44 reviews for r/Fitness Basic Beginner Routine (3x5)

The r/fitness Basic Beginner Routine 3x5 variation is a three-day routine with only five new movements. This routine is best framed as a “training wheels” routine. The primary goal is to be a simple, easy to follow routine that will help beginners get into the gym, start training with the standard barbell lifts, and build a habit of going to the gym consistently.

4.21 / 5

Bob S.

Man, 35
10 days ago

3 weeks complete

2 years of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Awesome for getting back into the gym after years off had to do inverted rows as I'm in a garage gym and didn't have the ability to do assisted chin ups so added some bicep work also

N A.

Man, 26
19 days ago

11 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

As expected strength gains

Less than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Fantastic introductory program! It helped me get started going to the gym and learn all the major compound lifts in a way that was very approachable and it was easy to track progress week to week. It worked for me and my gym buddy wonderfully and our numbers went up quite significantly in a short amount of time. I would direct anyone starting out to this program.

Muhammad Ghazi Abid

Man
3 months ago

11 weeks complete

5 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

I have ulcerative colitis amd this program helped me get back on track after a relapse and a long time off from working out. I had lost significant muscle mass and it helped me get my main compound lifts up to a respectable level. I also work in retail and the three days helped me in getting enough rest. Almost 3/4 of the way in I started adding some accessories to increase volume. I didn't make too many gains probanly because my sleep sucks ass and I tried eating a lot but I wasn't really counting my calories, just eating more than what I usually ate.

Christy G.

Woman, 34
3 months ago

3 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

I am new to weightlifting. This program has been a perfect introduction to lifting with the bar. I'm gaining confidence with the bar and feeling stronger. I have had to make some modifications. I wasn't able to do a chin up (I can now do one set!), so I use resistance bands wrapped around the chin up bar to make it easier. I also don't have a squat or bench press rack , so I use lighter weight and do a clean before I squat, and I use dumbbells on the floor for press. I have been happy to see progress!

Man, 36
4 months ago

5 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

This is a great program for those looking to solely build the habit of getting back into the gym. Progression pace is nice, and it’s not a giant time commitment. Show up and knock it out in 30 minutes. You’ll surprise yourself with the results!

Dana S.

Woman, 47
7 months ago

5 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

More than expected muscle gains

Significant modifications

I really liked the fact that I only had to focus on three lifts per session. It gave me a good foundation to build from. I also liked how it kept track of my progress and I could see the changes from week to week. I lost 3% body fat and I am more toned overall.

Nelson G.

Man, 38
10 months ago

3 weeks complete

1 year of prior experience

More than expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

No modifications

Nice program

K Swaby

Man, 47
a year ago

7 weeks complete

8 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Excellent program 👍🏿💪🏾

Tondo P.

Man, 40
a year ago

3 weeks complete

3 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Good choice after I returned back to the gym after long time.

Josh S.

Man, 33
a year ago

3 weeks complete

4 years of prior experience

As expected strength gains

As expected muscle gains

Marginal modifications

Great program if you’re beginning your journey or looking for a simple structure to follow that allows for modification/addition.