12 Wk. Deadlift Routine

This is a deadlift routine that I have got good results from in the past.  It was published in PL USA many years ago and was the routine that LeaAnn Adams used when she was pulling all those big ADFPA pulls of hers.  It is a 12 week cycle with the 12th week being the competition week.  I have gotten the best results when I set up my routine so that I allow myself 8-11 days rest between my last deadlift workout and a meet, to make sure that I am rested and fully recovered.  I didn’t always achieve the max that the cycle ends with but usually hit at least a PR.

This routine is set up for a 300 lb. deadlifter but can be adjusted to accommodate anyone’s max.  Simply divide your max by 300 lbs. and then multiply all the recommended poundages in the routine by that multiple.

As with any routine, I feel it’s important to use good form and to accelerate all weights as fast as possible.  I also feel warm up weights and accessory exercises are highly individualized but have listed LeaAnn’s recommendations so that people can see how she handles things.
 
 

Wk. 1   135x10 165x10 185x10 205x8 225x6
Assistance work:  Shrugs 3 sets of 10, Seated Cable Rows 3 sets of 10, Lat Pulldowns 3 sets of 10, Ab work


Wk. 2 135x10 165x10 190x10 210x8 230x6
Rack pulls from just below the knee, on even weeks only, 245 x 5 x 3 sets.  Assistance work.


Wk. 3   135x10 165x10 195x10 215x8 235x6
 Assistance work.


Wk. 4   135x10 175x10 200x10 220x8 240x6
Rack pulls 265 x 5 x 3 sets.  Assistance work.


Wk. 5   135x10 185x10 225x8 245x6 265x4.
  Assistance work.


Wk. 6   135x10 185x10 220x5
.  Warmups remains the same for the rest of the cycle.
230x8 250x6 270x4
Rack pulls 275x5x3 sets.  Assistance work.


Wk. 7   Warmups 235x8 255x6 275x4
Assistance work.


Wk. 8   Warmups 260x6 280x4 300x2
Rack pulls 285x5x3 sets.  Assistance work.


Wk. 9   Warmups 265x6 285x4 305x2
Assistance work.


Wk. 10 Warmups 250x1 275x5 295x3 315x1.
  Rack pulls 295x5x3 sets.  Assistance work.


Wk. 11   Warmups 250x1 280x5 300x3 320x1
Assistance work.


Wk. 12 Warmups 135x10 185x10 220x5 250x1

Attempts:  1st – 290, 2nd – 315, 3rd – 325-330.

Download this program in word format

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