Training to Failure for Muscle Growth (HUGE MISTAKE?)

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  • čas přidán 17. 05. 2023
  • If you are training to failure, are you making a huge mistake? In this video, I am going to explain the importance of knowing what failure is and how to apply it to your training when it comes to building muscle. This might be one of the most important videos I have ever made and I want to make sure that you understand how critical this concept is if you want to build more muscle.
    Get 60% off all AX programs - athleanx.com/x/556-workouts
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    It starts with knowing what you are training for: strength versus hypertrophy to be specific. When you are training for strength applications, whether that is through percentage based training or the use of RPE, you aren’t aiming for failure. As a matter of fact, this is a situation where you need to be training short of failure.
    The irony of this situation, however, is that you need to know what your failure point is in order to gauge your percentage or RPE number. Just remember, though; your maximum effort is your last rep - knowing that you cannot complete another rep at all.
    When it comes to muscle growth, your knowledge of failure becomes that much more important. This starts with defining what failure is. We know that there are a myriad of forms of failure; there is form failure (not being able to complete another rep in good form), mechanical failure (not being to move the weight at all), or even eccentric failure (not being able to control the weight through the eccentric portion of the lift even after using a little cheat or momentum to get the weight moving through the concentric).
    There is also a nuance in the type of lift you are performing. Reaching failure on a pulling exercise is going to look much different than on a pushing exercise. Take the lat pulldown versus the bench press for example; with the lat pulldown, you are able to cheat your way through a few extra reps by using a little extra momentum on the concentric. On the other hand, the bench press does not allow for any cheating through the use of momentum.
    Leg training is more like the pushing exercises as well, there is a lack of momentum that can be used on most exercises.
    Now, another factor of training to failure that has to be taken into account is what rep range you are training in. When lifting in a lower rep range, such as 4-6 reps, you will notice that fatigue comes very quickly and failure is reached within a rep of that fatigue. In moderate rep ranges, such as 8-12 reps, failure starts to approach later, but you are able to squeak out at least another rep or two. In higher rep ranges, your ability to grind through reps where you are fatigued becomes greater.
    Some might think that those repetitions where you have to grind them out, when reaching failure, is considered form breakdown. If you take the examples that I am showing you in this video, you can see that the reps are still attempted and completed in good form. They reps still look like the exercise that is being performed. In this case of pulling exercises, this is where you allow for a little cheat / momentum. On the pushing exercises, you won’t be able to cheat them, but as long as the repetitions look like they are supposed to (in terms of form) then you need not worry.
    The problem with all of this, however, is the lack of knowledge of failure is and when it occurs. Why? If you don’t know what failure is when training to build muscle, especially when you are prescribed to stop short of failure, then you are leaving gains on the table. You might be quitting the set when you have more reps in the tank. RPE and reps in reserve are hard to gauge without knowing what failure looks and feels like. The problem here is you might be gauging your reps too short of failure - you might be basing this off of initial fatigue, not true failure. So when you are told to train with reps in reserve or RPE, instead of stopping short of 12 reps, you might be stopping short of 8 reps when you could have pulled out a few more that would have been your ultimate failing point.
    The fact of the matter is that you need to have knowledge of what failure is, what it looks like, and most importantly, what it feels like if you want to build more muscle.
    If you are looking for a complete step-by-step training program that will have you training like an athlete so that you can look like an athlete, be sure to head over to athleanx.com and find the workout program that matches your goals.
    For more videos on how to build muscle and take your gains to the next level, make sure you subscribe to this channel here on you CZcams and remember to turn on notifications so that you never miss a new video when it’s published.
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Komentáře • 1,1K

  • @athleanx
    @athleanx  Před rokem +130

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    • @generalkaboom6642
      @generalkaboom6642 Před rokem +2

      I click on time except I didn't get anything

    • @Pslam23JesusIsLord
      @Pslam23JesusIsLord Před rokem +4

      Lord Jesus Christ is returning! Be prepared for His Return, everyone! He loves you very much, accept Him in your Heart and believe on Him, and He is coming for His Bride. There is a shift and we all can feel it. It happened in the spiritual and it is going to manifest in the physical!
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      The Kingdom of God is Within You, Beloved ❤😇 Lord Jesus Christ loves you dearly ❤😇

    • @andreisw6847
      @andreisw6847 Před rokem +3

      @@Pslam23JesusIsLord Jesus Christ is king!

    • @weewud
      @weewud Před rokem

      always to late :c

    • @mynmeisname4825
      @mynmeisname4825 Před rokem

      @@Pslam23JesusIsLord innocent doesn't has to die for sins of guilty

  • @martinrheaume5393
    @martinrheaume5393 Před rokem +616

    As a 40 year old who's getting into lifting, I had to redefine what it meant to be disciplined. When I was younger, discipline meant always going hard, getting one more rep, not being lazy. Now, discipline means checking my ego at the door, keeping the weight under control, don't push through with bad form.

    • @vurified
      @vurified Před rokem +7

      I learned this at 13 years old. Thankfully, I never pushed myself enough hard to get injured, but I had gotten very close to on several occasions.

    • @martinrheaume5393
      @martinrheaume5393 Před rokem +27

      @@vurified Ok, when I was younger, I didn't know it was possible to get injured lifting unless I dropped a dumbbell on my head. But now, my joints are weaker than my muscles and I have to be on the lookout for the slightest elbow pain or weakness in the shoulder, or creaky knees...

