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5/3/1 Forever: Simple and Effective Programming for Size, Speed and Strength
5/3/1 Forever is all about programming your total training; this includes mobility, jumps/med ball throws, your main lifts, supplemental, assistance work, conditioning and recovery. As always, each part is broken down and addressed in a simple, easy to read/implement manner. This allows the trainer, coach, athlete or lifter to program his training according to the goals. There are many training programs included and paths you can take that allow for millions of different variations and will keep your training fresh and moving forward for decades. These PROGRAMS NOT TEMPLATES are completely outlined, explained and include main lifts, supplemental lifts, assistance lifts and conditioning. You will also learn how to effectively transition between the programs. Also included is the very popular and incredibly successful Krypteia program; this is being used by high school athletes for building size, speed, strength and power. Football, basketball, track and baseball players have all used this program with great success. There are no pictures in this book and there is no fluff. This book requires a working knowledge of the base 5/3/1 Program and philosophy. If you don't already own 5/3/1: The Simplest And Most Effective Training System For Raw Strength - you should get it.
269 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
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February 9, 2018neither did I completely finish this, I'll pull it out after my competition to see if I want to change my programming but old school 5/3/1 is working fine for me right now. I don't have time or energy to do more volume or more days at the gym.
Dude needs an editor, and someone to smack him every time he makes a stupid macho dick comment, AND to put some fucking strength standards for women. Jesus. And a glossary. Did I mention an editor?
I read some of the reviews for the previous books and it sounds like they are more of the same.
Dude needs an editor, and someone to smack him every time he makes a stupid macho dick comment, AND to put some fucking strength standards for women. Jesus. And a glossary. Did I mention an editor?
I read some of the reviews for the previous books and it sounds like they are more of the same.
December 26, 2023
Alot of good info!
April 22, 2024
A good book with great information about programming/training that could be further improved if it was edited better and structured differently.
There seems to be no logical order in which the programs are presented, resulting in many programs using concepts that are then explained in future parts of the book which makes certain programs a lot harder to understand.
This could be easily fixed by starting with the original 531 (as most of the programs are based off that), and then each time a new concept is explained, present a program that utilises that concept.
This book is also riddled with typos, and I was quite shocked to discover that this book actually did have an editor.
I'm personally a fan of Jim Wendler's macho attitude, but if you're not, it may stifle your enjoyment of this book.
Overall, it's a good book and I would definitely recommend picking it up if you're serious about getting stronger.
There seems to be no logical order in which the programs are presented, resulting in many programs using concepts that are then explained in future parts of the book which makes certain programs a lot harder to understand.
This could be easily fixed by starting with the original 531 (as most of the programs are based off that), and then each time a new concept is explained, present a program that utilises that concept.
This book is also riddled with typos, and I was quite shocked to discover that this book actually did have an editor.
I'm personally a fan of Jim Wendler's macho attitude, but if you're not, it may stifle your enjoyment of this book.
Overall, it's a good book and I would definitely recommend picking it up if you're serious about getting stronger.
January 10, 2021
This book is terribly organized and very hard to follow. I say this as someone who loves the 5/3/1 program and Jim Welder's ideas. This book has tons of different programs listed and I am sure many of them are great. However, finding the right program for you and then understanding the program are just too hard. The book doesn't even have a table of contents that includes the programs! There are abbreviations in each program description that are defined in some other random spot in the book but there is no glossary. Once I have found something I like it is a bit chore to find it again. Jim, if you are reading this, I beg you to hire a good editor and re-release a second edition that is actually usable!
October 4, 2021
Clears up a lot of the confusion from the mess that is Beyond 5/3/1.
After a little reading online this should be the only book on 5/3/1 you'll need. Loads of templates explained (fairly) well with decent discussion on how to run them.
There is a fair bit of jargon though and requires a few re-reads to understand the poorly named concepts.
