# 5/3/1 Workout - Zen Labs — 531 Strength Training

> Automated 5/3/1 strength training program tracker. (iPhone/iPad app by Zen Labs.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531-workout-zen-labs/id1361925217 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Zen Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/485971738)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Sports
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 213 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 193 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-08-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-16
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531-workout-zen-labs/id1361925217/reviews.md

## What is 5/3/1 Workout?

● Easiest program to calculate and track your 5/3/1 progress. 
● Focuses on key compound movements. Bench, Squat, Deadlift.
● This program is not affiliated with Wendler and is adjusted for efficiency. 

531 Workout is designed to be friendly for first time lifters, but can also be tailored towards veterans. The workouts focus on 4 movements. Squats, bench press, deadlifts, and overhead press. 
 
Getting started in weight training can be intimidating, but we've taken out the guesswork and doubt. There are many flavors of 3x5, 5x5, 531, and other powerlifting programs. At the very core of the these lifting programs, they share the same proven elements. 

Results have been proven time and time again for the past decades since the original 5x5 by Mark Berry in the 1930s, Reg Park in the 1950s, Bill Starr in the 1970s, and the many versions you see today. 
 
531 Workout by Zen Labs Fitness includes the simplest version to make getting started easy. We've broken down the process into one workout a day. Guaranteed results. This program includes your first 2 weeks for free!

≈ Only 4 Simple Workouts ≈
Day 1 -  Squat
Day 2 - Bench Press
Day 3 - Deadlift 
Day 4 - Overhead Press

≈ Starting is EASY ≈
1. Enter your current 1RM (1 rep max) for Bench, Squat, Deadlifts. (or press beginner)
2. Our app will automatically calculate your program tailored you
3. Press start and start building strength!

≈ FEATURES ≈
◉ First 2 weeks are free! Get started today!
◉ Workout 4 days a week.
◉ Workout weeks are grouped into "blocks". Each "block" is 4 weeks. 
◉ Entire program is 7 blocks. Guaranteed gainz!
◉ Core program is only 1 workout per day. Simple! We focus on compound movements for efficiency.
◉ Progress graph to keep track of your PRs (personal records)
◉ Multiple cycles. After you finish 7 blocks, deload and start a new cycle!
◉ Warmup calculator to help you properly warm up and prevent injury. 
◉ Weight and reps calculator
◉ Accessory workouts to add more volume for advanced users
◉ Apple Health integration

≈ NEW Zen Unlimited Pass - Try it for free! ≈
◉ Award winning music curated from top DJ's! 
◉ Scientifically proven to increase motivation by 35%
◉ Unlimited access to all pro features across ALL Zen Labs Fitness apps

Questions/comments regarding the app? Please email us at contactus@zenlabsfitness.com or visit us at www.zenlabsfitness.com. 

≈ Connect ≈
Facebook: @C25Kfree
Twitter: @C25Kfree
Instagram: @officialc25k
Hashtag: #C25K
https://forums.zenlabsfitness.com

Subscription pricing and terms:

The subscription will automatically renew unless turned off in your iTunes Account Settings at least 24 hours before current period ends. You can go to your iTunes Account settings to manage your subscription and turn off auto-renew. Your iTunes Account will be charged when the purchase is confirmed. If you subscribe before your free trial ends, the rest of your free trial period will be forfeited as soon as your purchase is confirmed.

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use: 
https://www.zenlabsfitness.com/privacy-policy/

Legal Disclaimer

This app and any information given by it or by Zen Labs LLC are for educational purposes only. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program.

## Key features

- Automated 5/3/1 progress calculation
- Focus on compound movements
- Guided workouts for beginners
- Progress tracking with graphs
- Warmup calculator
- Weight and rep calculator

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zen Unlimited Pass Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Zen Unlimited Pass Annual | $74.99 | per year |
| Zen Power Playlist 3 Months | $29.99 | per 3 months |


## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531-workout-zen-labs/id1361925217/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Almost bought it

*2024-06-20*

I tried the free trial and would have liked to purchase this… except for the fact that it’s missing the extremely important ability to write down and record notes for each workout. Example: you felt weak because you didn’t sleep, or your nursing an injury, or forgot to eat before your workout, or you had to cut your volume in half for better recovery that particular day, etc

### 1/5 — Abandoned their customers

*2023-06-17*

I purchased the bundle with all of the running apps 4 years ago, but now due to their subscription model they have taken away the program from those who already paid for it. I feel taken advantage of, charging nearly $15 for a software bundle only to make it unusable due to a business model change. It’s unfortunate that everything has gone to a “subscription model.” Especially when the model doesn’t really give anything new from what was previously available. Stay clear, there’s better options out there.

**Developer response:** We apologize for any frustration you may have experienced with the change to a subscription model. We understand that this can be difficult, and we want to assure you that we made this decision with the best interests of our users in mind. We've added many new features, including music streaming, which we believe enhances the overall user experience. 


Please email us at contactus@zenlabsfitness.com with your original download date receipt, and we’ll certainly do our best to work with you. Thank you for your understanding.

### 2/5 — New user

*2022-07-19*

Couldn’t figure out how Jen to start or stop working! I thought there will be guided instructor voice ! May b I need some time to get used to it

**Developer response:** Hi, to have a better understanding, could you please send us a message via contactus@zenlabsfitness.com.

### 2/5 — I’d expect more from a paid subscription

*2021-10-29*

The workout ceases to follow the 5/3/1/Deload rotation after the first cycle, and gets stuck in the 3x5 after that.  The only way to fix it is to start the program over, which requires wiping your data from the app.

Also, there is no mechanism to get your plan to adapt if you find the weights laid out by the app are too light.