    • @vurified
      @vurified Před rokem +1

      @@martinrheaume5393 Damn, how bad was the injury?

    • @hydraxc2478
      @hydraxc2478 Před rokem +16

      ​@@vurifiedI don't think he had an injury. He's just more thoughtful about his body in his 40s because he could hurt himself if not careful.

    • @jaybee2402
      @jaybee2402 Před rokem +2

      You seem to be lying. You claimed to be getting into lifting at 40, yet also when you were younger you'd weight train with intensity.

  • @jn7sky
    @jn7sky Před rokem +332

    Before I enter the gym.
    1. Leave ego at the door.
    2. Work Hard/Stay Humble.
    3. Who cares what others think; they will think it anyway.
    4. You versus You (Thanks Jeff).

    • @funk-n-groovin6779
      @funk-n-groovin6779 Před rokem +3

      this ^

    • @anthonycolozzi8256
      @anthonycolozzi8256 Před rokem +2

      Great attitude and way of looking at anything in life.

    • @TML34
      @TML34 Před rokem +13

      5. Side eye the hot chicks. 😄

    • @zevolfearizona2113
      @zevolfearizona2113 Před rokem +3

      When I see someone get on a flat bench with 10lb plates on, I am actually impressed. I know if they keep that ego in check, they will be popping soon.

    • @MaximusWolfe
      @MaximusWolfe Před rokem +4

      Actually comparing your self to stronger dudes is a good way of motivating.

  • @nomnomyourmom
    @nomnomyourmom Před rokem +347

    0:40 Strength
    1:20 Form Failure
    2:08 Mechanical Failure, Concentric/Isometric/Eccentric Failure
    3:05 Push/Pull/Leg, Heavy/Moderate/Light, Compound/Isolation
    3:50 Heavy Pull
    6:10 Moderate Pull
    7:40 Importance of determine your true Failure
    8:35 Light Pull
    10:05 Beginner
    11:35 Heavy Push
    12:25 Moderate Push
    13:15 Rep Pacing
    14:10 Light Push

    • @joshkarian5379
      @joshkarian5379 Před rokem +5

      I know you wrote this with the best intentions, but I feel like thid might not mean much to people who haven't actually watched the video 😂

    • @nomnomyourmom
      @nomnomyourmom Před rokem +16

      @@joshkarian5379 Wrote this for myself, others watching the video or not is up to them.

    • @MrDingaling007
      @MrDingaling007 Před rokem +9

      ​@@joshkarian5379 quit yer complaining

    • @ti703
      @ti703 Před rokem +8

      ​@@joshkarian5379 Youre Josh Karen😂

    • @joshkarian5379
      @joshkarian5379 Před rokem

      @@MrDingaling007 where was the complaint?

  • @felixhbhobs
    @felixhbhobs Před rokem +440

    Jeff makes even failure sound fun

    • @shredd5705
      @shredd5705 Před rokem +25

      It kinda is fun. You know what you're made of. OK, it's not a war or a Colosseum gladiator battle (I would encourage people to avoid violence) but it's the safe/responsible way to feel some of that primal feeling and sense of drama. Even if you're combating yourself, from body's perspective, it's the same thing

    • @rayray3357
      @rayray3357 Před rokem +4

      You’d love Jeff to go to failure on you

    • @ghosta443
      @ghosta443 Před rokem +4

      Failure is amazing. It's my greatest motivator to go to gym and bring myself to that point again and again. Nothing feels more masculine

    • @MrDjhealth
      @MrDjhealth Před rokem +3

      stop making fun of Jesse 😀

    • @lucacrasuc5927
      @lucacrasuc5927 Před 10 měsíci +1

      I love these joke comments to Jeff please continue 😂

  • @WithTheBears
    @WithTheBears Před rokem +84

    I've followed Jeff for about 5-6 years now and this video has been the best one in a long time. I took this mindset of real failure and pushing into the grind into my very next workout. The intensity was just next level and I felt worked harder than I have in a long time.

    • @lawrencetrujillo7365
      @lawrencetrujillo7365 Před 11 měsíci +8

      I like Jeff because I’m 90% sure he is one of the rare nattys.

    • @somasa998
      @somasa998 Před 11 měsíci +3

      ​@@lawrencetrujillo7365He is indeed

    • @sebaleal3081
      @sebaleal3081 Před 9 měsíci

      I agree. I trained this way 3 days ago and I still have muscle pain due to the hardness of the training, when in 2 days I would have recovered.

    • @LiftOffLife
      @LiftOffLife Před 9 měsíci

      Train to failure then drop set to 50% of your failure weight and then go further to failure...massive gains for me 💪

    • @tibitheking350
      @tibitheking350 Před 7 měsíci +2

      I still not understand - how much failure can be in the gym? I make my first chest set fail, second fail, third fail making 8-9 reps. Next chest exercise & same. Too much failure. Wtf how much failure we need - I should make only one exercise one or two set - 15 min and go home? Wtf total not understand

  • @equest943
    @equest943 Před rokem +22

    When Jeff said he was going to show what failure looks like I coulda swore a picture of me was about to pop up on the screen.

  • @rogue000six
    @rogue000six Před rokem +20

    Love seeing you guys. Always quality content, always encouraging. Thanks for giving us the tools to be better, and better, and keep pushing.

  • @mariocatanese1011
    @mariocatanese1011 Před rokem +3

    There is a reason why you have so many subscribers. You really explain things well, thank you for sharing all of your great insight!

