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531 is one of the most simple and effective strength building programs available, and it has been used by beginners, gym enthusiasts and top athletes around the world, and continues to be used today.
Wendler has continued to adjust and update the 5/3/1 to keep it current with the ever-changing world of resistance training and to reflect his ever-growing expertise and experience.
Shendler is an athlete with an extensive background in fitness and training. A three-time letter winner in football at the University of Arizona, he has competed many times in powerlifting events.
He achieved an incredible personal best of 2375 lbs during his professional career, which included squatting 1000 lbs, deadlifting 700 lbs, and bench pressing 675 lbs.
James Wendler says this squat, done at 275 pounds, was a landmark for him. Although this lift is no longer impressive in today’s world of powerlifting, it meant a lot to me. This was done at the 2005 Ironhouse meet, I believe.
He has become a highly regarded speaker, author, and coach of top athletes during his career in the fitness industry.
Wendler has spent the last 20 years in the fitness industry, but now believes that his calling is as a writer rather than a coach.
He posts regular articles about powerlifting, strength training, program design, and ongoing professional development as a coach on his own website.
Several of his articles are also posted on social media accounts and health and fitness websites. He writes for the popular strength training website T-Nation as well.
How does the 5/3/1 Program work?
Wendler developed his 531 Program, a cyclical system, as a result of the debates and confusion surrounding strength training. Wendler designed it to enhance his own focus in the gym by eliminating tedious steps and puzzling tasks using uncomplicated techniques.
Contrary to other bodybuilding or powerlifting programs, the Jim Wendler 531 Forever PDF is designed to do more than simply increase size.
To build size, Wendler sought a training regime that went beyond squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. It was important to him to build functional strength through movement, while remaining flexible and in great shape.
Since multi-joint, “compound” movements form the foundation of the 5-3-1 workout, it is similar to other strength building workouts.
Improving foundational lifts (or core lifts) yields a number of benefits, plus the 531 includes a number of accessory exercises that promote hypertrophy by providing additional volume.
Building Strength for Beginners: 5/3/1
As Wendler emphasizes in the program outline, 531 is open to anyone, regardless of age or previous training experience.
The program is just as challenging for a highly trained athlete as it is for the ground zero novice, but it’s important to start light, and not let ego interfere with the weight used in the workout.
It is even more essential for beginners since their nervous system (which controls movement) needs time to become accustomed to the movements required for many of the exercises.
Beginners should focus on learning the movements before increasing weight. Alternative novice programs include:
- Starting Strength Routine
- Powerbuilding routine for Greyskull LP
- Ice Cream Fitness 5×5
You need to do your research and choose the program that is right for you.