Beyond 5/3/1: Simple Training for Extraordinary Results by Jim Wendler is the follow to one of the seminal books on strength for a generation.

Since its release, Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1: The Simplest and Most Effective Training System for Raw Strength has become one of the most popular training protocols for anyone looking to increase their strength.

My articles on my own experiences with 5/3/1 are some of the most read on this site and with good reason. Training 5/3/1 was a revolution for me – the simple, easy to follow workouts are no nonsense, high value and time efficient.

All of which is essential for a hard working Dad.

“No man should be without passion. No man should be miserable and chain himself to meaningless tasks: to be a slave to others.” – Jim Wendler, Beyond 5/3/1

But if you’re like me and you’ve been training 5/3/1 for a while, you’re probably looking to  ramp things up. So where do you go to develop your training to take it to the next level?

Beyond 5/3/1 – A Fitting Follow Up to the Original Book

When I first started reading Beyond 5/3/1, I was expecting a sequel of sorts – a bit more fleshing out of the original concepts with more elaboration. Perhaps a little bit more detail on nutrition and assistance exercises.

How wrong could you be?

While the book does draw on the principles of Wendler’s original concept, Beyond 5/3/1 is rammed with new programmes, new variations and new methods or building strength and muscle in the fastest and safest way possible.

The book contains 45 new training programmes which are loosely based on 5/3/1 but often serve different purposes including hypertrophy (muscle growth), mobility and good old raw strength and power.

Highlights include:

  • More than 10 different variations on the popular ‘Boring But Big’ assistance programme
  • Joker sets  – one of the most popular programmes from the book
  • How to train 2 x a week (perfect for busy Dads )
  • The unimaginably brutal 100 rep challenge

And more.

There is probably a lifetime’s worth of training material in here all delivered in Wendler’s no nonsense, straight talking style. You’ll be familiar with this if you’ve read my site for any length of time.

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Suck it Up and Take Your Training to the Next Level

If you’ve devoured Wendler’s writing and have trained 5/3/1 for a while but want to take things to the next level, then this book is for you. The workout variations will keep your gains coming and your progress flowing.

Challenge programmes like the Beach Body and 100 Rep Challenge add in much needed variety as well as building muscle in double quick time.

But the training systems are also practical – Jim Wendler is a Dad so he knows not everyone has the time or resources to spend 90 minutes in the gym 6 times per week. Which is why he offers different options depending on how time rich (or poor) you are.

If you Want the System, Buy the Book

You can find various resources on 5/3/1 on the web, including workouts published by the man himself.

There are also a wide range of articles and blog posts on different people’s experiences of Wendler’s protocols (check out my 5/3/1 resources page for more info).

But none of these things are a substitution for reading the book. If you want the knowledge and programmes, buy the book. Otherwise, click off because you won’t find any ripped off workouts here (and I’m not sure I want you reading my site if all you want is bootleg training info).

For the cost of a burger and fries, you can have all the training information you’d ever need. Use it wisely and it will take you to the next level, Beyond 5/3/1.

jim wendler beyond 5/3/1 review summary

Click here to Buy (Amazon)

P.S. This is an overview of Beyond 5/3/1 but I fully intend on writing about my experiences with some of the different variations and programmes. If there are any you’d like to read about in particular, send me an email.

P.P.S My free fat loss E-book is still available. You can get it by signing up to the newsletter here.

About Neil M White

Neil has been writing for a number of years. He has worked as a freelance writer both in the UK and internationally and has worked on a number of high profile media projects. Neil spends his spare time hiking, in the gym or hanging out with his family.

2 comments add your comment

    • It’s definitely worth a look. My DL has gone from around 100kg to 155kg (in March) which was around 18 months. The whole point of the programmes are small gains, not ‘ADD 30LBS TO YOUR BENCH IN 4 WEEKS’ which is utter BS.

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