When You Should Train to Failure (and When You Shouldn’t)

Hey Angels and Alphas,

When it comes to lifting weights, there are so many different training styles and philosophies to follow. A lot of people say that you should train to failure every time you lift weights, while others maintain that you should never go to failure. So what’s the deal?

When should you train to failure, and when shouldn’t you? This article will help clarify the ins and outs of failing in the gym and help you decide whether or not it’s right for your body and your goals.

General rules on training to failure

1. If your goal is strength or power, then you should train to failure on all sets.
2. If your goal is muscular endurance, then you should train to failure on the last set of each exercise.
3. If your goal is fat loss, then you shouldn’t train to failure because it can lead to overtraining and adrenal fatigue.
4. If you’re a beginner, then you shouldn’t train to failure because your body isn’t used to the stress yet.

Supersets

A superset is two exercises performed back-to-back with no rest in between. They are a great way to save time and get a great workout, but they’re not for everyone. Generally, you should focus on supersets only if you’re short on time. Supersets are the perfect answer if you want to maximize your time at the gym because they combine two moves together so that there is less rest than if you were doing them separately. 

Isolation exercises

Training to failure on isolation exercises can be a great way to break through a plateau. If you’re stuck at a certain weight or reps, going to failure can help you push past that sticking point. However, there are some drawbacks to training to failure. First, it can lead to injury if you’re not careful. Second, it can be mentally and physically exhausting, which can lead to burnout. Third, it may not be necessary – sometimes breaking through a plateau simply requires changing up your routine or adding more volume.

Light weights

Training with light weights is a great way to learn the correct form for an exercise and to get a feel for the movement. Additionally, using lighter weights allows you to focus on the muscle group you’re targeting without tiring out your whole body. For these reasons, it’s often best to start with light weights when you’re first learning an exercise.  However, don’t be afraid to gradually increase the weight as you become more experienced in that particular move or routine.

Compound exercises

These exercises target multiple muscle groups simultaneously and are generally considered the cornerstone of any good strength-training program. When done correctly, they can help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly than isolation exercises. However, training to failure on compound exercises can be dangerous, so it’s important to know when to do it and when to back off.

Final thoughts

If you’re regularly reaching failure during your workouts, it’s time to reassess your training program. Training to failure can lead to overtraining, which can lead to decreased performance, increased risk of injury, and a host of other problems. 

That said, there are times when pushing yourself to failure can be beneficial. If you’re trying to break through a plateau, for example, or working on a particularly challenging exercise, giving it everything you’ve got can help you see results.

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