Boostcamp logo
BoostcampPNG
Cliff 5/3/1
IntermediateFree

Cliff 5/3/1

Unlock your strength potential with Cliff 5/3/1—12 weeks to lift heavier, push limits, and transform your training game for lasting results.

Clifford B.
Clifford B.· Jun 2025
1athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
60 min
**Cliff 5/3/1** is a structured 12-week strength training program designed for serious lifters looking to build muscle and increase their overall power. This program spans 48 training days, focusing on key compound lifts like the bench press, deadlift, and squat, combined with accessory movements to target specific muscle groups. Each week is strategically divided to maximize strength gains while ensuring adequate recovery, making it ideal for those committed to serious progress. Get ready to elevate your lifting game and achieve your strength goals with this proven method!

Who it's for

Intermediate athletes ready for a structured program
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
Triceps
11.5%
Upper Back
11.3%
Front Delts
11.1%
Chest
9.1%
Middle Delts
8.8%
Quadriceps
8.3%
Biceps
8.3%
Hamstrings
6.8%
Lats
6.3%
Abs
6.1%
Glutes
5.6%
Calves
2.5%
Adductors
1.7%
Forearms
1%
Lower Back
0.7%
Rear Delts
0.5%
Abductors
0.5%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)315 reps
3Chest Fly (Cable)315 reps
4Tricep Pushdown (Cable)315 reps
5Lying Tricep Extension (Barbell)315 reps
6Bench Press (Dumbbell)315 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Lat Pulldown215 reps
118 reps
3Seated Row (Cable)315 reps
4Bicep Curl (Barbell)315 reps
5Hammer Curl315 reps
6Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)315 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Overhead Press (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Upright Row (Barbell)412 reps
3Shrug (Barbell)412 reps
4Lateral Raise (Cable)412 reps
5Arnold Press412 reps
6Cable Crunch412 reps
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Leg Press412 reps
3Reverse Lunge (Dumbbell)412 reps
4Leg Curl412 reps
5Seated Calf Raise412 reps
6Cable Crunch412 reps

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, Cliff 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.

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

Cliff 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
11,000+ 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.
Free on iOS & Android