Running out Novice Bench/Press and transitioning to HLM

[tweakxc03]

Question here -

In the later stages of the Novice LP when 3x5 can't be progressed any further, why can't one run out the novice phase in a similar fashion to HLM, but without the medium day?

Something like this:
Novice Phase: Bench 3x5 / Press 3x5
Late Novice: Bench 1x5, 2x5 backoff / Press 5x3 (5x3 currently working for me)
Running it out: Bench 2x3, 2x5 backoff / Press 2x3, 2x5 backoff
Then: Bench 3x2, 2x5 backoff / press 3x2, 2x5 backoff

Then wrap up the run-out, adding the medium day:
Bench 5x1 / Press 5x1 / Close Grip 3-4x5

Now you can reset and resume with the full HLM program.

I might be splitting hairs here, but this would keep the pace of progression going a little longer before you drop down to an intermediate progression pace. I noticed a huge difference between 3x5 and 5x3 on the press. I'm heading into my 4th week of pressing at 5x3 now and I've added 6kgs to my press vs my last bout of 3x5.

My thinking is that if you can keep running out like that for 3 weeks or so at a time, alternating bench and press MWF, those extra weeks really can add up and stretch out the LP longer.

[Steve Hill]

I don't see any particular issue, however: it will be dependent on the individual. So whether this works for you or not? No idea. Try it and report back.