The 5/3/1 program and Joker sets are largely based on the idea of the Bulgarian
style of training, not on classic periodization. This is because you are working
for the best PR you can set THAT DAY. And guess what? Some days you feel like
crap and can’t do anything. This is where the 90% training max comes into play –
it gives you room to have a bad day, but still train. And you will have bad days.
This is lifting weights and nothing is linear;
there are peaks and valleys and the strongest and most experienced lifters understand
this.
One of the easiest ways to spot a novice lifter, in both training and attitude, is
their complete breakdown after a bad workout or a bad month, or even a bad couple
of months. The experienced lifter knows that the clouds will break and he keeps
pushing. The weak will complain and try to blame the Butt Wink for their squat or
their lack of proper supplementation. The strong, who know that success is
just around the corner, will persevere and push harder and push smarter. I also
believe that your attitude towards training shows itself in all aspects of your life.
Those who understand that success does not happen overnight, that it is earned
through work and struggle always come out on top. The success you earned through
hardship is always the sweetest. No person with dignity and a soul wants a
handout – they want to earn what they have.
Here is my bold statement: I truly believe that with the 5/3/1 program and its
principles, the PR set, the Joker sets and the down sets (First Set Last) – you
cannot get weaker. Based on my research, experience, and by using it myself, I
believe these additions make it a near-** perfect strength training program. Now
understand that sometimes you have to back off on the Joker sets and up the First Set
Last volume work. And at other times, you go balls out
on the Joker sets and back off on the First Set Last. But in the end, both of
these things are
perfect compliments to the 5/3/1 program.