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.

4.26 / 5

Kotaro Yamane

Man, 25
6 hours ago

3 weeks complete

2 years of prior experience

Less than expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

No modifications

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, 44
5 days ago

3 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

No modifications

Go to program.

Isaiah Phillips

Man, 9
13 days ago

3 weeks complete

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

5 stars best program ever

Daniel C.

Man, 24
20 days ago

3 weeks complete

2 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

No modifications

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, 24
22 days ago

3 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

No modifications

Amazing 👏 🤩

Grant J.

Man, 23
22 days ago

3 weeks complete

5 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

This was a great way to re introduce myself to a strength based program after a lot of high volume bodybuilding work.

SA

Man, 32
2 months ago

3 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

I'd like a 3 day option that isn't beginners.

Michał S.

Man, 34
2 months ago

4 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

No modifications

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, 55
2 months ago

3 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

Great program overall. I just used it as a template for my main lifts while programming my own accessory work.

Man, 35
2 months ago

3 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Really enjoyed the program. Noticed a considerable difference being this is my first program I ran on my own. Definitely motivated to keep going.