How much will I lose if I take a break?

[YourRoyalBigness]

Hi Brent,
I'm 34, 5'11", 210lbs.
I've been using some of Andy's HLM programs and have been making good progress over the last year.
Current 1RM are: Squat 425lbs, Dead 525lbs, Press 200lbs.

I'm making good consistent progress, and I don't often miss my programmed reps. However, I want to change things up and try something different, and was thinking for a 12 week cycle to focus on front squats, power cleans, push presses.

My question for you is: Am I going to lose my progress on my back squat and deadlift if I try something like this? I don't want to do it if it's gonna take me another 12 weeks to get back to where I am now.

[Brent Carter]

Yes you are going to lose progress. What you have described as your main lifts are not as stressful systemically and particularly to the posterior musculature of the hips. I think this is a bad idea. If you want to fold in some new exercises to avoid staleness consider adding them in one at a time as accessory work. NOT as substitutes for your main lifts.