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5/3/1 Building the monolith
IntermediateFree

5/3/1 Building the monolith

5/3/1 BTM Modified for powerlifting

Christopher M.
Christopher M.· Jul 2025
10athletes running this program
Free on iOS & Android

Overview

Length
6 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Strength, Muscle
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
80 min
531 Building the Monolith with a powerlifting focus. The press has been switched for a bench press variation, pick your favourite and use a conservative max. The pull-ups and face pulls have been substituted for cable rows and pull downs.

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 who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Upper Back
19.5%
Lats
15.5%
Chest
12.5%
Triceps
11.6%
Biceps
11.5%
Quadriceps
7.5%
Glutes
5.9%
Hamstrings
5.4%
Front Delts
4.9%
Adductors
2.2%
Abs
1.6%
Lower Back
1%
Forearms
1%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps70%
15 reps80%
35 reps90%
2Bench Press (Paused)15 reps70%
15 reps80%
55 reps90%
3Seal Row510 reps
4Bicep Curl (Cable)510 reps
5Hammer Curl510 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Low Bar)15 reps70%
15 reps80%
15 reps90%
15 reps50%
2Long Pause Bench Press105 reps70%
3Seated Wide-Grip Row (Cable)55 reps
4Lat Pulldown55 reps
5Shrug (Dumbbell)1010 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Low Bar)15 reps70%
15 reps80%
55 reps90%
2Long Pause Bench Press25 reps70%
15 reps80%
15 reps90%
3Seated Row (Cable)1010 reps
4Lat Pulldown1010 reps
5Dip (Bodyweight)510 reps
6Tricep Pushdown (Cable)510 reps

Weeks 2–6 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 Building the monolith is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 6 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a garage 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 80 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 Building the monolith 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 6 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 Building the monolith 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

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