Early Intermediate → Intermediate
The Cronin Strength 10-Week Early Intermediate Program is designed with the earlier-stage powerlifter in mind. Great for someone stalling out on beginner linear progression programs, or someone who’s trained hard for a while without specific powerlifting focused structure.
The aim of this program is to keep things relatively simple, and straightforward, with 2 main focuses. The first being achieving great efficiency, with frequent exposures to squat, bench press, and deadlifts, and the second being hypertrophy through tried and true exercise selection, volume, and intensity.
Combining both RPE, and percentage-based training, you should feel challenged, but well prepared coming into all of your sessions. The 10th week will have you testing your maxes, with an option to either peak into a competition, or a dedicated training week to test the lifts on separate days. The program is offered in two versions, allowing you to choose either a conventional or sumo deadlift focus.
What You Receive With Your Purchase
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Member Account Access: A secure login where you can download your complete program in Excel format.
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Program Tutorial Video: A full walkthrough explaining how to run the program effectively.
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Exercise Database Access: Instant access to 100+ exercise demonstration videos.
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Private Discord Community: A link to join the Strength Now private Discord channel.
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Powerlifting Now Trial: A code to redeem one free month of Powerlifting Now, including 250+ educational videos.
Program Structure
Length: 10 weeks
Optional Peaking Week: Week 10 Peak Week Option
Days Per Week: 4
Lift Frequency:
- Squat: 2×/week
- Bench: 3×/week
- Deadlift: 2×/week
Program Variations:
Load Prescription Methods:
- RPE
- Percentage-based training
- Load ranges
Primary Goals:
- Technical Efficiency
- Strength Development
- Hypertrophy Base
Key Features
Access 250+ videos on programming, technique, and performance concepts to elevate your training knowledge.
Private Strength Now Discord Community
Connect with other athletes running the program, share PRs, ask questions, and stay motivated.
Full Program Tutorial (71 Minutes)
A complete walkthrough explaining how to run the program correctly, how to progress week-to-week, and how to get the most out of each training block.
100+ Exercise Demonstration Videos
An extensive exercise database ensuring you have clear guidance on every variation and accessory movement.
RPE + Range-Based Load Guidance
Each RPE prescription includes customizable top and bottom ranges, helping you select appropriate loads and build predictable week-to-week progression.
Built-In Taper Periods
Strategically placed fatigue-regulation phases keep you feeling strong while managing cumulative workload.
Optional Meet Peaking Block
If preparing for competition, there is an optional week 10 to help transition into a fully structured peak designed to bring you to meet day at maximal strength. If you skip the peak, the program loops seamlessly back to Week 1 for continuous training.
Nutrition & Bodyweight Tracking Sheet
A detailed sheet to monitor daily intake, weekly weigh-ins, and trends related to performance and recovery.
Multiple Training Split Options
Two program layout options are provided so you can choose the weekly structure that best fits your schedule and training preferences.
Meet Day Attempt Selection Sheet
Plan your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd attempts with low, medium, and high selections based on your projected 1RM, ensuring a confident, data-backed meet strategy.
Full Data & Metrics Tracking
Track every set, rep, and load to automatically generate:
- Total weekly sets & reps
- Average intensity
- Weekly and block tonnage
- Average RPE
- Block-by-block workload insights
Auto-Calculating Backdown Sets
All backdown work is automatically calculated using either set percentages or your top-set load.
Comprehensive FAQ Section
A detailed FAQ to help you understand the why behind the programming and ensure you get the best possible results.
***Strength Now programs are designed to function properly only in Microsoft Excel and may not work as intended in other spreadsheet applications.