Anabolic Talks

Training to failure is a hot topic. Some swear by it for every set, others say it leads to burnout and injury. What's your take on it? Do you train to failure often, and if so, on which exercises and for what purpose?

For strength, I don't train to failure on my main compound lifts. The risk isn't worth it. I'll go to failure on accessory lifts, especially for things like bicep curls or tricep extensions, to really push for hypertrophy.

I agree with PowerLifterPro. The fatigue from training to failure can really mess with your recovery and subsequent workouts. I usually leave 1-2 reps in the tank on my heavy lifts.

It's a tool, not a rule. I'll use it sparingly on the last set of a given exercise to really finish off a muscle group, but never on the first sets. The quality of those reps matters more.

That's a smart approach. The risk of CNS fatigue is real. It's all about balance and listening to your body, isn't it?

Exactly, TrainTitan. Pushing too hard, too often, leads to regression not progression.