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5/3/1 BBS FSL (for athletes with back issues)
Beginner–IntermediateFree

5/3/1 BBS FSL (for athletes with back issues)

Program based on the 5/3/1 philosophy, dedicated specifically for athletes with back issues willing to enjoy big compounds.

Mishanya
Mishanya· May 2025
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
80 min
This is my custom program for handling severe back pain and gaining muscle while still doing the main barbell movements. I have a l5-s1 hernia, a spondy and a facet syndrome so planned the exercises accordingly. Feel free to modify as appropriate. Training max should be 90% of the actual rep. max. After finishing the cycle, add no more than 2,5 kilos to pressing and 5 kilos to other main compounds. Each workout begins with a McGill Big Three drill to be repeated on rest days. All exercises before the main lift of the day are warmup drills. The workouts require a trap bar, a belt squat and reverse hypers machines. Recommended to run for around a year before returning to competition lifts. Consider consulting a professional before starting. I share what works for me, may not work for you.

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 4 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Glutes
13.9%
Abs
11.8%
Lower Back
11.1%
Quadriceps
9.9%
Hamstrings
9.9%
Front Delts
9.8%
Triceps
8.6%
Middle Delts
5.5%
Chest
5.5%
Biceps
4.1%
Lats
3.6%
Upper Back
3.6%
Forearms
1.3%
Rear Delts
1.2%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Curl-Up11 min@6
2Side Plank11 min@6
3Bird Dog11 min@6
4Reverse Hyperextension310–12 reps@6
5Cuban Press110 reps@6
6Seated Military Press (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
7Seated Military Press (Barbell)25 reps65%
8Dip (Weighted)210 reps@7
9Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)210 reps@7
10Lat Pulldown310 reps@7
11Alternating Dumbbell Curl210 reps@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Curl-Up11 min@6
2Side Plank11 min@6
3Bird Dog11 min@6
4Reverse Hyperextension310–12 reps@6
5Trap Bar Deadlift15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
6Trap Bar Deadlift25 reps65%
7Belt Squat310 reps@7
8Abs Crunch (Weighted)420 reps@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Curl-Up11 min@6
2Side Plank11 min@6
3Bird Dog11 min@6
4Reverse Hyperextension310–12 reps@6
5Cuban Press110 reps@6
6Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
7Bench Press (Barbell)25 reps65%
8Dip (Weighted)210 reps@7
9Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)210 reps@7
10Lat Pulldown310 reps@7
11Alternating Dumbbell Curl210 reps@7
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Curl-Up11 min@6
2Side Plank11 min@6
3Bird Dog11 min@6
4Reverse Hyperextension310–12 reps@6
5Front Squat (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
6Front Squat (Barbell)25 reps65%
7Belt Squat310 reps@7
8Abs Crunch (Weighted)420 reps@7

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 BBS FSL (for athletes with back issues) 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 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 BBS FSL (for athletes with back issues) is structured around 4 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 BBS FSL (for athletes with back issues) 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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