Gymscore · Program guide
Building the Monolith: A Guide to the Gymscore Template
The Gymscore template named Building the Monolith combines barbell work with large assistance-rep targets. Its three-day label can hide the size of each session, so examine the complete workload before choosing it.
Who this template suits
An experienced lifter who wants a short, demanding block and can allocate time to both the main lifts and extensive assistance.
When to choose another option
You need short sessions, are new to high-volume training, or want an exact reproduction of Jim Wendler’s original six-week plan.
Template length
6 weeks
The saved adaptation has three sessions per week for six weeks. Its main-lift waves, placement of the 20-rep squat work and some exercise choices differ from the original published program.
About this version
This guide explains the template available in Gymscore. It is an independently maintained adaptation, not an official edition of the original program or an endorsement by its creator. Check the original source when you need that exact version.
Program schedule
The saved adaptation has three sessions per week for six weeks. Its main-lift waves, placement of the 20-rep squat work and some exercise choices differ from the original published program.
| Program | Exercise |
|---|---|
| Monday — Squat/Press | Barbell Back Squat, Barbell Back Squat (Widowmaker), Overhead Press, Chin-ups |
| Wednesday — Deadlift/Bench | Barbell Deadlift, Bench Press, Dip, Dumbbell Row |
| Friday — Squat/Bench | Bench Press, Barbell Back Squat, Face Pull, Barbell Shrug, Barbell Curl |
How to track and progress
The stored adaptation uses a training-max change between its two three-week groups. Keep the selected max and all completed work visible rather than treating the phase change as proof that an increase has been earned.
Assistance targets include large total-rep counts. Log how those reps were completed across sets, not just the final total. Do not use the adaptation’s wave structure as an instruction for the original program; they are different versions.
Common mistakes
Equating three days with low workload
Review the full main-lift and assistance list before deciding the plan fits.
Hiding unfinished assistance behind a completed main lift
The saved session includes both; log completion honestly.
Mixing the original and adapted week prescriptions
Their set structure and exercise placement differ. Select one version instead of combining instructions opportunistically.
Questions answered
Is this the exact original Monolith plan?
No. Gymscore’s saved adaptation has material differences in main-lift waves and exercise placement. The creator’s article provides the original.
How long is the saved plan?
Six weeks with three weekly sessions.
How should I track the high-rep assistance?
Record the sets and reps that produced the total, along with any load used. This keeps two sessions with the same total meaningfully comparable.