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Beginner 5/3/1
BeginnerFree

Beginner 5/3/1

5/3/1 for Beginners

Andy B.
Andy B.· Oct 2025
1athletes running this program
Free on iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Beginner
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
60 min
Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 program for Beginners To find your training max (used for the percentages each week) take your current 1RM and find 90%. Use that number for each week of training. After each three week cycle you should look to add 5-10lb on each Main Lift (Squat, Bench, Deadlift, Press) and update your training max. If you want more information on Wendler's 5/3/1 use the Google machine.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
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
Quadriceps
14%
Glutes
14%
Hamstrings
14%
Front Delts
14%
Triceps
14%
Abs
9.3%
Chest
9.3%
Middle Delts
4.7%
Adductors
4.7%
Lower Back
2.3%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
2Deadlift (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
3Deadlift (Barbell)55 reps65%
4Overhead Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
5Overhead Press (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
6Overhead Press (Barbell)55 reps65%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
2Bench Press (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
3Bench Press (Barbell)55 reps65%
4Squat (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
5Squat (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
6Squat (Barbell)55 reps65%
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
2Squat (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
3Squat (Barbell)55 reps65%
4Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
13 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
5Bench Press (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
6Bench Press (Barbell)55 reps65%

Weeks 2–12 are in the app

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

Common questions

Yes, Beginner 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 12 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.

Beginner 5/3/1 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 12 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Beginner 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

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