After a little reading online this should be the only book on 5/3/1 you'll need. Loads of templates explained (fairly) well with decent discussion on how to run them.
There is a fair bit of jargon though and requires a few re-reads to understand the poorly named concepts.
May 4, 2026
Positives:
If you want to learn about 5/3/1, this is the book to pick up. Some of the older versions lacked clarity around SSL/FSL/Jokers, etc., but this edition clears up much of that confusion. It’s packed with countless programs to draw from. Keep in mind that the overarching philosophy is to train 3–4 days per week with one main barbell lift per day. There are a few programs that deviate from this, but they typically just split barbell work into heavy and light volume so you end up performing two main lifts in a session.
I’ve followed the 5/3/1 program for three years and have run numerous templates, including FSL, SSL, BBB, BBLB, the BBB Challenge, and original 5/3/1, to name a few. I’ve added over 125 lb to my deadlift, 100+ lb to my squat, 100 lb to my bench, and 75 lb to my OHP. All steady progress, with zero injuries, simply from sticking to the plan (with slight modifications to account for age).
Depending on your training style, you might love or hate the accessory work, which can range from 0–100 reps. There are countless options, and the beauty of the program is that the accessories are highly flexible. You can keep it simple with pull-ups, dips, rows, and lunges, or if you train with unconventional tools, you can work them in (kettlebells, mace, landmine, sandbags, etc.). The latter approach may require some programming experience or a seasoned coach to help, but it’s not too difficult to integrate.
I’ve added kettlebell C&P&Fs into my training countless times without feeling overly taxed or blowing up my CNS. Coaching tip: if you want to incorporate more advanced or unconventional tool, run them as assistance work in a descending fashion as intensity increases. This mirrors the structure of 5/3/1 and helps reduce unnecessary high-volume fatigue. It would look something like, 5x5, 4x4, 3x3 with incressing weihgt.
Subtle negatives:
There’s no table of contents, and the overall organization isn’t great. It also doesn’t offer much specific guidance for masters lifters, its more of a personal widome call. But to be fair, Jim does include warnings about some of the more aggressive templates, so a bit of common sense goes a long way.
He’s also refind some of his original advice over time, especially around fatigue, life stress, and age, which he talks more about on YouTube. While some of this is implied in the book, it’s not always explicit. For example, a 45-year-old starting 5/3/1 with FSL might see 50–100 accessory reps in the template, which might need adjusted. A simple tweak could be running an FSL wave like 5x5 → 4x5 → 3x5, along with reducing accessory work to ~25–50 total reps, then building up. At the end of the day, you need to apply some judgment to the framework.
Wrap-up:
That said, there are a ton of gems in this book, and you will make progress if you stick with it. Personally, I’ve found it to be one of the best programs for long-term progression without burning you out your CNS. Highly recommended!
If you want to learn about 5/3/1, this is the book to pick up. Some of the older versions lacked clarity around SSL/FSL/Jokers, etc., but this edition clears up much of that confusion. It’s packed with countless programs to draw from. Keep in mind that the overarching philosophy is to train 3–4 days per week with one main barbell lift per day. There are a few programs that deviate from this, but they typically just split barbell work into heavy and light volume so you end up performing two main lifts in a session.
I’ve followed the 5/3/1 program for three years and have run numerous templates, including FSL, SSL, BBB, BBLB, the BBB Challenge, and original 5/3/1, to name a few. I’ve added over 125 lb to my deadlift, 100+ lb to my squat, 100 lb to my bench, and 75 lb to my OHP. All steady progress, with zero injuries, simply from sticking to the plan (with slight modifications to account for age).
Depending on your training style, you might love or hate the accessory work, which can range from 0–100 reps. There are countless options, and the beauty of the program is that the accessories are highly flexible. You can keep it simple with pull-ups, dips, rows, and lunges, or if you train with unconventional tools, you can work them in (kettlebells, mace, landmine, sandbags, etc.). The latter approach may require some programming experience or a seasoned coach to help, but it’s not too difficult to integrate.
