Training to failure is a popular concept in the fitness industry, but what exactly does it mean and why is it important? In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of training to failure, including what it is, the benefits of training to failure, and how to safely incorporate it into your training program.
What is Training to Failure?
Training to failure, also known as “going to failure” or “hitting failure,” refers to performing an exercise until the point at which you can no longer perform another repetition with proper form. This means that you are pushing your muscles to the point where they can no longer produce enough force to complete another repetition.
Why is Training to Failure Important?
Training to failure is important because it can help to increase muscle growth and strength. When you perform an exercise to failure, you are pushing your muscles to the point where they can no longer produce enough force to complete another repetition. This creates a higher level of muscle damage and metabolic stress, which are both important for muscle growth and strength.
Additionally, training to failure can help to increase muscle activation, leading to a more efficient and effective workout. When you perform an exercise to failure, you are recruiting more muscle fibers to complete the movement, which can lead to greater muscle activation and overall muscle growth.
How to Incorporate Training to Failure Safely
It’s important to note that while training to failure can be beneficial, it should be done safely and with proper form. Here are a few tips for safely incorporating training to failure into your training program:
- Start with a weight that you can comfortably perform for at least 8-10 reps with proper form.
- Gradually increase the weight as you progress and aim for 1-2 reps shy of failure.
- Use a spotter or safety equipment when performing exercises that are particularly dangerous when performed to failure.
- Be mindful of your body and listen to it. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop the exercise.
- Don’t train to failure on every set, every exercise or every workout.
Training to failure can be a great way to increase muscle growth and strength, but it should be done safely and with proper form. By starting with a weight you can comfortably perform for at least 8-10 reps with proper form, gradually increasing the weight, being mindful of your body and not training to failure on every set, every exercise or every workout, you can safely incorporate training to failure into your training program. Remember, a well-rounded training program should include a variety of rep ranges and intensities, not just training to failure.