  • @garyseighman8588
    @garyseighman8588 Před rokem +4

    I've watched this channel for a while and it's arguably his most helpful video. It answered many of the questions that I've had for years about failure. Thanks, Jeff!

  • @alexmoosz9462
    @alexmoosz9462 Před 10 měsíci +4

    This was probably the most valuable video I’ve seen in a along time. I’m going back to the drawing board on all my training. I’ve clearly been repping shy of where I should’ve been repping. Thx.

  • @WilliamusTrades
    @WilliamusTrades Před rokem +27

    Great talk. Push the limits to find the limits. I remember the Athlean-X "22 days" pull-up video and testing max hang time. I thought there was NOTHING left in the tank for hang time but then I closed my eyes and pushed myself to just keep hanging on. I got around another 30 seconds of hang time AFTER I decided that there was nothing left

  • @nicero870
    @nicero870 Před rokem +29

    I didn’t understand the concept of training to failure until I discovered Mike Mentzer’s “Heavy Duty “ in the late 90s. It literally supercharged my gains and cut my training time in half.
    Can’t train as hard at 53, but I still follow the principals.

    • @oscarperez5539
      @oscarperez5539 Před 6 měsíci

      So do you leave a rep or two in the tank/not go to true failure?

    • @KiranKumari-cy4gf
      @KiranKumari-cy4gf Před 5 měsíci +3

      ​@@oscarperez5539Mike mentzer advocated to leave no reps in reserve for maximum muscle growth

  • @jwwaco
    @jwwaco Před rokem +5

    I’ve found the mental strength you exercise from weights, running, rowing , etc., is a hard earned benefit that makes you grow as an athlete. I always think the last rep, the last 100 meters in a run or the last 500 meters in a row are by far the most important. If you can’t do that then I wouldn’t waste my time. I’m 65 and I don’t quit.

  • @mikeg3293
    @mikeg3293 Před 4 měsíci +4

    I’m 67 this year, returned to the gym after 35 yr break. Thanks to this man I’ve put two inches on my chest and inch bicep in 8 weeks. Worked hard but his advice has been spot on.

    • @comanchio1976
      @comanchio1976 Před 10 dny

      That's a pretty bold claim. Are you measuring those muscles straight after/day after exercising those particular muscles, or waiting a day or 2 after?
      I asked that because, as you'll likely know, they stay pumped for some time, rather than actually gaining it in muscle tissue.
      8 weeks seems quite a stretch, even with much younger individuals, unless they're juicing, obviously.
      Are you on TRT or something, if you don't mind me asking...?

  • @bobnoxious719
    @bobnoxious719 Před rokem +15

    I find for me that if I go to failure on the last set of every exercise I do, the fatigue builds quickly and within a few days of training different body parts, I can't get back to it as I'm outta gas. So for my 58 y.o. ass, I try to stop a few reps shy of failure so I can function at work and throughout the day. Love your content.

    • @Matts130
      @Matts130 Před rokem +7

      Im 29 and share your opinion. Not going to failure in EVERY exercise optimize my recovery and dont make me so tired in others activities

    • @bobnoxious719
      @bobnoxious719 Před 11 měsíci

      Yeah

    • @gillihansmobilewelding
      @gillihansmobilewelding Před 4 měsíci +1

      It helps if you go to the gym less and failure more.

    • @GeeeEm61
      @GeeeEm61 Před 3 měsíci

      I think the point is to gauge your recovery time, then when you assess you are fully recovered go to failure again. In between these days, rep to 1-3 RIR for faster recovery. That’s my take away from this.

    • @3komma141592653
      @3komma141592653 Před měsícem +2

      People really are different. I rarely feel any sour muscle at all even thou i try to go to failure most of the time. But hey, i am "only" 40. Only regret i haven't started earlier more serious.

  • @kamesna6641
    @kamesna6641 Před rokem +8

    Perfect video at the right time. So glad you included an example of the Straight Arm Push Downs. I did those yesterday and was questioning on the failures. Same with the Pull Downs.

  • @fragglefknrock7568
    @fragglefknrock7568 Před 11 měsíci +24

    Mike Mentzer is known as one of the most technical tactical lifters to have ever existed. High effort short frame training to failure was a key point in his success and he wrote about it.

    • @EvaK7
      @EvaK7 Před 9 měsíci +4

      Mike Mentzer 👍🏻✨

    • @HighhPlainsDrifter
      @HighhPlainsDrifter Před 8 měsíci

      YES! 😂 Mentzer & Arthur Jones were pseudo SCIENITISTS. Arthur had a grade 9 EDUCATION, while Mike studied some Philosophy in college, never even graduating 🎓 😮😂. So they MUST have known, SCIENTIFICALLY, what constitutes productive exercise!🤥🤥😉😂....Or were they really door to door VACUUM & ENCYCLOPEDIA SALESMEN???😮😅😅

    • @martinw245
      @martinw245 Před 7 měsíci

      Also disputed by modern excercise scientists. They tell us that volume is hypertrophic as long as you can recover and that 1 to 3 RIR is enough

  • @Toffinater
    @Toffinater Před rokem +1

    “It’s you vs you at the gym”
    100% on point. Great stuff.

  • @DuelScreen
    @DuelScreen Před rokem

    This is such a good video. Thank you for the clarity and the examples. This was super helpful.

  • @DustinDoesStuff
    @DustinDoesStuff Před rokem +21

    Going to true failure is not just about wearing your muscles down as much as you can. Your also working your nervous system, and that true failure rep where you are giving it everything you have, is stimulating your nervous system to send a strong signal to your muscles.

