5/3/1 Building the Monolith
5/3/1 Building the Monolith is a 3-day strength training approach focused on strength and size. Use this page to understand the training style and organize your workouts in Gym Log.
What is the 5/3/1 Building the Monolith?
5/3/1 Building the Monolith is a 3-day strength training approach focused on strength and size. Use this page to understand the training style and organize your workouts in Gym Log. This page gives you a practical overview of the weekly structure, intended training focus and progression approach so you can decide whether it fits your schedule and goals.
Gym Log advantage: once you've chosen the plan, you can import this workout structure into your calendar and track your sessions, sets and notes in one place.
Program-specific training plan
- Overhead Press — main work
- Deadlift — supplemental work
- Chin-Ups — high-volume work
- Dips or Push-Ups — high-volume work
- Abs
Building the Monolith is a high-volume 5/3/1 template; use the published program for exact set targets and loading.
- Squat — main work
- Bench Press — supplemental work
- Chin-Ups — high-volume work
- Dips or Push-Ups — high-volume work
- Abs
Recovery and food intake are major considerations because the template is intentionally demanding.
- Deadlift — main work
- Overhead Press — supplemental work
- Chin-Ups — high-volume work
- Dips or Push-Ups — high-volume work
- Abs
Do not add large amounts of extra work to an already high-volume template.
How to use it
- Primary strength movements
- Supplemental work
- Accessory exercises
- Progressive loading
Who it is for
People seeking a structured strength routine with a clear weekly schedule.
Goal
Strength and size
Progression
Building the Monolith uses 5/3/1-style main work plus substantial supplemental and bodyweight volume. Follow the original template for its exact progression and volume targets.
Accuracy note
High-level summary of Jim Wendler's Building the Monolith concept; exact programming is intentionally not reproduced line-for-line.
Regardless of template, log every working set and prioritize repeatable technique, appropriate recovery and sustainable progression.
Ready to track it?
Choose a start date and import this plan into your Gym Log calendar.
Common questions about 5/3/1 Building the Monolith
How many days per week is the 5/3/1 Building the Monolith?
This Gym Log listing is organized as a 3-day-per-week program.
Who is the 5/3/1 Building the Monolith for?
People seeking a structured strength routine with a clear weekly schedule.
Can I track the 5/3/1 Building the Monolith in Gym Log?
Yes. Use the import button on this page to add the available workout structure to your Gym Log calendar, then log your actual sets, reps, weight and notes as you train.