550 reviews for 5/3/1 Boring But Big

5/3/1 Boring But Big (BBB) is a popular variation of Jim Wendler's famous 531 method for intermediate lifters to gain size and strength. It focuses on high volume accessories to induce hypertrophy after the main strength sets.

5/3/1 BBB is based on Jim Wendler's original article and is also free on the Reddit r/fitness wiki. Be sure to check out Jim's 5/3/1 Forever book, which collects all of Jim's methods.

5/3/1 BBB is free on Boostcamp App. You can also find other 5/3/1 templates like 5/3/1 for Beginners and 5/3/1 Building the Monolith in app format.

Read the full 5/3/1 program guide below.

4.25 / 5

David P.

Man, 36
18 hours ago

3 weeks complete

6 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

Its simple and easy to use.

Rodney L.

Man
7 days ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

No modifications

Bouncing back from not working out due to injury. This got my muscle mass and strength up more than I expected. Really pleased with the results. I may do another cycle. I didn't add anything. I was sure to get rest and a surplus of calories.

Toes

Man
9 days ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Easy for beginners, great for intermediate or advanced lifters getting back into routine.

Mk

Man, 36
11 days ago

3 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

Less than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

No modifications

Decent program

Llyr J.

Man, 53
16 days ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Added pull ups

Man, 22
17 days ago

3 weeks complete

4 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Great program. +10kg in squat PR, +10kg in Conventional Deadlift, did old PR on bench for 2 reps so PR is now around +2.5kg more.

Andrei C.

Man, 34
23 days ago

3 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Gained a few kg due to caloric surplus, gained strength which was my main goal, probably some muscle but in 4 weeks I can't really tell esthetically. But with strength comes muscle most of the time. I will continue to study Jim's methodology and books.

Joel M.

Man, 32
a month ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

This apps version of the program doesn’t automatically put your working weights at a reduced training max which is advised. So this program will be tough to run straight from the app. I always add lots more accessories for general hypertrophy/conditioning also. It’s a solid program and will work, it just takes commitment and time.

Anonymous

Man
a month ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Best out there for simplicity and results. Long grind.

David Matthews

Man, 30
a month ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

I got in a version of this in high school in the early 20s that helped me get my first two plate bench. I recommend this app and this program to anybody wanting to start out