How much do you actually train to failure? Some go all-out every set, some only the last set of an exercise, some say never for compounds. What's worked best for your growth without burning out?
Most evidence and experience points to leaving 1-3 reps in the tank on most sets, then maybe taking the last set of an isolation to failure. Failure on every set, especially compounds, just racks up fatigue that limits your total volume.
Yeah. Train hard and close to failure for the stimulus, but stopping a rep or two short lets you do more quality sets and recover. Save true failure for safe isolations.
Never take heavy compounds (squat, deadlift) to true failure regularly - the form breaks down and injury risk spikes for little extra benefit. Push isolations harder where failure is safe. That's the standard sensible split.
Proximity to failure is the real driver, and you don't need to actually hit failure to get most of the benefit - being close is enough. People grind to failure constantly, fry themselves, and grow less because their volume tanks. Close, not to the death.
Clear consensus - close to failure most sets, leave a couple in the tank, true failure only on safe isolations, never routinely on heavy compounds. Adjusting my approach. Thanks all.