I’ve added kettlebell C&P&Fs into my training countless times without feeling overly taxed or blowing up my CNS. Coaching tip: if you want to incorporate more advanced or unconventional tool, run them as assistance work in a descending fashion as intensity increases. This mirrors the structure of 5/3/1 and helps reduce unnecessary high-volume fatigue. It would look something like, 5x5, 4x4, 3x3 with incressing weihgt.
Subtle negatives:
There’s no table of contents, and the overall organization isn’t great. It also doesn’t offer much specific guidance for masters lifters, its more of a personal widome call. But to be fair, Jim does include warnings about some of the more aggressive templates, so a bit of common sense goes a long way.
He’s also refind some of his original advice over time, especially around fatigue, life stress, and age, which he talks more about on YouTube. While some of this is implied in the book, it’s not always explicit. For example, a 45-year-old starting 5/3/1 with FSL might see 50–100 accessory reps in the template, which might need adjusted. A simple tweak could be running an FSL wave like 5x5 → 4x5 → 3x5, along with reducing accessory work to ~25–50 total reps, then building up. At the end of the day, you need to apply some judgment to the framework.
Wrap-up:
That said, there are a ton of gems in this book, and you will make progress if you stick with it. Personally, I’ve found it to be one of the best programs for long-term progression without burning you out your CNS. Highly recommended!
December 10, 2024
"Training is like building a castle: each day, you lay another brick...each brick is important but the key is eventually looking up and seeing that you built a strong castle" - Jim Wendler
Dense but wisdom packed, Wendler wastes no time in emphasizing why it is important to program training and how to do so. Very much a brain dump of Wendler's experience and intrusive thoughts onto paper - it does not read kindly but it does the job.
The real lesson here is the importance of training for a purpose, having a goal and then following a logical (albeit boring) training program to achieve that goal. Discipline and patience become important in the long game of lifting. A healthy dose of recovery and load management is present to balance otherwise challenging programs. For the short sighted, impatient who burn out easily, this training method is the cure that will prevent injury and promote consistency. Personally, the base 5/3/1 template on a 2:1 leader/anchor cycle with a 7th week test and deload strikes the right balance between efficient use of time and performance. There are many training programs offered for more specific goals like preparing for a fitness test or hitting PRs.
Though focused on strength training, ample attention is paid to the importance of conditioning and being a well rounded athlete - a carryover from Wendler's football days. However it is clear that programming lifting is the name of the game and the target audience is very much weightlifters or those using lifting to supplement their chosen athletic discipline with strength. 5/3/1 is a function over form style of training that focuses on hitting PRs and lifting numbers in a sustainable way. It is probably less useful for those concerned with bodybuilding or physique training and more useful for those with athletic pursuits.
Dense but wisdom packed, Wendler wastes no time in emphasizing why it is important to program training and how to do so. Very much a brain dump of Wendler's experience and intrusive thoughts onto paper - it does not read kindly but it does the job.
The real lesson here is the importance of training for a purpose, having a goal and then following a logical (albeit boring) training program to achieve that goal. Discipline and patience become important in the long game of lifting. A healthy dose of recovery and load management is present to balance otherwise challenging programs. For the short sighted, impatient who burn out easily, this training method is the cure that will prevent injury and promote consistency. Personally, the base 5/3/1 template on a 2:1 leader/anchor cycle with a 7th week test and deload strikes the right balance between efficient use of time and performance. There are many training programs offered for more specific goals like preparing for a fitness test or hitting PRs.
Though focused on strength training, ample attention is paid to the importance of conditioning and being a well rounded athlete - a carryover from Wendler's football days. However it is clear that programming lifting is the name of the game and the target audience is very much weightlifters or those using lifting to supplement their chosen athletic discipline with strength. 5/3/1 is a function over form style of training that focuses on hitting PRs and lifting numbers in a sustainable way. It is probably less useful for those concerned with bodybuilding or physique training and more useful for those with athletic pursuits.
