logo
BoostcampPNG
5/3/1 Slightly Less Boring But Big
Beginner–IntermediateFree

5/3/1 Slightly Less Boring But Big

Jason R.
Jason R.· Mar 2025
32athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
6 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
60 min
Jim Wendler's variation of BBB called slightly less BBB. 4 Days per week with more accessories for additional hypertrophy. Set up in Upper-Lower layout

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

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Triceps
11.4%
Front Delts
10%
Upper Back
9.6%
Hamstrings
8.6%
Biceps
8.4%
Glutes
7.8%
Quadriceps
7.1%
Middle Delts
7.1%
Abs
6.8%
Lats
5.3%
Chest
5%
Rear Delts
3.6%
Calves
2.9%
Forearms
2.9%
Lower Back
2.5%
Adductors
1.1%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
310 reps60%
2Leverage Squat410–15 reps@9
3Nordic Curl410–15 reps@9
4Standing Calf Raise410–15 reps@9
5Bicep Curl (Barbell)410–15 reps@9
6Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)48–12 reps@9
7Cable Crunch315–20 reps@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Overhead Press (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
310 reps60%
2Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)48–12 reps@9
3Lat Pulldown48–12 reps@9
4Dip (Weighted)46–10 reps@9
5Seated Row (Cable)48–12 reps@9
6Overhead Tricep Extension (Cable)410–15 reps@9
7Lateral Raise (Cable)415–20 reps@9
8Face Pull415–20 reps@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
310 reps60%
2Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)48–12 reps@9
3Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)48–12 reps@9
4Standing Calf Raise410–15 reps@9
5Bicep Curl (EZ Bar)48–12 reps@9
6Bicep Curl (Cable)48–12 reps@9
7Ab Wheel320 reps@9
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
310 reps60%
2Single Arm Row (Dumbbell)48–12 reps@9
3Arnold Press48–12 reps@9
4Chin-Up (Weighted)36–8 reps@9
5Tricep Extension (Cable)410–15 reps@9
6Rear Delt Fly (Dumbbell)410–15 reps@9
7Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)415–20 reps@9

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 Slightly Less 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 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 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 Slightly Less Boring But Big 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 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 Slightly Less 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
1,000+ 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