About Powerlifting Programs

Powerlifting Programs is an independent editorial resource built by competitive powerlifters, certified strength coaches, and researchers who believe the sport deserves better information. We cover training programs, supplements, gear, and tools with the same rigor you'd expect from a peer-reviewed journal — but written for lifters, not academics.

Our Mission

We set out to build the Wirecutter of powerlifting: a single place where you can find honest, evidence-based recommendations without wading through affiliate spam, bro-science, or paid endorsements. Every article we publish is grounded in peer-reviewed research, real-world testing, and expert review. If a product or program doesn't hold up under scrutiny, we say so — even when that product comes from one of our partners.

What We Cover

• Programs — In-depth breakdowns of proven powerlifting programs (5/3/1, Sheiko, Smolov, Calgary Barbell, and dozens more), with spreadsheets, progression guides, and periodization context.
• Supplement Reviews — Lab-verified, real-tester reviews of creatine, pre-workouts, protein, and other supplements relevant to strength athletes. Every review includes testing duration, dosing protocols, and certificate-of-analysis verification.
• Gear Reviews — Squat shoes, knee sleeves, belts, wrist wraps, and chalk tested by lifters who compete. We document break-in periods, durability, and competition legality.
• Training Tools — Free calculators for 1RM estimation, plate loading, Wilks scores, DOTS scores, and more.

Our Standards

Every Tier 1 article and supplement review is reviewed by a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) or USAPL-certified coach before publication. We cite primary sources — PubMed, the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, and established authorities like Examine.com and Stronger By Science — not blog posts or social media influencers. Our product reviews follow a documented testing methodology: real lifters, real training cycles, real data.

We maintain strict editorial independence. Our affiliate partnerships never influence our recommendations. You can read more about how we work in our editorial standards and affiliate disclosure.

The Team

We are the Powerlifting Programs Editorial Team — a group of competitive powerlifters, CSCS-certified coaches, and sports science researchers. We train, we compete, and we hold ourselves to the same evidence standards we demand from the products we review.

Last updated: May 2026