Lifting weights to failure?

Lucky Luke · 03-15-2009, 06:18 AM

I want to start toning up and losing some body fat. I was thinking of doing a full body workout (on a basic home bench press with leg curls and dip bar) with low weights and doing each exercise to maximum failure and minimal rest.

Eg. For bench press I would do 10-20kg to failure once, then move onto the next exercise. In the past I have done 8 exercises per session, so I am going to stick with that.

What does everyone reckon about this?

sureshk · 03-15-2009, 06:49 AM

If you are just starting out to lift weights, it might be advisable to avoid lifting to failure, as this could produce injury.

Starting low and increasing as the weeks progress is a good idea though.

I'm sure others can give you more advice.

justdragit · 03-15-2009, 09:27 AM

No, don't do that. Use a normal routine with 10-12 reps and throw in a failure set once in a while.

WeAreMarshall · 03-15-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justdragit

No, don't do that. Use a normal routine with 10-12 reps and throw in a failure set once in a while.

I agree. For instance, after my normal 3 sets of 8-10 workout, i'll sometimes to dips to failure, flat bench to failure, shoulder press to failure, etc...just to finish myself off. Obviously, these failure exercises match the muslce group that i'm working that day. I don't think I would train to failure every set, every lifting session, though.

th3pwn3r · 03-15-2009, 09:40 AM

Sounds fine. Just be careful with those last few reps that you go to failure with to prevent injury. I myself go as heavy as possible to keep all of my strength and build more. I stay in the 8 rep range and do at least 16 sets per muscle group and use very strict form with 3 seconds on both the up and down phase of any lift. People that go in the high rep range tend to use lots of momentum from what I've noticed and that does nothing to help your muscles.

in10city · 03-15-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Luke

I want to start toning up and losing some body fat. I was thinking of doing a full body workout (on a basic home bench press with leg curls and dip bar) with low weights and doing each exercise to maximum failure and minimal rest.

Eg. For bench press I would do 10-20kg to failure once, then move onto the next exercise. In the past I have done 8 exercises per session, so I am going to stick with that.

What does everyone reckon about this?

There is nothing wrong with going to failure especially with that low volume.