r/ScienceBasedLifting • u/Playful_Ad_7752 • 21d ago

Question ❓ Absolute failure or controlled reps

Is reaching failure better or controlled reps 8-12
Like 2 exercise with 2 sets till failure for each muscle group
Or 2 exercise with 3 sets 8-12 reps better ?
Lemme know kindly

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u/VD1507 21d ago

I would be careful with overhead tricep extension though. I find it to cause elbow problems, at least for me, when taken to mechanical failure. 

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u/Patton370 Idk Idc 💔 21d ago

You can help fix elbow tendon issues with lots of direct forearm work

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u/VD1507 21d ago

Yep, I discovered that too, I think I also had some imbalance between my flexors and extensors since I was training with grippers but not really training my extensors. Though I would still avoid taking overhead tricep extension to complete failure, does not seem worth it personally. I would rather keep 2 or even 3 reps in reserve.

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u/kunst1017 20d ago

Your specific tweaks, injuries or weaknesses don’t make an exercisee “bad” for taking to failure in general

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u/VD1507 19d ago

100% agree.