Body Building

HeathCothren51
HeathCothren51 Posts: 34 Member
edited November 28 in Fitness and Exercise
Which is better for body building. Sticking to a set of reps and on last rep on the last set its all you can do? Or forget about number of reps get it close and always go to failure every set ?

Replies

  • skinnyinnotime
    skinnyinnotime Posts: 4,078 Member
    I would go for failure in the last set only.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    I would pick a solid hypertrophy program and use what they tell you. Some of them even have an RPE for each set to ensure you are using appropriate weights.
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    edited January 2016
    You should be using you weight equal to 60-85% of your one rep max. 6-12 rep range. Take your sets to fatigue (so leave basically one in the tank so to speak). No need to go to failure.

    In my opinion...
  • HeathCothren51
    HeathCothren51 Posts: 34 Member
    Thanks, Is there any problems with always going to failure ? exp. My max is prob around 275 on flat barbell bench. So lets say I am doing a 3x5 I always make sure that my last set and rep is failure using 225lbs. My friend is much stronger for now but he uses sets and reps as a base but says its better to go till failure every set ?
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    HeathCothren51 wrote: »
    Thanks, Is there any problems with always going to failure ? exp. My max is prob around 275 on flat barbell bench. So lets say I am doing a 3x5 I always make sure that my last set and rep is failure using 225lbs. My friend is much stronger for now but he uses sets and reps as a base but says its better to go till failure every set ?

    If you are going for size (bodybuilding), then a 3x5 program isn't the best for your goals. If you are focusing on strength then your weights should be predetermined by the programming. Based on your questions I'm guessing that you are not following a program.
  • HeathCothren51
    HeathCothren51 Posts: 34 Member
    Well that was just a example. I am on a program. Still new and learning.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    HeathCothren51 wrote: »
    Well that was just a example. I am on a program. Still new and learning.

    Stick to the programming the way it is written. Going to failure is a tool, not a necessity. There is a time and place to use failure. If you are still new you do not need failure to build strength or size.
  • MichelleLea122
    MichelleLea122 Posts: 332 Member
    I personally don't think you should go to failure since there's a higher chance to injure yourself. Let's face it everyone's form gets a little bit sloppy when they're fatiguing. As long as you're lifting consistently and your lifts are steadily going up there's no reason to put your body through unneeded stress.
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