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5/3/1 - Boring but Big
IntermediateFree

5/3/1 - Boring but Big

Bertus
Bertus· Feb 2025
Free on iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
60 min
This classic 5/3/1 program with Boring But Big supplemental work is your go-to leader program after you have finished the Wendler Beginner Prep School. Keep in mind that the last set of each day is an AMRAP. Goal of this program is getting strength and size up. Instead of training 4 days a week, we take a 3x per week approach, allowing you some more balance and recovery time.

Who it's for

Intermediate athletes ready for a structured program
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 3 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Front Delts
17.3%
Triceps
16.7%
Chest
9.3%
Upper Back
8.1%
Middle Delts
8%
Abs
6.9%
Quadriceps
6.5%
Glutes
6.5%
Hamstrings
6.5%
Lats
5.4%
Biceps
4.1%
Adductors
1.6%
Lower Back
1.6%
Forearms
1.4%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Squat (Barbell)510 reps45%
Superset
3APull-Up (Bodyweight)55 reps
3BDip (Bodyweight)55 reps
4Ab Mat Situp510 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Bench Press (Barbell)510 reps45%
3Barbell Row510 reps
4Seated Overhead Press (Dumbbell)510 reps
5Hanging Leg Raise510 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Deadlift (Barbell)510 reps45%
3Lat Pulldown (Close Grip)510 reps
4Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)510 reps
Superset
5AHammer Curl510 reps
5BSkull Crusher (Dumbbell)510 reps

Weeks 2–4 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, 5/3/1 - Boring but Big is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 4 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 60 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.

5/3/1 - Boring but Big is structured around 3 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 4 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

5/3/1 - Boring but Big 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
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Training logLog every set and track your weights automatically each session.
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