Should You Train To Failure?

K boges
K boges
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Published 2021-04-09
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Training to failure is a topic that comes up frequently. I think it is actually a fairly straightforward topic. In general, sets taken to muscular failure generate excellent growth, but also generate the most fatigue. Sets that are taken close to failure seem to generate just as much growth (or at least very very close), without generating the same amount of fatigue. Therefore, in order to maximize total weekly volume, I generally recommend most sets be taken close to failure, but not actually to failure. I also consider "maxing" to be different from training to failure (a max is the final rep you can do with perfect form) and am a big fan of using it as a way to manage fatigue. That all being said, some people tolerate training to failure totally fine. I have a client with an incredible work capacity that can hit failure and match his reps, set after set. Also, remember, not every exercises generates the same amount of fatigue when taken to failure. However, once you have established a good foundation, taking most of your sets 1-3 (or even 1-5) reps from failure is a good plan to ensure good fatigue management on a high frequency program. Failure training can serve to "idiot proof" a low volume/frequency training program, and it's still good to do every once in a while to make sure you are accurately gauging your proximity to failure.
All Comments (21)
  • @danchanner7887
    This is a really interesting subject. Charles Atlas, one of the early body builders (before they took steroids), claimed you should not go to failure because the growth came from long term consistency and avoiding injuries. The "just 2 more reps" culture came in once body builders starting using steroids and other drugs to allow their bodies to recover faster. From my own experience, I found that training to failure just leads to physical and mental fatigue, as well as injuries.
  • @neilcole3406
    Got to admit, lm sick and tied of the nice weather you have!
  • @sherpa6071
    A lot of what Mt. boges sums up is learning how your own body reacts to the stimulus and recognizing when it is beneficial to go to failure based on how much your body can handle throughout the week/into your next workouts. Always leave enough to go tomorrow, but push yourself to overcome plateaus. And that's right, I call him mount boges bc he's a mountain of fitness information
  • @gabrieltisserantdealmeidag3791
    Outstanding channel and website. Tons of useful information in a clear and straight way. I have no idea how to express how you caused a positive impact over here. Thank you so much!
  • @ocearbhaill3894
    Your short & sweet, straight to the point style is unique, really good, keep going
  • @Gm-nx9je
    I gain so much confidence from watching your videos. They really help me develop my own training ideas. thank you K Boges.
  • @NiquelBones
    bro youre living my dream, big ass house with beautiful views and just training outside on a nice day keep it up bro
  • @kent7525
    Finally something that makes sense on the debate of this. Good info bro thank you
  • @WeightedCali
    Great video, you're really helpful. Keep being awesome!
  • @Telluwide
    I think a good rule of thumb is to do a set to where you can get the last perfect rep. If I feel that getting the next rep would require me to begin to bend, twist etc. lose that slow, perfect form rep, I stop right there....
  • @simpleman283
    It all depends on what you want. A combat veteran told me: never do today, more than you can do tomorrow. That makes a lot of sense to me & I like that method. I know there are different goals for different people. Do em your way.
  • @idanyakobson4170
    Respect for responding to so many comments, awesome content by the way
  • @victoriajones7463
    Excellent advice. TTF has it's limitations overall trying to compete with daily demands. TTF is exhausting.
  • @3frogman
    I did my first set of pull ups to failure today and next set I used bands because I already felt fatigued. Whereas push ups I can train to failure on one set and be fine for the rest of the workout. For me, I think it's clear that stopping a couple of reps short on the pull exercises is the way for me to get consistent volume in. Push exercises like dips and push ups it doesn't seem to matter too much
  • @nathanielringdahl
    Very interesting channel, I haven’t come across information like this before
  • @Mark-xw5yt
    My ego always sours my workout when I can’t go to failure. I feel like a failure because I can’t push myself when I know I have the strength to do more. I’m just too exhausted and fatigued. This would really bother me because in my early days of training before injuries and quitting, I wouldn’t have this problem (or i think I didn’t). However when trying to get back into working out, I would always have this imposter syndrome where I felt like I just couldn’t push myself hard enough. I would feel like there was something wrong with my will/drive that just wasn’t improving enough with time. To think that this mindset has been holding me back from having a good workout. It all makes sense.