  • @zay5342
    @zay5342 Před rokem +79

    main reason i train till failure is to train the mind

    • @emello4you
      @emello4you Před rokem +18

      Main reason I do is to have a killer tomato face.

    • @augustingarnier4625
      @augustingarnier4625 Před rokem +9

      Right! That wonderful adage; "The body commands the mind, and the mind fails. The mind commands the body, and the body obeys".

    • @allanmain5666
      @allanmain5666 Před rokem +1

      On that note, I love the conversation about actually training to failure so as to know what true failure looks like. And not quitting too soon, and thinking that you have an idea of total failure.

    • @shredd5705
      @shredd5705 Před rokem +2

      @@allanmain5666 Red face color + making involuntary ugly faces + involuntarily shaking muscle. IMO those are the certain signs, and without them it's not a failure

    • @Blackenedpickle
      @Blackenedpickle Před rokem +3

      I always believed the mind is the best weapon

  • @JeffCutlip247
    @JeffCutlip247 Před rokem +1

    Thank you very much for all this information, Jeff.

  • @swdw973
    @swdw973 Před 2 měsíci +1

    This is very helpful. Due to a collar bone injury that left me with hypermobiliy in the SC joint, I don't lift heavy anymore. This, and the newer video on this, are encouraging as I was not aware of the newer info on hypertrophy. Thanks a bunch.

  • @Giannis81S
    @Giannis81S Před rokem +4

    Thank you Jeff!! You certainly have a point here, but in my experience, even if you pay special attention to the form of the exercise, pushing to failure like that maximizes the risk of injury and that becomes counterproductive in the end. Now if I was 20-25 again and had good knowledge of form, that could work, but I am 42 and I don't know how far I could push this concept. It is a thing to keep in mind though.

    • @nomnomyourmom
      @nomnomyourmom Před 10 měsíci +1

      Jeff's 48, don't just learn the form of the exercises but learn how to reach failure on all rep ranges for all exercises, instead of this chicken little mindset.

  • @innocentrage1
    @innocentrage1 Před rokem +4

    Been doing 12, 10, 8, 6 reps for years. Found this and another CZcamsr mention going to failure or close to failure and it has been so much better results wise since I've been doing this

  • @ajinkyamuley5375
    @ajinkyamuley5375 Před 11 měsíci

    Agree with most comments. One of the best videos. Really understood failure & this immensely helps with gym time

  • @csongorpoko2831
    @csongorpoko2831 Před 9 měsíci

    Great video, thanks for it! The video recordings were very demonstrative and well-explaining!
    I would be glad to see a second video in this topic.
    The focus could be more some of the followings:
    -training failure in exercises where the core plays a role (sq, dl)
    -training failure compounds vs. isolation
    -training failure in bodyweight exercises (e.g. pull-up)
    -training failure in skill/strenght training
    Thank you in advance,
    Csongor

  • @deedee20062008
    @deedee20062008 Před 11 měsíci +7

    Fully agree as long as you’re not injuring yourself… if the last few forced reps are done in a safely manner and don’t cause any discomfort 100% go for it!

  • @dawnturitto8442
    @dawnturitto8442 Před 9 měsíci +12

    I love training to failure when it comes to upper body. My issue is doing the same with lower body. The soreness experienced to training to failure (especially sith quad-focused exercises) always leads me to extreme soreness that lasts for days. I have yet to move past that...

    • @nomnomyourmom
      @nomnomyourmom Před 9 měsíci +1

      Stretch every night

    • @I-Kishz
      @I-Kishz Před 8 měsíci +5

      Would be best to welcome this feeling of soreness as a sign that growth is going on and handle accordingly (giving your legs enough rest to recover albeit a week e.g) through Mike Mentzers principle of HIT

    • @dawnturitto8442
      @dawnturitto8442 Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@I-Kishz you know, there's something to that mindset.

    • @edep3970
      @edep3970 Před 5 měsíci +2

      I love when I'm still sore 2 or 3 days after hitting legs. Also puts a smile on my face when I stumble to my truck after legs

  • @DrDeepstack
    @DrDeepstack Před rokem

    Such a quality content this channel has, truly amazing.

  • @icypursuit5368
    @icypursuit5368 Před rokem

    I watch a lot of your videos, but this one was excellent. It's clear up a lot a mist that other people's videos had created.

  • @jayringo77
    @jayringo77 Před rokem +8

    This is an excellent video. Doctrinal terms with clear, precise definitions improve our ability to communicate, especially in situations where context is so important. Maybe a "fitness term defined" at the end of each video? Coach - setting and enforcing standards for improving our workouts once again.

  • @augustingarnier4625
    @augustingarnier4625 Před rokem +34

    Thanks to your channel, Jeff, I tell myself near the end of a rep "Train like an athlete!" and it gives me that extra push to form-failure. 6-months into your program I could not be more satisfied!

    • @darioinfini
      @darioinfini Před rokem +2

      I used to hear Arnold say "let's get serious" near the end of the set. Or more recently Ronnie Coleman screaming "lightweight". Anything to psychologically motivate yourself to get through the grind.

    • @realist8967
      @realist8967 Před 10 měsíci +1

      I scream "SHIT what was I thinking" on my last rep.

  • @MrDevinferreira
    @MrDevinferreira Před rokem

    Thank you for making this video, glad you demonstrated this on different exercises.

