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5/3/1 Boring But Big: Program schedule

Boring But Big pairs main-lift work with a substantial supplemental block. In Gymscore’s adaptation, the main sets and five-by-ten work are separate entries, so the plan is easy to read but requires more session time than the main lift alone suggests.

Who this template suits

A lifter familiar with the main barbell lifts who wants four weekly sessions with clearly separated main and supplemental work.

When to choose another option

You routinely run out of time after the main sets, or you want a low-volume introduction to barbell training.

Template length

12 weeks

The saved version contains four sessions per week across 12 weeks. It includes working waves and deloads, with a later phase covering the remaining cycles.

Check out this program in Gymscore →

Illustrative gym scene for 5/3/1 Boring But Big
AI-generated program artwork; this image does not demonstrate the complete routine.

About this version

This guide explains the template available in Gymscore. It is an independently maintained adaptation, not an official edition of the original program or an endorsement by its creator. Check the original source when you need that exact version.

Equipment

  • barbell
  • squat rack
  • bench
  • weight plates
  • dumbbells
  • pull-up bar
  • cable machine

Sample sessions from each phase

These are the first scheduled sessions in each phase of the current Gymscore template. Later weeks can change the load, reps or workout order. Review the full plan in the app before starting.

1. Cycle 1 · weeks 1–4

5s Week

Squat Day · Squat 5/3/1 + BBB
Squat Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Barbell Back Squat35/5/5+3 min
Barbell Back Squat (BBB)51090s
Leg Curl310-1560s
Hanging Leg Raise51060s
Bench Day · Bench 5/3/1 + BBB
Bench Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Bench Press35/5/5+2 min
Bench Press (BBB)51090s
Dumbbell Row51060s
Face Pull31560s
Deadlift Day · Deadlift 5/3/1 + BBB
Deadlift Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Barbell Deadlift35/5/5+3 min
Barbell Deadlift (BBB)5102 min
Dumbbell Lunges310 each leg60s
Ab Wheel Rollout31060s
Press Day · OHP 5/3/1 + BBB
Press Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Overhead Press35/5/5+2 min
Overhead Press (BBB)51090s
Chin-ups51060s
Dip310-1560s

2. Cycles 2-3 · weeks 5–12

Repeated 3-Week Waves + Deload

Squat Day · Squat 5/3/1 + BBB
Squat Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Barbell Back Squat3per week scheme3 min
Barbell Back Squat (BBB)51090s
Leg Curl310-1560s
Hanging Leg Raise51060s
Bench Day · Bench 5/3/1 + BBB
Bench Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Bench Press3per week scheme2 min
Bench Press (BBB)51090s
Dumbbell Row51060s
Face Pull31560s
Deadlift Day · Deadlift 5/3/1 + BBB
Deadlift Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Barbell Deadlift3per week scheme3 min
Barbell Deadlift (BBB)5102 min
Dumbbell Lunges310 each leg60s
Ab Wheel Rollout31060s
Press Day · OHP 5/3/1 + BBB
Press Day
ExerciseSetsRepsRest
Overhead Press3per week scheme2 min
Overhead Press (BBB)51090s
Chin-ups51060s
Dip310-1560s

Read the full program guide →

Questions answered

What does Boring But Big add?

This adaptation adds five sets of ten as supplemental work after the main-lift prescription, plus the listed assistance.

How many days does the saved plan require?

Four weekly sessions over 12 weeks.

Does every Boring But Big version use the same pairing?

No. The creator describes multiple arrangements. This guide covers the pairing and cycle structure currently stored in Gymscore.

Original program context