How do you tell the difference between failure & fatigue?

lovetowrite73
lovetowrite73 Posts: 1,244 Member
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I was wondering about this. How are you able to tell the difference? Is that you absolutely CANNOT lift anymore that you're in failure? Is it more of a mental thing? Can anyone easily explain this? Thanks!

Replies

  • captaincraveman
    captaincraveman Posts: 6
    Nothing about "Failure" is mental. It is purely physical. If you physically can not do another rep, you have reached failure.
  • QueenofCups
    QueenofCups Posts: 365 Member
    Isn't that bad for you? I mean, can it hurt you to get to the point where you can barely lift your arms or walk? I am confused by this.
  • TheDeviation
    TheDeviation Posts: 149
    Failure is reaching the point where the muscles can no longer produce enough force to complete the activity.

    Fatigue is similar, but I would attibute it more to a "lack of sleep" feeling all over. It probably is a mental thing as well. You know those times you go to work out and you 're just "too tired"? :wink:
  • Teeeravis
    Teeeravis Posts: 16
    Really there is no consequence on the act

    You only fail when you refuse to TRY (again).
  • lovetowrite73
    lovetowrite73 Posts: 1,244 Member
    Thank you for that, captaincraveman. I'm going to have to get my mental straight because I honestly have been stopping at fatigue. I just know I have.
  • TheDeviation
    TheDeviation Posts: 149
    Isn't that bad for you? I mean, can it hurt you to get to the point where you can barely lift your arms or walk? I am confused by this.
    Sure. If the barbell falls on top of you. :wink:

    Seriously though, failure probably doesn't cause the injuries. Lack of common sense is the most common cause. For instance, just starting a workout plan and trying to heavy of a weight.
  • lovetowrite73
    lovetowrite73 Posts: 1,244 Member
    Yeah, I get it, TheDeviation. When I'm working out and I say I can't do something when in all actuality I won't do it because my muscles are burning. But I know I have more strength to go on.

    Now, any advice on how to get out of that mentality??
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    This is a concept in weight training. It can be especially useful to determine how much weight you should be using. So if I do 10 bicep curls with my 8 lb hand weights but I could do 15reps then the weight is not heavy enough. If by the end of 10 reps I am truly struggling to finish the last rep or two then the weight is just right. To failure would be when you see people lifting and someone is spotting them and they just barely push out the last 1 or 2 reps.

    I think that I know when I am not "into" what I am doing somedays and know if I could do another rep if I put in the energy but just am not willing to put forth the energy....I believe most of us know internally the difference between really wanting to stop and "needing" to stop.
  • captaincraveman
    captaincraveman Posts: 6
    ceelovejay, do you workout with an ipod or other personal music player? Listen to some music that gets your blood pumping and turn it up so you can't hear yourself thinking too much into what you are doing and just keep pushing!
  • TheDeviation
    TheDeviation Posts: 149
    Now, any advice on how to get out of that mentality??
    T R Y :wink: Remember the "Little Engine that Could"?

    If you listen to music, find something that gets you going. Whether its a ballad or rap song. Also, eat/drink right and sleep. The more rested and fueled you are, the more likely you will be thinking positively. It's mental as well as physical.

    The best motivation you will have is exceeeding you're own expectations. Every time I reach another level of weights, it gets me more motivated and pumped to push myself the next time.
  • lovetowrite73
    lovetowrite73 Posts: 1,244 Member
    Thanks to you both, captaincraveman and TheDeviation!! I do need to get out of my own way. :laugh: Music - I'm going to try this.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Yeah, I get it, TheDeviation. When I'm working out and I say I can't do something when in all actuality I won't do it because my muscles are burning. But I know I have more strength to go on.

    Now, any advice on how to get out of that mentality??
    You have to embrace the pain and not fear it.
  • captaincraveman
    captaincraveman Posts: 6
    Remember... PAIN is weakness leaving the body! ! !
  • Dawntodusk
    Dawntodusk Posts: 262 Member
    Isn't that bad for you? I mean, can it hurt you to get to the point where you can barely lift your arms or walk? I am confused by this.

    If you are doing it correctly, it is not bad for you. You can injure yourself, however, if you have bad form.
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