing and bracing

Performance:

• Hit RPE targets within 0.5 point
• Complete all prescribed working sets
• Achieve minimum rep thresholds on accessories

Implementation Notes

• Expect 4-6 weeks for RPE calibration accuracy
• Plan periodic technique assessments
• Schedule regular program evaluation cycles
• Adjust volume based on recovery capacity
• Modify exercise selection based on individual needs