Program Name
5/3/1 (Original…scroll down for other variations of the program)
Price
Free w/ paid options (there’s enough free info available from Wendler himself to get you started, however, 531 is a premium program, originally found in his books by the same name)
Author
Jim Wendler
Primary Goal
Strength
Secondary Goal
Hypertrophy
Special Focus
None
Program Length (in weeks)...meant to be cycled indefinitely
Training Days (per week)...can technically be modified for as little as 2-3 days
Average Session Length (in minutes)...can be modified for more or less
Primary Equipment
Barbell
Specialty Equipment
None (although any extra equipment could be very helpful for assistance work)
Novice Friendly?
Maybe (most folks consider it intermediate-to-advance, however, Jim Wendler said it works regardless of training age…if you’re brand new, try the beginner version aka 5314B)
Prerequisite Skills
- Back squat
- Bench press
- Deadlift
- Overhead press
Program Overview
Overview pending. In the meantime, check out the Reddit Fitness 5/3/1 Primer, the resources listed below, or by all means, READ THE BOOKS!
Reviews, Results and Discussions
5/3/1 is one of the most heavily reviewed programs on the planet. This list is by know means comprehensive. That said, by the time you get through reading/watching all the reviews listed below, you could have added 100 lbs to your all your main lifts.
Just about every Reddit review of the program (link to dozens more reviews)
Gymtalk.com 5/3/1 By Jim Wendler Workout Review
Powerliftingtowin.com’s Better than Before: A Review of Beyond 5/3/1 by Jim Wendler
Marathon-crossfit.com’s Detailed 8-month Review
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Resources
- 5/3/1 Primer (Fitness sub Reddit’s overview)
- 5/3/1: How to Build Pure Strength (Wendler’s write up of the program basics on T-Nation)
- An In-Depth Look at 5/3/1 (lift.net’s overview)
- Collection of the books on Amazon
- Collection of the books on JW’s site
- The Powerlifters Guide to Assistance Exercises & Training (Dave Tate on elitefts)
- Great comprehensive guides to the “Big Three” powerlifts by Greg Nuckols