I was in pretty OK shape when I started on this, though the lockdowns had already been in effect for about half a year when I started and I definitely lost a step trying to figure out how I was going to keep lifting. But, before the the lockdowns I had been program lifting for about five years mostly around powerlifting and had the following 1RMs: back squat 435 lbs, bench press 280 lbs, deadlift 465 lbs, overhead press 175 lbs. Nothing crazy for that length of time, but being natty and just doing it as a hobby and not "professionally" while also being a dad and having a job, I was happy with where I was.

I would say you could definitely do this on a lower weight than 53 lbs and still get a lot of benefit. You could replace the dips with push-ups, the chin-ups with inverted rows, stuff like that to make it a little easier for you since you are a little early on your fitness journey. Dan John originally made this program as a sort of challenge to regular lifters as a break from traditional lifting to try something different and clear their heads/bodies of the grind of traditional programming. So, it is designed with the experienced lifter in mind. But I think you could modify it to the point where it's still a challenge, but it's your challenge.