  • @ndrew5809
    @ndrew5809 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Love this video. I started lifting like everyone else by lifting the heaviest I can do within 10-12 reps. Now I naturally started going for much lighter weights aiming for 14-16 reps while adding body weight exercises. This has definitely transformed my gym routine and helps me keep my body lean and not built

  • @brianbatts5073
    @brianbatts5073 Před rokem +6

    Gold! The title of this video should have been, "What it means to GRIND". I love how you showed videos of the different levels and what a decent grind looks like with good form and how you can tell from spacing/time between reps. Great stuff.

  • @HoliGallistur1023
    @HoliGallistur1023 Před rokem +26

    Effectiveness is the whole point of this
    (Training for Strength and Muscle Growth)

  • @edbutzwiggle4227
    @edbutzwiggle4227 Před 7 měsíci

    Awesome! Thanks again guys. Always very educational!!

  • @AlexMillZenLifeCoach
    @AlexMillZenLifeCoach Před rokem +1

    Extremely helpful. Thank you!

  • @nateclark4254
    @nateclark4254 Před rokem +7

    I’m on gear and I know a lot of us don’t do much learning from Jeff. Body building is just different training. But, it’s so important to understand what the athlean crew puts out and regardless of what road you take, this channel is awesome. Love you Jeff!

  • @eatherquake8107
    @eatherquake8107 Před 9 měsíci +7

    🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
    00:00 🏋️‍♂️ Understanding training to failure is crucial for effective lifting results.
    00:34 💪 Training to failure context varies based on goals (strength or hypertrophy).
    01:13 🏋️‍♂️ Different ways to define failure: form, mechanical, isometric, eccentric.
    02:53 📚 Accurate failure definition is crucial for muscle growth assessment.
    05:52 💪 Rapid fatigue onset in lower rep ranges accelerates failure.
    06:48 🏋️‍♂️ Moderate rep sets allow controlled grinding and additional reps.
    08:07 💡 Being a few reps shy of failure doesn't deliver optimal results.
    10:00 💪 Beginners and those using lighter weights should embrace grinding.
    11:12 🏋️‍♂️ Pull exercises offer more momentum opportunities for grinding.
    12:21 🏋️‍♂️ Push exercises involve less momentum and quicker fatigue.
    14:13 📊 Spacing between reps indicates effort level and true failure.
    15:07 📝 Properly defining failure is crucial for effective training results.
    Made with HARPA AI

  • @MrMom950
    @MrMom950 Před rokem

    Just what I needed.. thanks for this in depth video

  • @Claudio.forte.t
    @Claudio.forte.t Před 3 měsíci

    Finally, somebody who explains in a way that makes sense. Grazie Jeff.

  • @miquelbech5580
    @miquelbech5580 Před rokem +9

    I've been watching your videos for 5+ years, and you got me into training to (or close to) failure. Prior to watching your videos, I had no intention of training to failure as I was under the impression that the idea was to push oneself to the point where form breaks down to such a degree that the exercise becomes downright dangerous. But incorporating the concept of training to failure into my training has really helped me grow - both physically and mentally.
    Previously, I would leave the gym thinking "it's so refreshing to move your body". Now my glutes and quads almost give in walking up the three steps to the showers.
    I do full body workouts mixing explosive moves and heavy ones, and I will generally leave 1 rep in the tank for the first 2 sets of my heavy exercises and then go to failure on the last set, however, I don't have a spotter, so how close to failure I go depends on what feels safe. For squats, I take it to the point where I don't feel that I will be able to complete the next rep, so I don't get stuck at the bottom of a rep. For overhead presses, I go to concentric failure on the last set and then do 1-2 cheat reps with a controlled eccentric. And for bench presses, I stick with dumbbells so I can drop them if need be. And it's quite clear that I'm doing this compromise with the squat as that is my weakest lift and the one progressing the slowest - but I'd rather go slow than get hurt.

    • @mattgosling2657
      @mattgosling2657 Před rokem

      Yeah mate I agree with you, its way safer to be using dumbbells if you're pushing yourself hard.

  • @fogpivvl8341
    @fogpivvl8341 Před rokem +20

    Jeff I've got a question nobody ever mentions when talking about training to failure that feels like a dumb question, but I really want to know when you talk about taking a set to failure or very close to failure for optimal results, should that be every set you do or just the last one or two of that exercise? Of course ignoring warm up sets for any heavy lifts.

    • @dylanlee5342
      @dylanlee5342 Před rokem +1

      Probably for the last set. Cus if doing your weight set that makes you really tired for each set it might cause some issues or strain. So like if you can lift 30 pounds easy each set and get tired for the last set, then it should be good. But each body is different and if have any joint issues it also makes it difficult to know

    • @amirmatani8666
      @amirmatani8666 Před 9 měsíci

      i take most my sets to failure, as long as i rest enough between sets it goes fine, but idk about the science behind it.

  • @janetatuniquerawfoods2361

    Yes. I’ve noticed this. And sometimes even after a ‘grind’ rep…. I find sometimes I can just change my breathing and body alignment slightly… to free up the working part to do a few more. Thank you.

  • @jamesgraham9647
    @jamesgraham9647 Před 7 měsíci

    This video has made it more clear for me when it comes to failure and how I can use this concept to increase my gains. Form is the most important part.

  • @Ladymusicc
    @Ladymusicc Před rokem +32

    I was so afraid I was training for hypertrophy all wrong. Like I'm not supposed to go to muscle failure!?!? This got me for a second.

    • @shredd5705
      @shredd5705 Před rokem +31

      Classic clickbait. But the content is solid

    • @headgames3115
      @headgames3115 Před rokem +1

      The research he mentioned suggests the cortisol released from an absolute failure rep can counteract any gains from that rep.
      That rep also increases chance for injury.

    • @Ladymusicc
      @Ladymusicc Před rokem

      @@shredd5705 always. Definitely.

    • @Ladymusicc
      @Ladymusicc Před rokem +4

      @@headgames3115 yeah. Agreed. If I feel like I can't do a rep successfully, I know it's time to quit. Not worth risking an injury.

  • @paulh2832
    @paulh2832 Před rokem +7

    Really useful video, as a solo trainer clarified for me what I should be aiming for, thanks.

  • @s.wilson5675
    @s.wilson5675 Před rokem

    Exceptionally well explained guys. 👍

  • @rickinwast
    @rickinwast Před 11 měsíci

    Good information. The philosophy transfers over into my road bike workouts: Performing intervals and gridding out a sprint up a hill.

  • @matmachina
    @matmachina Před rokem +3

    This video was extremely helpful. Even for experienced athletes. Thank you kindly Jeff and Jesse

  • @MovewithDrMike
    @MovewithDrMike Před rokem +7

    I also believe there is a lot of value of being able to work through through full range of motion and to emphasize the stretch portion of the lift. For instance like on a pull up being able to hang at the bottom for at least 1 second with elbows fully extended and shoulders at nearly full flexion gives the greatest lat stretch and places extreme load to the muscle! Great video Jeff!

    • @BWater-yq3jx
      @BWater-yq3jx Před 9 měsíci

      However, correct pullup form does not involve a full hang at the bottom - there should be structure.

  • @basiliskarkampounas775

    Congratulations!!!
    Thanks again!!

  • @AGodHimself
    @AGodHimself Před rokem

    Absolutely amazing video!

  • @angmori172
    @angmori172 Před rokem +6

    Due to shoulder injuries I only go as far as a first grinder on heavy push. But I freaking love doing my accessory (1 heavy, 1 accessory per muscle group and workout) to up to 30 reps on the last set as a monster finisher, all the way to cramping muscle failure.

    • @alaaentabi7879
      @alaaentabi7879 Před rokem +1

      the effort hes doing with 100 or 90 lb dumbells is a recipe to sent someone to rotator cuff snap city
      I dnw why no oen grinds like that on bench which is more stable, but say you have to grind it on dumbells which are less stable

    • @ponyslavestation4669
      @ponyslavestation4669 Před rokem

      @@alaaentabi7879 Ur lost 😂😂

  • @JD-mz1rl
    @JD-mz1rl Před rokem +5

    Jesse looks like 10% of his head is missing inside his hat

  • @ApocalipticRider
    @ApocalipticRider Před rokem

    Great video and lots of different inputs and information to incorporate. I just got one tiny thing to mention for the setup: If you use a laptop or a tablet like in this one, try not to place it in between you and the camera. It creates a sort of barrier to the viewer and blocks a lot of the gestures you use to emphasize a point. Maybe try to set it up a little lower to hide it completely or move it to the side 👍🏼

  • @bullsfan3705
    @bullsfan3705 Před 10 měsíci

    Great advice. Thank you!

  • @danielmulero2816
    @danielmulero2816 Před rokem +6

    This video is top quality! Jeff, you mentioned briefly how training for power successfully could look like. Could you elaborate on the specific training for different goals, like speed, agility, power, endurance...
    I really appreciate your content!

    • @nomnomyourmom
      @nomnomyourmom Před rokem

      watch;this;video: "SIX PACK ABS TRAINING (Complete Guide!) - athleanx"

  • @Steve-nu9op
    @Steve-nu9op Před rokem +3

    agreed, its about time it takes to move the weight. if its taking 5 seconds to push or pull the weight vs your first rep that took like 1 second, youre good

  • @amarok5048
    @amarok5048 Před rokem

    Excellent! And well explained!

  • @garymurfee4290
    @garymurfee4290 Před rokem

    This is great stuff, Jeff

  • @patalappu1898
    @patalappu1898 Před rokem +3

    You should get the Rode Wireless Go II and give Jesse a mic too 😅 great vid btw 🤙

  • @enlilannunaki9064
    @enlilannunaki9064 Před rokem +5

    Maybe I’m not typical but I admire people who are trying to improve themselves regardless of where they are at currently in the journey. The skinny guy at the gym struggling with relatively light weight, working hard-I applaud you. Seeing the morbidly obese person walking down the road sweating-I applaud you. I give them a thumbs up if they make eye contact.
    The strength and beauty of the human spirit is in the ATTEMPT and EFFORT, not the result.

  • @Bevzthejcs
    @Bevzthejcs Před 8 měsíci

    This is a great video. Thank you!

  • @thisisthestar17
    @thisisthestar17 Před rokem

    Excellent information. Top notch video 👍👍👍

  • @salmon8765
    @salmon8765 Před rokem +6

    Great stuff guys, as always. One thing is not clear though. Is the training to failure when training for hypertrophy, supposed to be applied to every set of each exercise? Or, are you suggesting that we train through the grind to reach failure only on the last set? For example, the 5th set, of each performed exercise? Thank you!

