5/3/1: The Simplest And Most Effective Training System For Raw Strength (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
As an S&C coach/trainer (NSCA-CPT, CSPS) I end up reading a lot of programming books. There's not much I can add about 5/3/1 that hasn't already been covered. I will say this, it is one of the few strength books I use for my clients (the other two are Practical Programming for Strength Training & Tactical Barbell).The thing that makes 5/3/1 valuable for me is that rare combination of flexibility and effectiveness. My clients have a wide variety of goals, problems, priorities and schedules. For the most part they tend to be athletes as opposed to physique athletes/bodybuilders. They spend a lot of time working on other athletic skills and need varying amounts of strength training depending on the sport. Programs that are too rigid and heavy are not a good fit for guys like this that need to cross train. 5/3/1 is perfect. You can use a 2,3 or 4 day template along with a variety of strategies to further customize your strength training. As a trainer, that's invaluable. Highly recommended. This is in my top 3 must-have strength books, along with Starting Strength and Tactical Barbell. After dramatically increasing my lifts with Starting Strength, I predictable stalled (SS is geared towards novices, so it's to be expected. So the inevitable search for intermediate programming began. I tried Rip's other book Practical Programming, and variations of 531. I made some good progress with this one in comparison to the programs outlined in PP, and some of the others I've tried. Another strong point of this book is the style this book is written in, very fluff free and to the point. I do not like books or teachings that come across as verbose. There is a lot of knowledge imparted in a very simple way, the best way really, from someone in the trenches.Another thing that really made this book stand out for me was the flexibility. That made all the difference to me as an intermediate, and allowed me to get results without spending my life in the weight room. I have since moved on to Tactical Barbell, but I had great results with this. You can't go wrong here. Recommended.
What do You think about 5/3/1: The Simplest And Most Effective Training System For Raw Strength (2000)?
I can't wait to give this program a run. Perfect progression from Strong Lifts or Starting Strength.
—Alexx528
easy read, simple program that feeds perfectly into my crossfit programming.
—katy
I am now on my 5 month. Enjoying the workouts, simple yet brutal.
—annaemilyjackson
Simple, Straight-Forward and quick. The work will be harder.
—ellenthommo
