Beyond 5/3/1 - Side Bends

I am looking at starting the Beyond 5/3/1 program and I see that side bends are one of the main core assistance exercises in the program. In the Forever book, Jim appears to no longer recommends side bends as an assistance exercise. As a result, I wanted to see whether side bends were still the prescription for the program or if I should swap out for another core exercise using the recommendations from the Forever book. Thanks.

I don’t think it matters if it is mentioned in Forever… If it’s an exercise you like, do them. The exercise hasn’t changed from when the books were published. Follow the concepts from the books and fill in with your particular likes for exercise. Don’t trade a large multi joint for a single isolation. Squats for seated knee extension.

Yes, you can do side bends if you prefer it.