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Powerbuilding 5/3/1
Intermediate–AdvancedFree

Powerbuilding 5/3/1

5/3/1 Powerbuilding for Busy Lifters

Tx.
Tx.· Jul 2025
3athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
3 weeks
Days / week
5 days
Level
Intermediate, Advanced
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
40 min
This program is designed for those who enjoy combining lifting with other activities such as running or cycling. Each session typically takes 40 to 50 minutes and consists of around 10 to 15 sets per day. The program also considers those who wish to include additional cardio training—such as running or cycling—on workout days, not just on designated rest or cardio days. This program is a powerbuilding routine built on the foundation of Wendler’s 5/3/1 method. It aims to increase strength in the big three lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift) while promoting hypertrophy and body recomposition. The weekly structure follows a 5-day split: Lower – Upper – Rest (or Cardio) – Lower – Push – Pull – Rest (or Cardio). Each main lift progresses using the 5/3/1 principles, while accessory movements focus on volume, symmetry, and muscle development. Optional cardio or active recovery is recommended on rest days for improved conditioning and fat loss.

Who it's for

Athletes at the Intermediate–Advanced level
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 5 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Front Delts
12.4%
Triceps
12.4%
Hamstrings
11.6%
Quadriceps
10.9%
Glutes
10.6%
Abs
6.9%
Middle Delts
6.4%
Upper Back
6.2%
Chest
5.9%
Lats
4%
Rear Delts
3.7%
Lower Back
3%
Biceps
2.7%
Adductors
2.5%
Forearms
0.7%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Deficit Deadlift (Barbell)38 reps@7
3Leg Curl220 reps@8
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)215 reps@8
5One Arm Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)1AMRAP@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Overhead Press (Dumbbell)310 reps@8
3Overhead Press (Dumbbell)1AMRAP@9
4Seated Row (Machine)210 reps@8
5Seated Row (One Arm)1AMRAP@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Squat (Paused)38 reps@8
3Reverse Hack Squat38 reps@8
4Lunge (Barbell)1AMRAP@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Military Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Incline Bench Press (Smith Machine)310 reps@8
3Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)215 reps@8
4Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)1AMRAP@9
5SuperROM Front Raise310 reps@8
6Front Raise310 reps@8
7Chest Fly (Machine)215 reps@8
8Chest Fly (Machine)1AMRAP@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Lat Pulldown310 reps@8
2Straight Arm Pulldown315 reps@8
3Incline Curl (Dumbbell)210 reps@8
4Incline Curl (Dumbbell)1AMRAP@9
5Rear Delt Fly (Machine)215 reps@8
6Rear Delt Fly (Machine)1AMRAP@9
7Single Leg Deadlift310 reps@8

Weeks 2–3 are in the app

Download Boostcamp to follow the full program with auto-progression and built-in coaching notes.

Common questions

Yes, Powerbuilding 5/3/1 is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 3 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a full gym. Make sure you have consistent access before starting, since the progression model assumes you can perform the same movements week over week.

Each session typically takes around 40 minutes to complete. That estimate covers your working sets but doesn't account for warm-up or rest between sets, so budget a little extra time when you're first learning the movements.

Powerbuilding 5/3/1 is structured around 5 training days per week, with rest days built in to allow for recovery. The Boostcamp app lets you reschedule sessions if your week doesn't go to plan.

The program runs for 3 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Powerbuilding 5/3/1 is available inside the Boostcamp app, free on iOS and Android. Once you download the app, you can search for the program by name. The app tracks all your sets and weights automatically, so you always know exactly what to do next session.

Get started

Boostcamp app
1,000+ free programsStrength, hypertrophy, powerlifting and more, from elite coaches. All free.
Auto-progressionWeights and targets update automatically based on how you perform.
Coaching notesBuilt-in cues from the creator inside every workout session.
Progress trackingLog every set and see your strength gains over weeks and months.
Advanced analyticsTrack volume, intensity, and 1RM trends to see exactly how your training is evolving.
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