January 15, 2020
The programming is exceptional and there is enough to last forever. It is poorly laid out and structured. There is no table of contents, abbreviations are undefined, and lots of phrasing is ambiguous
If new to 5/3/1 I see no reason not to just skip all the other books and only read this one. It is the most definitive and some of the programming is updated based on Wendler's experience since writing his previous books. You will have to google some acronyms or look through the Reddit 5/3/1 discussion for clarification on a few programming questions anyway.
This book isn't for anyone new to lifting. It is intended for someone who has run a linear progression program featuring the 4 main lifts (squat, deadlift, press, and bench) first. What it offers is sustainable programming that you can continue to make progress on without increasing your weights every single workout or week.
I have been running a program from the book named 5x5/3/1 since Christmas 2019. If you want to know more about how the programming has worked for me, feel free to ask me so long as a few months have gone by.
If new to 5/3/1 I see no reason not to just skip all the other books and only read this one. It is the most definitive and some of the programming is updated based on Wendler's experience since writing his previous books. You will have to google some acronyms or look through the Reddit 5/3/1 discussion for clarification on a few programming questions anyway.
This book isn't for anyone new to lifting. It is intended for someone who has run a linear progression program featuring the 4 main lifts (squat, deadlift, press, and bench) first. What it offers is sustainable programming that you can continue to make progress on without increasing your weights every single workout or week.
I have been running a program from the book named 5x5/3/1 since Christmas 2019. If you want to know more about how the programming has worked for me, feel free to ask me so long as a few months have gone by.
January 11, 2020
IMPORTANT: This book does not stand alone. If you are new to 5/3/1, stop here. Read the first two, “5/3/1” and “Beyond 5/3/1”, which will introduce important principles and philosophy of the 5/3/1.
I’ve been weightlifting for ten years and of all the programming I’ve tried nothing comes close to the 5/3/1. And that’s why this book is receiving a high rating. Read, understand, apply to your training, get stronger. My total has gained hundreds of pounds using 5/3/1.
As for the writing, Jim has a strong and recognizable style, characteristically cynical and macho without hurting feelings. It’s a fun read and keeps you engaged with what could be dry training instructions.
A lot of people complain about his writing style or lack of structure, but hey, at least he’s writing? There are very few who have his training experience that take the time to put it into written word. In my opinion, Wendler is up there with Rippetoe and Mentzer in terms of intelligent training.
I’ve been weightlifting for ten years and of all the programming I’ve tried nothing comes close to the 5/3/1. And that’s why this book is receiving a high rating. Read, understand, apply to your training, get stronger. My total has gained hundreds of pounds using 5/3/1.
As for the writing, Jim has a strong and recognizable style, characteristically cynical and macho without hurting feelings. It’s a fun read and keeps you engaged with what could be dry training instructions.
A lot of people complain about his writing style or lack of structure, but hey, at least he’s writing? There are very few who have his training experience that take the time to put it into written word. In my opinion, Wendler is up there with Rippetoe and Mentzer in terms of intelligent training.
November 20, 2023
A brilliant guy, a brilliant guide/coach.
It’s a common complaint that this book, and Wendler’s writing in general, is confusing and often contradicts itself. A better way of looking at all of this, is that 5/3/1 (an excellent training program he came up with) is an evolving ‘idea’ that continues to grow and change—so it doesn’t matter if you 100% understand what is written anyway. Wendler is the man. He’s wise and grounded.
I recommend a person purchase Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe and the first 5/3/1 book, and 5/3/1 Forever. The things that you don’t understand about Wendler’s programming and methodology can be better understood through deeper reading and study (of the books themselves) and otherwise can be puzzled out on Reddit and Wendler’s blog and various articles.
