Should you train to failure?

Are you missing out on valuable gains?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There’s two types of failure: Mechanical & Technical⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mechanical failure means you literally are physically unable to perform another rep.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Technical failure means you are unable to perform another rep while keeping proper form.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sometimes they happen at the same time depending on the lift.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Training to failure is only recommended for 1-2 muscle groups PER WEEK because as it sounds, it’s very taxing. I don’t recommend it for anyone who has been training for less than 6 months at the very least as it’s not necessary for growth and it’s potentially dangerous depending on the circumstances.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For people who have more experience however, training to failure is important for 2 reasons.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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1. You have to train to failure to know what your capacity is. Most people don’t actually know what they’re capable of and most often it’s a lot more than they think. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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2. It builds muscle and that’s what we’re all here for right?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Training to mechanical failure is not really an option / recommended on most compound lifts due to obvious safety concerns. This is where one would use technical failure: when does form start to deteriorate.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Machines and isolated exercises are going to lend themselves to technical failure due to the isolation of a muscle group and potentially the support of a bench/machine to help aid form.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Training to failure is a good technique to use if I you have a specific body part you’re looking to build or an lagging side that needs to catch up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Do you train to failure? What’s your favorite body part/exercise to train that way?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Hi, I'm Brooke

Women’s Functional Nutritionist & Fitness Specialist along with CEO of Elysian Women’s Wellness.

God, family, fitness – in that order.  Fitness isn’t my job, it’s my passion. My favorite things include traveling the world, being a mama and making a difference.  

14 years of experience in the wellness industry has brought me to an understanding that when you’re ready – you’ll do it. So when you are, we’re here to keep you simply well.

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