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5/3/1 Karl’s Method
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5/3/1 Karl’s Method

It's just week one and three of 5/3/1, repeated as necessary. I do two workouts a week.

Måns V.
Måns V.· Sep 2024
28athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
2 weeks
Days / week
2 days
Level
Intermediate, Beginner, Advanced
Goal
Strength, Athletics
Equipment
Garage Gym
Session length
40 min
A ----- Squats Bench Press (Power Cleans)* B ------ Press Deadlifts (Chins)* Percentages and reps: Week 1 ------- 65%x5 75%x5 85%x5 Week 2 ------- 75%x5 85%x3 95%x1 If you get all the required reps, increase the weight. Otherwise, just repeat the previous two-week cycle. That's it. It's been working pretty well for me, especially for squats. Observe, this is not my program. This program is from Karl Schudt from the Starting Strength forum.

Who it's for

Athletes of all experience levels
Athletes focused on maximal strength
Athletes who can train 2 days per week
Athletes who train in a garage gym (barbell, rack, and basic free weights)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Quadriceps
18.4%
Glutes
13.9%
Triceps
9.6%
Front Delts
9.6%
Hamstrings
8%
Chest
8%
Middle Delts
8%
Olympic
6.7%
Abs
6.1%
Lower Back
5.9%
Adductors
3.2%
Lats
1.3%
Upper Back
1.1%
Biceps
0.3%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
3Power Clean53 reps65%
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Overhead Press (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
2Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps40%
15 reps50%
15 reps60%
15 reps65%
15 reps75%
15 reps85%
3Chin-Up (Bodyweight)125 reps@8

Weeks 2–2 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 Karl’s Method is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 2 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 40 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 Karl’s Method is structured around 2 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 2 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 Karl’s Method 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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