Program
5/3/1 Beyond
5/3/1 Beyond is the version of 5/3/1 most intermediate lifters actually run — same four-day structure, heavier top sets, assistance work anchored to the big lifts.
- Goal
- strength
- Experience
- intermediate
- Schedule
- 4 days/wk
- Duration
- Ongoing
How it works
Each lift runs a four-week cycle: 5s week, 3s week, 5/3/1 week, deload. Percentages are based on a training max set to 90% of your true 1RM.
The top set of weeks 1–3 is an AMRAP (as many reps as possible). LiftProof uses your AMRAP performance to update the training max next cycle — beat the rep target by 2+ and training max goes up, miss it and training max holds or drops.
Assistance work in 5/3/1 Beyond is heavier than original 5/3/1: after the 5/3/1 top set, you run 5x5 at 85% of training max ("First Set Last" Beyond variant). LiftProof ships this as the default assistance block — swap it out if you prefer Boring But Big or Triumvirate.
Main lifts
Movements
One week
Sample week
Day 01
Day 1
Squat (5/3/1 + 5x5 FSL) · Leg accessory 3–5 sets · Core 2–3 sets
Day 02
Day 2
Bench Press (5/3/1 + 5x5 FSL) · Pull-ups 5 sets · Triceps 2–3 sets
Day 03
Day 3
Deadlift (5/3/1 + 5x5 FSL) · Hamstring accessory 3 sets · Core 2–3 sets
Day 04
Day 4
Overhead Press (5/3/1 + 5x5 FSL) · Row 5 sets · Biceps 2–3 sets
Fine print
Caveats
- Intended for lifters with at least a year of consistent training under load. If your 1RM is still climbing week-over-week, Linear Progression will build more strength faster.
- Set the training max at 90% of a true 1RM, not a gym-floor max. Undershooting is the feature.
Run this program in LiftProof · 7-day free trial.