Calgary gives the peak more runway
Its 16 weeks allow more repeated squat, bench, and deadlift practice before tapering.
Program comparison
Calgary Barbell 16 Week vs TSA Intermediate
These are both four-day powerlifting peaks. Compare Calgary's longer original RPE block with TSA's shorter percentage-and-RPE cycle.
[Program]
Calgary Barbell 16 Week (Original RPE)
The original 16-week Calgary Barbell peak with four days, frequent squat/bench/deadlift practice, and preserved RPE targets.
4 criteria.daysShort16 criteria.weeksShort
[Program]
TSA 9 Week Intermediate Approach
Bryce Lewis and TSA's 4-day powerlifting peak blending percentage work, RPE, and accessory volume across a 9-week cycle.
4 criteria.daysShort9 criteria.weeksShort
[Comparison]
How Calgary Barbell and TSA differ
The practical choice is a longer high-frequency build or a compact nine-week peak with a faster turnaround.
Criteria
Calgary Barbell 16 Week (Original RPE)
TSA 9 Week Intermediate Approach
Primary focus
Strength
Strength
Typical level
Intermediate
Intermediate
Training frequency
Training days per week: 4
Training days per week: 4
Program length
Program length in weeks: 16
Program length in weeks: 9
[Compare the weekly shape]
Compare the weekly shape
The lines show planned work sets across the stored weeks, while the timelines make each program’s length easy to scan.
Weekly volume comparison
planned work sets
Calgary Barbell 16 Week (Original RPE)TSA 9 Week Intermediate Approach
Program length
Calgary Barbell 16 Week (Original RPE)
16weeks
TSA 9 Week Intermediate Approach
9weeks
TSA is easier to fit around a nearer meet
The nine-week structure is a focused intermediate block when you want a shorter, clearly bounded peak.
Both reward accurate RPE logging
Choose the one whose time horizon and weekly workload match your recovery and competition calendar.
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