What is the 5 3 1 workout formula?

Author: Carmelo Bergnaum IV  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

The 5/3/1 workout formula—as popularized by Jim Wendler—is straightforward. In week one, you'll do three sets of five reps, week two is three sets of three reps, and week three is three sets altogether. The first is five reps, the second is three reps, and the third is one rep.

What is the 5 3 1 workout routine?

The 5/3/1 method is a four-week cycle that requires four workouts per week. Each workout session centers on one core lift: the bench press, squat, deadlift, or shoulder press. The rep scheme is as follows: Week one: For each workout, perform three sets of five reps (three x five) of one lifting exercise.

How does the 531 progression work?

In Week 1, you'll perform sets of five reps of these big lifts. In Week 2, you'll perform sets of three. And in Week 3, you'll perform sets of five, three, and one rep of each move. After a deload week lifting lighter weights to recover, the process is repeated—hopefully with more weight on the bar for each move.

How much weight to add 531?

After finishing your first cycle (first 4 weeks) you will add 5 Lb to your 1 rep max for the upper body exercises (bench press and military press), and 10 Lb to your 1 rep max for your lower body exercises (squat and deadlift) and recalculate your working numbers.

Is 531 BBB for beginners?

You can definitely start on BBB right away. Biggest caveat is you might be much stronger than you think (especially that squat number), so you think you're at X% of you 90%1RM but you're lower (because of lack of technique, experience, etc).

5/3/1 Vs. My Current Program - VOLUME & INTENSITY

How long to run 531 for beginners?

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. For the full 5/3/1 for Beginners program guide, click here. See below for more detailed 531 workout details.

What are the best assistance exercises for 531?

Once you've completed your prescribed sets and reps for each of these movements, you perform your assistance work.
  • Chin ups/Pull ups: ...
  • Best Wendler Assistance: Dips. ...
  • Assistance for Chicken Legs: Front Squats. ...
  • A Word about Conditioning. ...
  • Closing Thoughts.

Will 531 build muscle?

Both yes and no. The base version of 5/3/1 doesn't offer enough volume for much muscle growth, and the reps are too low. However, when you add on something like the 'Big But Boring' assistance template and start doing 5 sets of 10 to finish off each workout, you will absolutely start to see some serious muscle growth.

What is the Texas method workout?

The Texas Method is a three-days-per-week training regimen that emphasizes volume on Mondays, active recovery on Wednesdays, and intensity on Fridays.

How much weight should beginners use?

Medium vs. Heavy Weights. For beginners, Ben recommends trying five to 10 pounds for light weights, 10 to 20 pounds for medium weights, and 15 to 30 pounds for heavy weights—or simply starting with five-pound weights for each exercise and working up from there.

How often should I deload?

The frequency of deloading depends on the individual's training history, goals, and the intensity of their training program. Most athletes benefit from deloading every 4-12 weeks. However, if an athlete experiences symptoms of overtraining or fatigue, they may need to deload more frequently.

How to train for strength not size?

When training to build strength without bulking up, the focus should be on high-intensity, low-volume workouts that include longer rest periods and compound movements. Aim to train 3-4 times per week, with each session lasting between 60 and 70 minutes.

What is the Wendler 531 progression?

The Wendler 5/3/1 is a strength cycle over 4 Weeks. Starting with 5 reps in the first, 3 in the second, and a mix in the third week, before deloading in the last week. The last set is always an AMRAP. Out of the results you get in this AMRAP, the program calculates your new 1 rep max.

What is the 321 rule in fitness?

The 3-2-1 refers to your weekly split of workouts - three strength training sessions, two Pilates sessions, and one cardio session. All up, that's six sessions per week, leaving you one full rest day, too.

What is the 5 5 5 30 exercise?

The 5-5-5-30 Method
  • 5 pushups.
  • 5 squats.
  • 5 lunges.
  • and a 30-second plank.

What is the Chelsea workout?

Every minute on the minute (“EMOM“) for 30 minutes, perform 5 Pull-Ups, 10 Push-Ups, and 15 Air Squats. If there is any time left in each minute, rest until the next minute starts. Score is the number of rounds finished in 30 minutes, with the best possible score being 30 rounds.

What is the Japanese exercise method?

Best exercises: The body-sculpting moves of Sumo Squats work on your inner thighs, tummy, glutes, and hamstrings (Image: Canva)
  1. Sumo Squats. ...
  2. Tenugui Taido (Towel Swings) ...
  3. Lunges Toe Touch. ...
  4. Taiso (Japanese Calisthenics) ...
  5. Roll-Ups. ...
  6. Ball Twist.

What is the juggernaut training method?

The Juggernaut Method features a 16 week cycle broken up into four phases: “10s Phase” – working in the 10+ rep range, “8s Phase” – working in the 8+ rep range, “5s Phase” – working in the 5+ rep range, and “3s Phase” – working in the 3+ rep range.

What is the hardest muscle to grow in your body?

The lats tend to be one of the hardest muscles to develop.

Can a skinny guy build muscle in 3 months?

However, with consistency and dedication, it is possible to make significant muscle gain in 3 months. For example, if someone starts lifting weights three times a week and eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, they could expect to see noticeable muscle growth within three months.

What are the best accessory exercises for 5 3 1?

Pick a couple of exercises and do three to five sets of each after your main lift. “Exercises such as chin-ups, pull-ups, dips, lunges, dumbbell chest presses, leg raises, dumbbell rows, and leg presses work well for accessory lifts,” adds Kate Meier, CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, and GGR Head of Content.

What is hypertrophy?

WHAT IS HYPERTROPHY? Muscle hypertrophy (known simply as hypertrophy) is an increase in the size of a muscle, or its cross- sectional area attributed to an increase in the size and/ or number of myofibrils (actin and myosin) within a given muscle fiber.

What percentage is 531 training max?

The Training Max: What You Need to Know

The 90% rule was the recommended starting point, Beyond 531 may mention 85% or 80% or whatever but the bottom line is you manipulate your TM based on current training goals, current programming, current level of strength, etc. There is no hard rule for your TM.

What is the 531 lift schedule?

Each specific workout has 4 waves using 90% of your 1-rep max as a base number:
  • Week 1: Warmup, 65% x 5 reps, 75% x 5 reps, 85% x 5 reps.
  • Week 2: Warmup, 70% x 3 reps, 80% x 3 reps, 90% x 3 reps.
  • Week 3: Warmup, 75% x 5 reps, 85% x 3 reps, 95% x 1 rep.
  • Week 4 - Deload week: Warmup, 40% x 5 reps, 50% x 5 reps, 60% x 5 reps.

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