The Best Strength Program I’ve Ever Used (And the Only One That Didn’t Break Me)
I’ve tried a ton of strength programs over the last 25+ years. Some were great, some were a waste of time, and a few left me feeling like I got hit by a truck. But if there’s one program that stands out as both simple and incredibly effective, it’s Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 program.
It’s the only templated strength program I’ve used where I didn’t wind up injured. And trust me, I’ve pushed my limits in a lot of different ways. This program is different—it’s designed to make you stronger in a sustainable way.
Why 5/3/1 Works So Well
At its core, 5/3/1 is built around four main lifts:
- Squat
- Deadlift
- Bench Press
- Overhead Press
The progression is simple: you lift a percentage of your max in rep schemes that cycle through 5 reps, 3 reps, and 1 rep across different weeks. The key? You don’t max out all the time. Instead, you build strength gradually while staying fresh and avoiding burnout.
What Makes It Different?
Most programs push you to constantly lift heavy, chasing PRs every week. That’s a recipe for injury. 5/3/1 focuses on progressive overload with built-in recovery, so you’re always improving without beating up your joints.
It also allows for flexibility. Whether you want to get stronger for powerlifting, sports, or just life in general, you can adjust assistance exercises to match your goals. It’s a no-BS, results-driven approach to strength training.
The Results Speak for Themselves
I’ve run 5/3/1 multiple times over the years, and every time I come back to it, I get stronger without feeling broken down. That’s rare. If you’re looking for a program that delivers real, measurable progress without grinding you into dust, this is the one.
Want to check it out? Here’s the full breakdown of the program: 5/3/1 Strength Program.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of ways to build strength, but simple beats complicated every time. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want a strength program designed specifically for you schedule a free intro with us here.
