What is your opinion on skipping the deload week for 5/3/1? I can’t find anything in the book. Instead of deloading every four weeks, I am thinking of switching to every eight. I understand the need for deloading, but I want to spread it out a little longer. I try to follow the book as closely as possible.
For the first year, I rarely deloaded. I know for a fact my progress is not what it could have been if I had of stuck to the program 100%. Depending on your work capacity, external levels of stress, and recovery abilities you may not have to deload, but I certainly wouldn’t let it go past the 2 cycles that you’re thinking about.
Again, deloading and rest weeks are entirely personal and depend on the other factors in your life, so it’s up to you in the end.