5/3/1 for Beginners
The famous 5/3/1 philosophy for beginner lifters
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
5/3/1 for Beginners is a popular variation of the 5/3/1 training methodology for beginners and novice lifters to dramatically increase their strength on the squat, bench, deadlift, and overhead press.
Be sure to check out 5/3/1 Forever book, which collects Jim's thinking on 5/3/1 with his latest training methods and over 50 training templates. Go to www.jimwendler.com to learn more.
5/3/1 for Beginners is free on Boostcamp App. You can also find other 5/3/1 templates like 5/3/1 Boring But Big and 5/3/1 Building the Monolith in app format for free on Boostcamp.
Read the 5/3/1 program guide below.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- LevelBeginner, Novice
- GoalPowerlifting, Powerbuilding
- EquipmentGarage Gym
- Program Length3 weeks
- Days Per Week3 days
- Recommended DaysMon, Wed, Fri
- Time Per Workout60 minutes
ON THE BOOSTCAMP APP FOR FREE
5/3/1 for Beginners Program Guide
5/3/1 FOR BEGINNERS APP INSTRUCTIONS
Setting your Training Max
During app program onboarding, enter your Training Max (TM), which is ~90% of your current 1 Rep Max (1RM).
If you don't know your 1RM, use the built-in 1RM calculator in Boostcamp App to estimate your 1RM. Be conservative with choosing your starting weights to ensure long-term progress.
Using 5/3/1 on Boostcamp
Each program cycle lasts 3 weeks, with increasing intensity each week, also known as progressive overload. 5/3/1 for Beginners is designed to be done for multiple cycles as long as you are able to make strength gains. You can run this program for multiple months.
Adjusting your Training Max
Once complete the 3 weeks, input new TM to start a new cycle. Generally speaking, below are the recommended increases to your TM for each new cycle:
• Squat +10 lb / 5 kg
• Deadlift +10 lb / 5 kg
• Bench +5 lb / 2.5 kg
• Overhead Press +5 lb / 2.5 kg
For the full 5/3/1 for Beginners program guide, click here.
5/3/1 WORKOUT SCHEDULE
Day 1 (Monday)
Squat – 5/3/1, 5x5
Bench – 5/3/1, 5x5
Accessories
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Deadlift – 5/3/1, 5x5
Press – 5/3/1, 5x5
Accessories
Friday
Bench – 5/3/1, 5x5
Squat – 5/3/1, 5x5
Accessories
See below for more detailed 531 workout details.
5/3/1 for Beginners ACCESSORIES
Each day perform 1 exercise from each category below. Perform 50-100 total reps total, with your preferred rep and set schemes (example: 8x10, 6x12, 5x15, 4x20). If you're too weak to get all the reps, then simply choose a 2nd movement to complete the total reps (example: chin-ups/pull-ups, DB bench/machine press).
The 3 categories to choose from are: push, pull and single leg/core.
Push: Dips, push-ups, DB bench/incline/machine press, triceps extensions/pushdowns
Pull: Chin-ups/pull-ups, inverted rows, rows (DB/BB/machine), face-pulls, band pull-aparts, lat pulldown, curls
Single Leg/Core: Any abdominal work, back raises, reverse hyperextensions, lunges, step-ups, Bulgarian one-leg squats, KB snatches, swings
5/3/1 for Beginners for FAQ
What is 5/3/1 for Beginners?
The 5/3/1 workout template tailored for beginner lifters who are relatively new to barbell strength training. 531 for Beginners will help you rapidly increase strength in the big 4 compound movements:
The increased strength will help you build muscular size along the way.
Who is 5/3/1 for Beginners for?
531 for Beginners is for beginner to novice lifters who want to follow Jim Wendler's famous 5/3/1 training method, but isn't advanced enough yet for his intermediate templates. To follow this program, you should ideally already know how to perform the compound lifts with decent form. If you're a complete beginner, check out the Greg Nuckols Beginner Program on Boostcamp.
Why do 5/3/1 for Beginners?
531 for Beginners is incredibly effective for building strength and size, especially for beginners who are just starting out. There's no fluff in the program; there's no guessing as to whether the program has worked or not. You'll be stronger, bigger, and more technically proficient in the compound lifts at the end 531.
How to do 5/3/1 for Beginners?
You can do 5/3/1 for Beginners for free on Boostcamp App, with 1RM onboarding, auto weight progressions, exercise demos, and progress tracking. Or you can search on Google for a spreadsheet.
Which 5/3/1 workout program is right for me?
5/3/1 for Beginners progresses faster than other 531 templates (i.e. your maxes are increased on a 3 week basis with no planned deloads). This is because beginner and novice lifters can make gains faster than intermediate and advanced lifters. If you're still under 1 year of consistent barbell training, 5/3/1 for Beginners is for you.
How to eat on 5/3/1 for Beginners?
You should ideally be eating at a calorie surplus while on 531 for Beginners. This will allow you to make the fastest strength and size gains. Aim to eat a high protein diet comprised primarily of whole nutritious foods.
5/3/1 for Beginners reviews and results
You can find 531 for Beginners reviews below or on Reddit r/weightroom. It is a popular programs that many lifters have used to gain size and strength.
531 Workout App on Boostcamp
5/3/1 for Beginners app is free on the Boostcamp App, the last lifting app you'll ever need. Boostcamp is not affiliated with Jim Wendler. For more info on Jim Wendler's training philosophy, be sure to visit www.jimwendler.com for his free writing, books, and store.