Training to Repetition Failure Shows No Greater Benefit With Heavy Loads

 

Hey there, fitness fanatics!

Today’s topic is one you may have disagreed with a buddy over once or twice before. That’s right, we’re talking about whether or not a heavy load matters when you’re training to repetition failure. Hopefully you were on the side that argued “size doesn’t matter” because a recent study noted in the Journal of Applied Physiology shows that, when going all the way, load has no effect on hypertrophy or strength in experienced lifters. This well-controlled study compared two groups, one using heavy resistance (70-90% of max each lift) and one using light (30-50% of max) over a 12-week training period. Both groups made equally substantial gains in muscle mass and strength.

Bottom line, the goal is to get yourself to repetition failure… how much weight you use is completely up to you. Now get to it, and come back tomorrow for the next tip of the day from your friends at XP Labs!