**Developer response:** Hello! We appreciate your feedback! We will take a look at what we can do to implement those features in future updates! 
Thank you!

### 3/5 — It’s a mixed bag.

*2021-01-08*

Overall it’s an okay app. I like the timer and the auto calculations feature. I like that I can add in custom assistance exercises. I don’t like that I can’t add weight values to assistance exercises lower than 45 lbs (there’s a big range between body weight and 45 lbs, especially for some assistance exercises). I don’t like that there’s no option to add notes, either to exercises or the whole workout. App also tends to glitch a lot and you have to cancel and restart a workout to fix it. 

Overall these imperfections make it come off like a cheap paint-by-numbers development. I’m going to be looking for others after my cycle is over.

**Developer response:** Hi, sorry to hear you’ve been experiencing these issues. Please contact us at contactus@zenlabsfitness.com and share as much information as you can. We will definitely investigate your case. Thank you for posting!

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2020-01-01*

This app works great, easy to use and keeps you on track.  Especially like the built in rest timer - rest time is never long enough when self calculated.

### 5/5 — Update to last review

*2019-09-23*

Great app. I had a minor hiccup with the reps on the first day of the 4th week, but that has been fixed. Perfect for tracking and gauging performance improvement

### 5/5 — 非常好的设计

*2019-08-12*

功能以及界面都很好

### 3/5 — Ok

*2018-09-19*

Good for what it is intended for but can use more functionality. The 531 program tends to not provide enough volume and there are variations to this program that I feel would be very beneficial to this app.

**Developer response:** The problem is that the sound of notifications when the phone is locked is handled by the OS of the device, and when the screen is unlocked, and the app is in the foreground then the sound is handled by the app. This is why the users hear the sound notifications with different volumes. 

So basically the user needs to handle the volume on iOS settings when the device is locked.

## Frequently asked questions about 5/3/1 Workout

### What does the 5/3/1 Workout app do?

This app automates the calculation and tracking of your progress for the 5/3/1 strength training program. It focuses on key compound lifts like squats, bench press, deadlifts, and overhead press, providing a structured approach to building strength.

### How does the 5/3/1 Workout app help me start training?

The app makes starting easy by allowing you to enter your current 1 rep max (or select a beginner option). It then automatically calculates your tailored program, guiding you through four simple workouts per week over blocks of four weeks.

### Is the 5/3/1 Workout app free to use?

The app offers the first two weeks of the program for free. After the trial, it operates on a freemium model, with an optional 'Zen Unlimited Pass' providing access to all pro features across Zen Labs Fitness apps.

### What are the main features of the 5/3/1 Workout app?

Key features include automated progress calculation, a focus on compound movements, a guided workout structure, progress graphs to track personal records, a warmup calculator, and weight/rep calculators. It also offers accessory workouts for advanced users and Apple Health integration.

### Who is the target audience for the 5/3/1 Workout app?

This app is designed for anyone interested in strength training, particularly those following or wanting to follow the 5/3/1 program. It's suitable for first-time lifters who find weight training intimidating, as well as experienced veterans looking for an efficient tracking tool.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.20 — 2026-06-16

◎ Music player library optimizations
◎ Track your progress and achievements across the Zen Labs network!
◎ More minor bug fixes and optimization

Our community is our number one priority. We answer each and every email. Most of our updates have been suggestions from our community. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? See why our community has made us the #1 5K training app. contactus@zenlabsfitness.com

### 1.19 — 2026-02-19

◎ Music player library optimizations
◎ Track your progress and achievements across the Zen Labs network!
◎ More minor bug fixes and optimization

Our community is our number one priority. We answer each and every email. Most of our updates have been suggestions from our community. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? See why our community has made us the #1 5K training app. contactus@zenlabsfitness.com

### 1.18 — 2025-12-19

◎ Music player library optimizations
◎ Track your progress and achievements across the Zen Labs network!
◎ More minor bug fixes and optimization

Our community is our number one priority. We answer each and every email. Most of our updates have been suggestions from our community. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? See why our community has made us the #1 5K training app. contactus@zenlabsfitness.com

### 1.17 — 2024-12-12

◎ Music player library optimizations
◎ Track your progress and achievements across the Zen Labs network!
◎ More minor bug fixes and optimization

Our community is our number one priority. We answer each and every email. Most of our updates have been suggestions from our community. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? See why our community has made us the #1 5K training app. contactus@zenlabsfitness.com

### 1.16 — 2024-07-19

◎ Music player library optimizations
◎ Track your progress and achievements across the Zen Labs network!
◎ More minor bug fixes and optimization

Our community is our number one priority. We answer each and every email. Most of our updates have been suggestions from our community. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? See why our community has made us the #1 5K training app. contactus@zenlabsfitness.com

## Apps similar to 5/3/1 Workout

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Wendler Log 531](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wendler-log-531/id962162633) | 4.5 (505) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [531 Strength Workout](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531-strength-workout/id6742192484) | 5.0 (3) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [5/3/1 Workout logger - 531](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531-workout-logger-531/id1114435690) | 4.8 (3,211) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [Five/Three/One - 531 Workouts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fivethreeone-531-workouts/id1560266240) | 4.9 (1,218) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [KeyLifts - 531 Workout Log](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keylifts-531-workout-log/id1437949461) | 4.8 (831) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [nSuns 5/3/1](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nsuns-531/id1265494052) | 4.9 (4,905) | Free | Health & Fitness |

## More apps by Zen Labs

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- [0-200 Situps Trainer Challenge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/0-200-situps-trainer-challenge/id698136992)

All apps by Zen Labs: https://appshunter.io/developer/485971738

## Related topics

[stronglifts 5×5](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/stronglifts-5-5)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-16.*
