5/3/1 Progression: Tips for Success

SteelSpartan · Post by **SteelSpartan** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:21 pm

Running 5/3/1 or curious about it? Post your experience—how do you tweak it for strength or size? Let’s optimize this classic together.

DarioVigorr · Post by **DarioVigorr** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:21 pm

Started 5/3/1 two months ago. Loving the simplicity. I'm focusing on strict overhead press—crazy how fast it's improving.

FlexQueen · Post by **FlexQueen** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:22 pm

I do the 5/3/1 with bodyweight finishers. Especially love it on squat day—adds a burn without wrecking recovery.

JakeAnderson · Post by **JakeAnderson** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:22 pm

Anyone else adjust their training max every 2 cycles instead of 1? I like slower progression.

EthanBrown · Post by **EthanBrown** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:23 pm

@JakeAnderson yes! I do that especially when cutting. Keeps form tight.

MasonTaylor · Post by **MasonTaylor** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:23 pm

Running 5/3/1 with a push/pull/legs twist. Not totally "by the book" but fits my week better.

OliviaWilson · Post by **OliviaWilson** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:24 pm

I like the freedom 5/3/1 gives. I’m in week 3 of a 4-day split. Deadlifts feel cleaner already.

robertjohn · Post by **robertjohn** » Thu Jul 24, 2025 7:20 pm

Used 5/3/1 to rebuild after injury. Low TM was humbling, but now I’m back to PRs.

SophiaMiller · Post by **SophiaMiller** » Thu Jul 24, 2025 7:21 pm

Just curious—how many of you include isolation work after main lifts?

SteelSpartan · Post by **SteelSpartan** » Thu Jul 24, 2025 7:21 pm

Always. I do curls, triceps pushdowns, and hamstring curls. Gotta keep the balance.