    • @aat556
      @aat556 Před rokem +1

      My take is, if you can handle it. He did mention somewhere in the video that “you won’t be able to train to failure all the time” or something like that, I think. My wild guess is, i’d have at least one set per workout where I train to failure, and other sets training to 1 RIR (to *true* failure, not a grinding rep)
      After watching this video, it feels like a more logical idea to have my failure set in the first set so I can correctly gauge how many reps I can start my true 1 RIR at. If my failure set is only the last set, I might have missed so many potential growth-inducing reps prior to it. Might consider trying this.

    • @salmon8765
      @salmon8765 Před rokem

      @@aat556 , thank you for your comment. I will try your approach during my next training. 💪

    • @aat556
      @aat556 Před rokem

      @@salmon8765 peace brother and keep them gains coming!

  • @danqodusk8140
    @danqodusk8140 Před rokem +2

    Good topic and presentation as always. Jeff, we could also say we can't move weights until we literally fail as that would be very very reckless and dangerous, meaning simply dropping the weights. We always have to have enough remaining energy to safely return the weights to the floor or rack. I think I just discovered a practical definition of training to failure. We move the weights until we can't complete one more repetition, but still have enough energy to safely return the weights back to where they belong on the floor or rack!

  • @Dandeeman26
    @Dandeeman26 Před rokem

    Hay Jesse hard work looks like it paid off good job man!👏

  • @bl00zjammer
    @bl00zjammer Před 3 měsíci +1

    Yep, it is not just weight, or reps, or even sets. It is effort in the face of discomfort while maintaining proper form.

  • @b-rare
    @b-rare Před rokem +4

    The gains are in the two last reps that you can’t do. I remember training with my uncle and those last two that in your head you can’t do but you do them anyways, that’s where all the growth is. 100%

  • @timl.b.2095
    @timl.b.2095 Před rokem +7

    I like this format. Just calm and sensible discussion. And I know I don't train to failure, a couple reps or so shy of it. On the other hand, I am 70 years old.

    • @stephengreen3367
      @stephengreen3367 Před rokem +1

      67 here and I think that's the right approach.

    • @naasking
      @naasking Před rokem +1

      100% the right approach. Higher rep ranges, 1-3 reps shy of failure.

  • @uuzoo
    @uuzoo Před 3 měsíci

    Excellent video. Back in my early competitive powerlifting days. A long time ago. How I trained is that I wanted to complete every rep of that set. Not only that but I wanted to make sure I could do at least one more rep, but I didn't. That was the key. That was my game plan. I always planned in advanced before I even started my contest training. All my weights and sets and reps that I would be doing. I made sure I completed every one to a tee. I won competitions doing it that way. I never burned-out or got injured. I got a lot of this concept from GOAT Ed Coan.

  • @yordanangelov8085
    @yordanangelov8085 Před rokem

    Awesome video,guys! Love you, can you also do a video about costochondritis ?

  • @TylerF33
    @TylerF33 Před 11 měsíci +3

    My question is, as a beginner, how many sets would you do to failure with one given exercise in the same workout? The Mike Mentzer method of one (maybe a shorter warm up set or two beforehand?)? 2 or 3?

    • @chrismarcel7
      @chrismarcel7 Před 9 měsíci

      In some excercises you need more warm up sets than others, lets say from 1 to 4.. then you must perform THE SET (the one that you should take into failure and makes you grow.). Im 53 and been weight training since i was 17.

  • @ayrtonbasco
    @ayrtonbasco Před rokem +7

    I was going to failure on almost every set in every training session especially on accessory work, saw mass gains but little strength progress, changed my mindset, started aiming to leave 1 rep in the tank and started to see huge strength gains, discovered that when we go to failure often we end up overtraining our CNS

    • @lrww5673
      @lrww5673 Před rokem +2

      Great comment. I've found the same thing over the years and after watching this video, I'm going to change the way I lift to see if I can get some more gains. Too taxing on your body going to failure all the time.

    • @chahinechallouf5490
      @chahinechallouf5490 Před rokem

      True

    • @IosifStalinsendsyoutoGulag
      @IosifStalinsendsyoutoGulag Před rokem +1

      ​@@lrww5673You can reduce the volume per week instead

  • @anaeht1
    @anaeht1 Před 3 měsíci

    Great video. Lots of good info, thank you. How often should we do this though?

  • @brexistentialism7628
    @brexistentialism7628 Před rokem

    Ah mate, out of the very many athlean x videos I find this one to be one of the most detailed videos. This is, I guess, highly educating for many guys out there!

  • @herotastic1496
    @herotastic1496 Před rokem +4

    Jeff do you know if soft muscles are result of overtraining or at least inadequate recovery?

    • @ravenruppie96
      @ravenruppie96 Před rokem +3

      Muscle will be soft when at rest and hard at flex or contraction. That's normal. Unless you mean something else

    • @MattR8605
      @MattR8605 Před rokem +2

      @@ravenruppie96 I’m assuming they mean they aren’t hard enough while flexing

    • @freedomrings1420
      @freedomrings1420 Před rokem

      Jeff doesn't answer questions. LOL 😂

    • @freetrollings142
      @freetrollings142 Před rokem

      @@freedomrings1420 Just like you don't even lift but drink your own milk all day. LOL 😂

    • @paladindanse98
      @paladindanse98 Před rokem

      If you cannot repeat the same level of performance week to week them you’re not recovered

  • @chaseweeks2708
    @chaseweeks2708 Před rokem +3

    This is what I love about drop-sets when it's easy to do so, especially squats. I leave the 45s on the rack and load up the bar with all of the smallest weights up to my target weight. 1 or 2 sets at that weight, then start losing a set of plates every time I hit a grinding rep and jump right back in. Fail to fail to fail to fail again until the bar is too heavy.

