Program review
RTS General Intermediate Review: Structure, Pros and Cons
Reactive Training Systems' intermediate template using percent-based work with RPE adjustments. Trains the competition lifts 3x per week with emphasis on technique and strength balance across all three lifts.
Program Structure
RTS General Intermediate is a intermediate powerlifting program built around 3 training days per week. The program runs 9 weeks with medium-high volume and medium to high intensity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Developed by world-class coach
- Balances all three lifts well
- Good technique development
- Suitable for competition peaking
Cons
- Requires RPE experience
- Less hypertrophy focus
- Paid resources for full system
Who It Suits
- Goal fitstrength, competition prep
- Equipment fitfull gym
- Meet timelinemeet in 3 to 6 months, meet inside 3 months
- Weak point fitbalanced SBD work, squat focus, deadlift focus, bench press focus
Check whether this plan fits you
The quiz compares this program against your training age, schedule, equipment, weak point, and meet timeline.
Related programs
Related Programs
5/3/1 Boring But Big
Wendler's 5/3/1 with 5x10 supplemental sets at 50-60% for hypertrophy. Builds both size and strength. One of the most popular intermediate programs of the last decade.
Candito 6-Week Strength Program
Six-week program with a hypertrophy phase, strength phase, and peaking week. Runs multiple times per year. Popular on Reddit and well-suited to intermediate lifters chasing new maxes.
GZCL Method
Tiered system with T1 (competition lifts, heavy/low rep), T2 (supplemental movements, moderate), and T3 (accessory, high rep). Highly customizable to address weak points.
The Bridge
Evidence-based intermediate program from Barbell Medicine. Uses RPE to autoregulate intensity. Transitions lifters from novice linear progression to intermediate programming with periodization.