It’s a common complaint that this book, and Wendler’s writing in general, is confusing and often contradicts itself. A better way of looking at all of this, is that 5/3/1 (an excellent training program he came up with) is an evolving ‘idea’ that continues to grow and change—so it doesn’t matter if you 100% understand what is written anyway. Wendler is the man. He’s wise and grounded.
I recommend a person purchase Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe and the first 5/3/1 book, and 5/3/1 Forever. The things that you don’t understand about Wendler’s programming and methodology can be better understood through deeper reading and study (of the books themselves) and otherwise can be puzzled out on Reddit and Wendler’s blog and various articles.
April 15, 2021
Great updated training manual for those serious about a lifetime journey of strength training. However, if one is not familiar with 5/3/1 original training scheme, one might get lost with some of the jargon. I recommend watching some youtube videos to educate yourself for background. A down side to layout of book is there is no table of contents or index for one to reference the programs. Regardless, great training manual for decades to come and has been added to my training reference library. Thank you Wendler for your immense contribution to public's general understanding of strength training. Now, buy the book and do the programs/homework, without modifications, and train for life!
October 16, 2023
5/3/1 Forever is the definitive 5/3/1 book.
Jim Wendler expands upon his 5/3/1 formula and introduces various new concepts and templates to his formula on how to get bigger, faster, and stronger. There aren't just a couple of new templates to be found, but page after page after page. This is the book's core selling point and its biggest drawback. If you have followed along and read the previous 5/3/1 books, this adds very little that is truly revolutionary. If you have a basic understanding of 5/3/1, then this book may offer only a little bit of benefit to you. If you are completely new to the program, then read this book and avoid reading the previous ones.
Jim Wendler expands upon his 5/3/1 formula and introduces various new concepts and templates to his formula on how to get bigger, faster, and stronger. There aren't just a couple of new templates to be found, but page after page after page. This is the book's core selling point and its biggest drawback. If you have followed along and read the previous 5/3/1 books, this adds very little that is truly revolutionary. If you have a basic understanding of 5/3/1, then this book may offer only a little bit of benefit to you. If you are completely new to the program, then read this book and avoid reading the previous ones.
September 29, 2025
'Forever' is the latest published version of Jim's theories and programs for 5/3/1 training. The book is an incredible and necessary resource for any lifter that uses 5/3/1, for it breaks down everything you need to know about leaders and anchors, accessory work, supplemental lifts, the programs, and much more. That said, the book is full of typos and disorganized, unclear writing. What baffles me is that Jim was an English major in college and he had an editor for this. How?
February 5, 2024
I was extremely put off by the vast amount toxic language in this book. It’s very distracting and it comes out of nowhere in the middle of describing the workout programming — the whole reason I purchased the book.
February 5, 2020
4 stars if i think about the content
1 star for the editing
1 star for the editing
January 8, 2023
Also meh
April 30, 2025
Informative if you are looking for clarification on 531 strength training programming.
August 29, 2025
Great resource- more of a reference text for program selection
February 15, 2026
Some very good info in here, but it's not organized well.
June 4, 2021
This is a collection of 5/3/1 templates from Jim Wendler intended to allow you to carry on with the program indefinitely. It’s not an introduction so it sort of presupposes you are familiar with the structure (read one or both of the other books first) Also it’s not especially well polished (you have to download the table of contents from his website) But the templates are awesome, mostly well explained and worth the money.
November 8, 2018
Jim not only succeeded in finally finding someone to format his books, but also in creating a huge summary of the knowledge he gained while using the 5/3/1 principle. It includes more than 40 different templates and could probably be used as a complete training guide for the rest of your life. If only there was a better layout. I oftentimes found myself wondering what certain terms mean, only to get an explanation a bit later on. I have read his first two books beforehand and I actually recommend reading the second book first to get an idea of the main principle and methods he uses. Hint: There are a lot. (5/3/1, FSL, SSL, BBB, BBS, and many more)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews