5-3-1 question, specific to deload week

Greetings. Hope this finds everyone doing well. I have been lifting on and off for years. Used the 5-3-1 program for the first time about five years ago and the last time until recently was three years ago. I love the program and I have ALWAYS seen results. I will be honest enough to tell you prior to this time around I always modified it a little. I know, shouldn’t do so. That being said I am getting older (way closer to 50 than 40), have been plagued by minor to major injuries my whole life (rough on my body) and as I am getting older I cannot afford stupid injuries any longer so I am trying very hard to follow the program to the “T” so to speak this time around. I have restarted 5-3-1 since February this year and am loving the results. My question is in regards to the deload week. On the third and final set during the deload week (60% set) is this a failure set or do I stay locked to five (5) reps for each set? Thus far I have been using 5 reps per set. Thanks in advance and look forward to hearing back soon.

Taurus Paladin

I don’t remember what the book says but I don’t go to failure during deload week. I just want to keep the muscles moving and joints lubricated.

If the goal is avoiding injury then not going to failure falls in line.

Deload … just 5 no plus sets. Jim also has different deload % options he has presented
In his books.

Thank you both.

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Your welcome.

Love seeing you be back and so active and helpful man! This site needs your wisdom man!

Thanks… but opinion vary