Squatting for PRs with 5/3/1: Stop When Form Starts to Slide?

Training Powerlifting
1

Just ran my first cycle of 5/3/1 with some significant gains in strength… I have one question in regard to training methodology. Today was the end of the cycle for squats before the deload week and I managed to get 5 reps out on the last 1 or more set (obviously I’ll be raising the 1rm for the next cycle). Here’s the thing, I still had more in the tank if i wanted to push with lesser form, but forward lean started to take over on the last rep…somewhat noticeable on the 4th rep and on the 5th rep it wasn’t significant per se, but it was apparent to me that my form had broken down to mediocre. Sorry I don’t have a video, so the question is generally…should I push out those last reps with less than ideal form or should I continue to stop when my form breaks down to build up my squat? Any constructive advice is appreciated. Thanks guys.

General I know, and maybe open to debate. Hopefully not answered? I took a search and couldn’t find anything specifically.

2

“Your last rep should like like your first.”

  • Mark Bell
3

You are training to build strength (not test it) no need to let your form go to crap. That said being able to strain and still maintain form is something worth focusing on during heavey sets. I’ve ran 5/3/1 of some form or another for 2 or so years now and never miss reps (once every 3 or so months maybe) but some days like to get damn close and those are the sets where you really have to focus on maintaining form while pushing hard.