  • @Mr.Altavoz
    @Mr.Altavoz Před 9 měsíci

    Great video, as always

  • @danielwhatarethose
    @danielwhatarethose Před rokem

    Someone fails at the gym. Jeff over here what are the different types of failure how many different ways can one fail. The extensive research so in depth on failure. Appreciated this very much

  • @rrisky18
    @rrisky18 Před rokem +3

    This video is so true, in my experience to truly go to failure it needs to be force fed to you, it’s hard to learn on your own u need a partner to make you do those extra reps, that’s how u really learn going to failure, most can’t take the pain.
    Great video👍😃🏋️‍♀️💪🇺🇸

  • @Ryan_Galka
    @Ryan_Galka Před rokem +2

    Jeff, are there any benefits or reasons to train low, mid, and high rep sets on the same workout? Please advise. Thank you

  • @alexandremasson7916
    @alexandremasson7916 Před rokem

    Very helpful thanks 💪🏻

  • @freeimproviser4303
    @freeimproviser4303 Před 3 měsíci

    SUCH A HELPFUL VIDEO

  • @andreimihail3677
    @andreimihail3677 Před rokem +10

    I have been training to failure for so long, is it bad or not?

    • @dogidogediggidydogedd957
      @dogidogediggidydogedd957 Před rokem +6

      What's the point of training if you can't go to the MAX? Sometimes going to failure like squat and bench can go wrong, but overall if you feel like you can do it 1 last time just do it.

    • @Godakuri
      @Godakuri Před rokem +13

      Training to failure is good. Always do it. Research supports it tremendously

    • @jola0798
      @jola0798 Před rokem +1

      Imo training to failure should be mostly used when you plateu, although there are literature that supports TTF, there are also some that state it doesn’t directly affect muscle hypertrophy. Some state that it causes a very high level of muscular fatigue which can lead to overtraining. So in the end, TTF has its place but remember everyone experiences different training frequencies/intensities differently, so do what you feel works best for you!

    • @andreimihail3677
      @andreimihail3677 Před rokem

      @@Godakuri good to hear thx

    • @freedomrings1420
      @freedomrings1420 Před rokem

      @@jola0798 I'm still looking for your workout video, 🤡 .

  • @Kiki-du2bo
    @Kiki-du2bo Před rokem +3

    I was hoping for Athlean-x to eventually delve into this subject in a detailed manner. I have to say Jeff never disappoints.

  • @ReeseWitherknife
    @ReeseWitherknife Před rokem

    Very informative!

  • @gsica2097
    @gsica2097 Před rokem

    Priceless advice

  • @thatsnotme6030
    @thatsnotme6030 Před rokem +3

    It is imperative that you watch this video with BOTH earphones in, to avoid ear muscle imbalance

  • @CranialExtractor
    @CranialExtractor Před rokem +3

    Jeff I lost 70lbs and you are honestly to thank for it. Your videos on your diet and consistency. I was consistent with working out and eating for last 8 months. God bless you and Jesse

    • @bowlcutnationalist5865
      @bowlcutnationalist5865 Před rokem +1

      Keep it up my man. In a while you will be happy to increase weight as it means more muscle, instead of just more fat. Don't lose focus on your dreams and vision of what you want yourself to be.

    • @darioinfini
      @darioinfini Před rokem

      I lost 40 because of this man, and put about 20 of mean form back on. Still working towards my goal 3+ years later.

  • @krzysiekj2522
    @krzysiekj2522 Před rokem

    nice podcast with 3 hosts (Jessie got sooo big over the years. amazing progress)

  • @mbusotwala5765
    @mbusotwala5765 Před rokem

    Now I understand thanks Jeff

  • @allfusionx
    @allfusionx Před rokem +7

    You know our hearts get broken when you skip a week of video 💔. Hope you are doing well and it was just a well deserved break

  • @bonperal
    @bonperal Před rokem +4

    Great video. I'm 69 and training for my 70th...correct me if I'm wrong but when training to failure at my age one has to consider the impact on joint and ligament health. In fact, I'm beginning to think that as we age we have to take advantage of different techniques in our training and pay extra close attention to rest/recovery. I love the phrase "me against me."

    • @stephengreen3367
      @stephengreen3367 Před rokem

      I think you're right. I'm 67 and only started lifting a few weeks ago, though I did use to do it when I was younger. While I'm trying to push myself as hard as I can I'm always keeping a little back through fear of injury that could put me out of action for weeks. You also take a hell of a lot longer to recover as you age than you did when you were young. Bottom line is, you can't apply the same rule to guys in their 20s and guys in their 60s.

    • @bonperal
      @bonperal Před rokem

      @@stephengreen3367 I started lifting about 5 years ago...one of first challenges was figuring out the difference between "bad pain" and "good pain." Ask me about my shoulder injury. ;^)

  • @markhaylett2286
    @markhaylett2286 Před rokem

    Good info in this video

  • @tektoniks_architects
    @tektoniks_architects Před 7 měsíci +2

    The other component to this discussion, which is equally important, is that as you increase the intensity and reach true failure (positive, negative, and static), you must reduce training length and frequency of workouts to achieve maximum benefit. Every corresponding increase in intensity and failure depletes exponentially the amount of recovery ability you possess....which is very limited compared to strength potential. This is another way of saying that as you work out harder and harder, you need to train for shorter periods of time, and give yourself longer rest periods between workouts.