ExRx.net

pdellorto · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 2685 Location: New Jersey

Over on my blog I posted a review of Jim Wendler's 5/3/1. I'm too lazy to cut and paste it (and edit all the links) here, so here's the review:

http://strength-basics.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-review-5-3-1.html

It's a non-commercial site so hopefully the admins don't mind.

If you check out my workout log, you'll see the usual "work up" method for my ME work is now a non-percentage based version of 5/3/1. It's working well for me and I'm happy to recommend it.

TimD · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 2585 Location: Va Beach, Va

Mods don't mind that type of link at all, in fact we invite it. That type of sheme has been around a while, and is a good choice for a type of periodization.
Tim

KPj · Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 1710

Nice review, made me want to buy it, which I think I will. Reading anything by Jim Wendler, Dave Tate and similar always makes me want to lift really heavy things.

So many books read....

KPj

pdellorto · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 2685 Location: New Jersey

Thanks Tim. I wanted to pass it along but not spend a lot of time editing what I already wrote.

KPj - I know what you mean. So much to get through. It's not cheap and it's short, but I really feel like I got $20 worth out of it even though it just explained what I'm already doing at the gym. I'll have to find other books and articles by Jim Wendler now...it does make me want to lift.

Jungledoc · Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 1:58 am Post subject:

I just finished 5-3-1. Peter, you were right on that it is something I'd like. It's exactly what I've been feeling around for, and will probably be the basis for my lifting for a long time.

Wendler uses 4 "big" lifts, one to do each workout, whether doing 3 or 4 workouts per week. Then you can add some assistance work, if you're so inclined. He doesn't take a "don't tamper with my program" approach, but rather sets out some basic ideas to let you build on. He has several suggested approaches to assistance work, but leaves it entirely optional. Includes pretty good instruction on the lifts, too. Good stuff.

pdellorto · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 2685 Location: New Jersey

Jungledoc, I'm glad you liked it!

pdellorto · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 2685 Location: New Jersey

T-Nation just put up a review/interview of 5/3/1:

http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/how_to_build_pure_strength

It has a good explanation of the workings of the program, probably enough to just do it without even getting the ebook. But the book would help a lot, regardless.

Jungledoc · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:00 pm Post subject:

You're right--you could use the article and not get the book, but then you'd miss Wendler's witty writing! I've decided that I'll start 5/3/1 when I get back to PNG.