have started a modified version. Regular beyond 531 percentages, 3 weeks, no deload,(until I need it). Example: Bench day: 531 percentages, last set AMRAP, I calculate a 1RM from those reps and weight, load 90% on bar. I will do 1 rep at that 90%(explosive/powerful), then Overhead press for my Boring But Big 10reps(55%), Superset with set of 5 rep heavy shrugs. I then take like a 5min break, and do it again, 5 times. Then, through out the day, I hit up some skull crushers 12 reps, followed by modified dips of 8 reps.(not doing full dip as for chest, only rotating at elbow for tricep isolation. Dips tear up my shoulders) My gym is in my finished basement…so I just hop downstairs and get some volume in on the accessory lifts. (NOTE: OHP I do not do 90%, I do 80% for 3 reps)
Now, what I do at 3 weeks, instead of deloading on 4th week, I reset back to week one. Instead of adding only 5lbs to lower and 10lbs to upper…I take my final set(3rd week) that is at 1+(AMRAP) and get a new calculated 1RM. I plug that into my 531 app, recalculate the next 3 weeks(app uses 90% TM training max for calculations). Why? Because I am just getting back into it after a shoulder injury. I will progress faster. Once I get to a point where adding only 5lbs to upper and 10lbs to lower makes sense, I will do the standard 531.
I recommend that for any beginner to novice that would benefit more for a linear progression program first as opposed to strict 531 program.
As you know, advanced lifters add less to the bar every month, where as a novice can add more, and beginners even more. True story!
I know some may say…“then you are not doing 531”, but I say I am, just putting my own spin on it.