495 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.
Kotaro Yamane
Man, 253 weeks complete
2 years of prior experience
Less than expected strength gains
Less than expected muscle gains
I Returning after a month-long break, I needed a 'bridge' program to back . This program has quite a lot of volume, was effective at preparing my body to resume another weight training
Willis M.
Man, 443 weeks complete
8 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
Go to program.
Isaiah Phillips
Man, 93 weeks complete
More than expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
5 stars best program ever
Daniel C.
Man, 243 weeks complete
2 years of prior experience
More than expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Built up strength for bench press more than I expected. Was able to add strength gains from all the compounds and gotten more muscle is. Great programme for getting stronger.
Max D.
Man, 243 weeks complete
3 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
Amazing 👏 🤩
Grant J.
Man, 233 weeks complete
5 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
This was a great way to re introduce myself to a strength based program after a lot of high volume bodybuilding work.
SA
Man, 323 weeks complete
1 year of prior experience
As expected strength gains
As expected muscle gains
I'd like a 3 day option that isn't beginners.
Michał S.
Man, 344 weeks complete
3 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
Less than expected muscle gains
Overall a good foundation for customization. Strength-wise it’s decent for an intermediate but lacks coverage of some body parts like arms, so I’d suggest supersetting arms with 5x10s or accessories if one does value some hypertrophy. I did progress in all but deadlifts in a span of 1 month which is promising but not great. Was eating well. I’m going to use it as a solid blueprint and definitely will run in the nearest future.
malharmi
Man, 553 weeks complete
3 years of prior experience
As expected strength gains
Less than expected muscle gains
Great program overall. I just used it as a template for my main lifts while programming my own accessory work.
Man, 35
3 weeks complete
1 year of prior experience
More than expected strength gains
More than expected muscle gains
Really enjoyed the program. Noticed a considerable difference being this is my first program I ran on my own. Definitely motivated to keep going.