Heavy Double + Timed Speed Triples + Power Circuit vs 4×4 + Heavy Double + 8+ AMRAP
Coan-Phillipi 10-Week Deadlift vs Mag/Ort 12-Week Deadlift Cycle
The two most famous deadlift specialization cycles in history. Coan-Phillipi (10 weeks) pairs a weekly heavy top double with timed speed triples and a posterior-chain power circuit. Mag/Ort (12 weeks, by Benedikt Magnússon & Travis Ortmayer) uses 4×4 volume sets, two escalating heavy doubles, and an all-out 8+ AMRAP backoff set.
| Feature | Coan-Phillipi 10-Week Deadlift Cycle | Mag/Ort (Magnusson-Ortmayer) 12-Week Deadlift Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Advanced | Advanced |
| Weekly Frequency | 3 days / week | 1 days / week |
| Cycle Length | 10 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Primary Focus | 10-week deadlift peaking & posterior-chain power cycle | 12-week Magnusson-Ortmayer deadlift peaking cycle (4×4, heavy doubles, 8+ AMRAP) |
| Progression Rule | Loads follow the supplied set and percentage schedule. There is no automatic increase after each session; review your reference weights before repeating the cycle. Guided starting weights remain under your control. | Loads follow the supplied set and percentage schedule. There is no automatic increase after each session; review your reference weights before repeating the cycle. Guided starting weights remain under your control. |
| Required 1RM Inputs | Deadlift, Squat, Bench Press, Overhead Press, Barbell Row | Deadlift |
Choose Coan-Phillipi 10-Week Deadlift Cycle When…
- You respond well to explosive speed pulls (60%–75% triples on strict rest) and heavy Barbell Row / RDL / Good Morning circuits.
- You want a 10-week linear buildup to a new 1RM.
Best For: Intermediate and advanced lifters dedicating one focused lower-body pull session per week to peak their 1-rep max Deadlift alongside speed pulls and heavy posterior-chain power circuits.
Choose Mag/Ort (Magnusson-Ortmayer) 12-Week Deadlift Cycle When…
- You want to build deadlift endurance and grit with 4×4 sets + heavy doubles + a final 8+ AMRAP set.
- You like having built-in lighter recovery weeks every 4th week across a 12-week cycle.
Best For: Intermediate and advanced lifters dedicating 1 pull session per week to peak their Deadlift via 4×4 volume, ascending heavy doubles, and an all-out 8+ rep backoff set.
Exercise Selection Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both Coan-Phillipi and Mag/Ort include Bench and Squat days in Strength Programs?
Yes—both templates in our catalog include balanced Upper Push and Lower Squat maintenance days so your full-body strength progresses alongside your Deadlift peak.
Which deadlift program is better if I struggle off the floor vs at lockout?
Coan-Phillipi’s speed triples and posterior-chain circuit are exceptional for floor speed and upper-back rigidity, while Mag/Ort’s 4×4 + 8+ AMRAP builds relentless rep endurance.